The world needs the International Development Association. As the largest source of development funding for low-income countries, IDA is a lifeline for governments facing multiple crises that have set back global development, putting millions of lives and livelihoods at risk. IDA is preparing for its 21st replenishment round so that it can respond to these challenges and accelerate progress toward a world free of poverty on a livable planet.
In the lead-up to IDA21, IDA has convened regional forums for civil society organizations. The decision to expand to regional forums was strongly informed by CSO requests for this type of engagement. The main purpose of these forums is for senior leaders of the World Bank, IDA donors, and IDA borrowers to listen to the voices of civil society, promoting mutual understanding of what IDA21 ought to focus on.
To date, over 800 organizations representing academia, think tanks, foundations, and CSOs have attended forums, covering Eastern and Southern Africa, Western and Central Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Europe and Central Asia. A final global forum will take place in October to share the key findings from this process with civil society.
About the author
Akihiko Nishio
Akihiko Nishio is the World Bank's vice president for development finance.
