The Dutch government is hosting an international conference on the new strategic directions of the World Bank Group. The conference An eye on the future, the World Bank in a changing world is organized in cooperation with the World Bank Group and will bring together academics, civil society representatives, government officials, international organizations, businessmen, parliamentarians and others.

The participants will first look into the changing global aid architecture and its implications for the World Bank Group. They will then discuss three priority areas: climate change, fragile states and the private sector. (for more information on the organizational set-up of the conference, click here). These discussions among a selected group of experts aim to provide a platform to inform the ongoing discussions on the implementation of some of these strategic priorities.

Changing global aid architecture
The global context for aid and development has changed significantly over the past few decades. New actors have appeared on the development finance scene, new coalitions have been created between official and private players. New problems like climate change have caught our attention. The World Bank Group has evolved its strategy to respond to these developments. The Dutch government wants to assist the World Bank Group in tackling its new challenges by hosting a forward-looking conference on the World Bank’s role and new strategic directions. 

Implications
The World Bank Group plays a pivotal role in assembling expertise, providing a platform for dialogue and financing critical investments for development. World Bank President Zoellick is well aware of the challenges that the World Bank  Group is facing and has started a discussion on the long-term strategic directions of the World Bank Group. The Netherlands is supportive of the World Bank’s new strategic directions. It is now important to carefully consider the implementation of each priority. The conference aims to provide a platform for experts to inform the ongoing discussions on the implementation of some of these strategic priorities. 

Organizational set-up of the conference
The first day the conference will bring together a small group of experts and opinion leaders from different regions and sectors to discuss current developments and their implications for the World Bank Group. The conference participants will then consider three priorities and discuss the Bank’s role in these areas.

On the second day, the ministry is inviting a wider public with the objective of reporting on the experts meeting and to foster broader discussions on key development issues.

The conference will consist of plenary sessions with keynote addresses, panel discussions, questions and answers sessions and open discussion. A number of background papers will be prepared. The purpose is not to reach consensus but to provide a wide range of perspectives for the Bank to consider. 

Climate change
Global Public Goods such as climate change and their effect on developing countries are a priority for the Bank. It is important to consider the implications and risks of climate change when setting up programmes and advising governments on their energy, environment and growth policies. A great deal more needs to be done to tackle the problem. Should the Bank be leading the way? How can it become more engaged with climate change while ensuring that its focus remains on the world’s poorest countries and people? 

Fragile states
Fragile states and conflict affected countries are lagging behind in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and both the World Bank Group and the Dutch government believe that these states should be at the core of development cooperation. How can the World Bank Group and its partners achieve strong results in fragile states? 

Private sector
Private sector actors are increasing their involvement in developing countries, with activities ranging from commercial investment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. What are the implications for the World Bank Group?