From Norway to Türkiye, I Saw the Power of Partnerships

From Norway to Türkiye, I Saw the Power of Partnerships

And here I am, back on the move. Last week, my first trip of the year took me to Norway and Türkiye.?As we strive to become a better and bigger World Bank, it was important to start off the year by engaging with our partners to discuss how we can support countries carry out reforms, build a cleaner and more resilient future, and provide needed financing and support to help when crises hit.

These are all key parts of my day-to-day job, but visiting projects and interacting with those we serve is the best reminder of why we do what we do.?

So here are three takeaways I wanted to share with you.??

The need to address the (growing) gap between needs and available financing?

This month marks two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and one year since the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. These events came on top of an existential climate crisis, record levels of food insecurity, and many more challenges, including conflicts, fragility and natural disasters around the world as well as high levels of debt in many low- and middle-income countries that jeopardize development gains.?

Yet the gap between development needs and ambitions on the one hand, and the scarcity of financing, on the other, is widening.?

My fundamental belief is that our collective response to these challenges must be anchored in partnership and solidarity and that multilateral efforts are the answer.?

?Norway has been a steadfast champion in this regard, not only in advocating for issues I deeply care about – such as gender equality, climate action, and inclusion (the world needs more of these!)– but also in demonstrating financial generosity, including in its support for the people of Ukraine.

The power of partnerships is something we need to build on as needs around the world continue to grow. Indeed, as we look towards the end of the year and the replenishment of our fund for the poorest, the International Development Association (IDA), we need everyone – donors, shareholders, and philanthropies – to step up to secure the largest IDA ever.

At the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, where I reaffirmed that now – more than ever – we must join forces to increase development impact, with our eyes fixed on urgency and purpose.

?Placing the green transition high on the agenda?

Speaking about development ambition, my next stop in Ankara, Türkiye, was an opportunity to discuss the country’s commitment to the green transition with the country scaling up its investment in renewables and energy efficiency at an impressive pace.

The bold plan announced at COP28 of doubling renewable energy generation capacity by 2035, including solar and wind energy innovations, is being put into motion. A promising development.?

Together with government officials, we explored how 世界银行 Group can help Türkiye double down on its efforts to green its energy matrix, boost efficiency and attract private sector investment and job creation, all helping to support inclusive growth.

Solar panels at a photovoltaic solar power plant in southeastern ?anl?urfa province, Türkiye. (Shutterstock Photo)

The critical importance of strengthening crisis response and resilience??

The tragedy of the 2023 earthquakes has turned into a year of rebuilding and reconstruction. My visit to Antakya, the capital of Hatay Province, almost a year after the disaster moved me deeply and will stay with me.

There, I saw levels of destruction we wish we never had to see, and how resilience continues to be tested, every day. But I also saw the efforts of the authorities to recover and rebuild and how people are doing all they can to regain a sense of normality.?

As I write these lines, I think of the people I met, all affected in one way or another – by the loss of a loved one, the physical destruction of their home or business, or the inability to provide for their families. It was inspiring to hear about the progress in recovery and reconstruction and the hope that has kept people going over the past twelve months. Kids with huge smiles and genuinely happy to see us. Elderly people who, despite the language barrier, welcomed us with warmth and open arms. Women leaders like Ms. Gülay determined to get their businesses back up and running.

Visiting Konya camp (top left and right), with Ms. Gülay, a dynamic local entrepreneur (bottom left), with a patient of the Defne hospital (bottom right).

I am proud of the role that the World Bank played in supporting the government’s recovery efforts, along with other partners. When countries go into crisis response mode, as Türkiye did a year ago, being able to reallocate and deploy money quickly and save lives is essential.?

The hospital in Defne, which was built from scratch in record time (around 55 days), is a good example of this. Continuing to provide healthcare services was a priority, and through rapid deployment of financing, the World Bank helped the authorities respond.?

This flexibility and rapid response are what we want to give to our clients when they need us most. And that’s also why I was so glad to announce, last week, the launch of new measures that will help governments better prepare for and respond to crises. Because no country should face trade-offs between its development priorities and emergency financing needs.?

I’m leaving the region with a renewed conviction that partnerships are key to equipping countries with the resources they need to build a more resilient future.

Krishna Bhattarai

Business Collaborator (Expansion, Partnership, Growth) || Venture Catalyst || MBA ||Running Enthusiast (791+days streaks) || (4x4x48) x2 Goggins Challenge

10 个月

I have shared your article in the Partnership Learning Lab (PLB). Feel free to join Anna Bjerde https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/14396111/

回复

So thrilled to hear about your impactful journey, Anna! ?? Leonardo da Vinci once said, "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Your dedication is truly inspiring. ?? On a related note, we're supporting an initiative that aligns with your values - there's an exciting sponsorship opportunity for the Guinness World Record of Tree Planting! Feel free to check it out here and keep making a difference: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord

回复
james johnson

CEO at Better Marketing Concepts, LLC

1 年

Dear Anna I am working with Mayors and Officials in Belize. Can you please help this little country. I live in Hempstead, Texas. Brother Jim Johnson, 832-746-8274

回复
edwin kolubah

Student at Booker T Watchington Institute

1 年

Very impressed from Liberia West Africa

回复

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Anna Bjerde的更多文章

  • India: 3 Lessons from a Nation on the Move

    India: 3 Lessons from a Nation on the Move

    A visit to India, for anyone working in international development, is always a teachable moment. It's not just the…

    10 条评论
  • What works for women at work

    What works for women at work

    Across the globe, I’ve met countless men and women driven by the conviction that when policies work for women…

    9 条评论
  • In Dakar, I saw the future of Senegal

    In Dakar, I saw the future of Senegal

    There is something energizing about Dakar: its kaleidoscope of styles, rich culture, blend of tradition and modernity…

    20 条评论
  • Powering opportunities across Africa

    Powering opportunities across Africa

    It’s not every day that heads of state from all corners of Africa stand shoulder to shoulder with global business…

    12 条评论
  • How to close Africa's energy access gap

    How to close Africa's energy access gap

    What will it take to bring electricity to 300 million people in Africa who currently live without it? This is the goal…

    9 条评论
  • 5 wishes for 2025: A year to alter the trajectory of a lost decade

    5 wishes for 2025: A year to alter the trajectory of a lost decade

    Here we are: 2025, the midpoint of this decade. A “decade of action” that has yet to deliver on the level of ambition…

    17 条评论
  • Preparing for the Ukraine of tomorrow. And the day after.

    Preparing for the Ukraine of tomorrow. And the day after.

    My first visit to Ukraine was in 1993. Over the years, I’ve seen the country make significant strides, strengthening…

    15 条评论
  • Breaking poverty through opportunities. In Peru and beyond.

    Breaking poverty through opportunities. In Peru and beyond.

    I recently returned from Lima, Peru, host of this year's APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit…

    18 条评论
  • Remarks at the APEC 2024 Ministerial Meeting

    Remarks at the APEC 2024 Ministerial Meeting

    Honorable Ministers, Ambassadors, distinguished guests, and colleagues,? It is an honor to address you on the critical…

    7 条评论
  • The “Super Bowl of Development”: My Best Of

    The “Super Bowl of Development”: My Best Of

    Here we are, the day after the 2024 Annual Meetings — the “Super Bowl of development,” as a journalist I talked to…

    8 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了