World Bank Group Weekly Update

From Conflict to Community In one Thai town, young men are learning to make bird cages and Buddhist women are teaching Muslims how to make traditional desserts. The projects generate extra income and strengthen social ties — important in conflict-affected areas such as Thailand's southern provinces, where 5,000 people have died since 2004.

Highlights Getting Water on Tap in Rural India Solar Energy Empowers Women New Solutions for Climate Change World Bank Group Ghana Office Opens The success of an innovative water project in rural Kerala has helped dispel a number of long-held beliefs: one, that piped water is only for the well-off; and two, that the poor are unwilling to share the costs of their water. Bangladesh has become the world's fastest-growing market for solar home systems. Solar energy is not only replacing expensive fuels, it also has become a tool of social change, empowering girls and women. Managing and moderating the impacts of climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our times. Support from the International Development Association, the World Bank's fund for the poorest, is yielding results. The World Bank Group's new, eco-friendly office building in Accra brings the skills and expertise of the International Development Association and International Finance Corporation Ghana teams under one roof. Read More » Read More » Read More » Read More »

FEATURED BLOG Energy Efficiency: Cutting Costs and Emissions "Lending for energy efficiency work has increased, totaling $9.6 billion for fiscal years 2008-2013, roughly 18% of all energy financing approved in that period."— S. Vijay Iyer, Aug. 9 YOUTHINK! BLOG Young People Will Invent Their Future "Youth are realizing their potential to solve problems, hold their governments accountable, and shape the world they want to live in."— Ravi Kumar, Aug. 9 View Featured Blogs | View All Blogs » In the news AFRICA Transforming Uganda's Economy for More and Better Jobs View Regional Site » EAST ASIA & PACIFIC World Bank Supports Participatory Sustainable Forest Management in Lao PDR View Regional Site » EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA World Bank Group Supports Poland in Boosting Shared Prosperity View Regional Site » LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Improved Water, Sanitation and Urban Mobility Services to Benefit More than 85,000 Ecuadorians View Regional Site » MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA $5 Million Grant for Social Services in Palestinian Territories View Regional Site » SOUTH ASIA India, World Bank Sign $100 Million Agreement to Help Low-Income Families Secure Housing Loans View Regional Site »