World Bank Group Weekly Update

Harnessing Hydropower in Africa The World Bank's Board has approved $340 million for the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project, which aims to provide 80 megawatts of power to people in Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This project is the first under the World Bank Group Great Lakes Regional Initiative inaugurated by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim during his historic joint visit with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in May.
Highlights Obsolete Pesticide Stockpiles: An Unwanted Legacy Pushing the Agenda for Energy Efficiency Seeking Paths to Cleaner Cooking IFC Championing Women on Corporate Boards in Indonesia Across Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 50,000 tons of obsolete pesticides litter the landscape. Exposure to these pollutants can cause cancer and other health problems. Since 2005, 3,310 tons have been removed from 897 sites under the Africa Stockpiles Programme. The World Bank Group has committed $3 billion in energy efficiency initiatives in the Europe and Central Asia region, presenting an opportunity to increase energy supplies, improve energy security, reduce CO2 emissions, and forestall a looming energy crisis. Worldwide, 2.8 billion people cook with wood or other solid fuels, exposing them to deadly household air pollution. The Sustainable Energy for All initiative, supported by the World Bank Group, aims to bring safe, modern cooking solutions to all by 2030. And a trio of new reports points to solutions. Research indicates that companies with more women on their boards enjoy better business performance. In Indonesia, women make up more than half of the country's workforce, yet less than 10% of board directors. IFC's Women on Boards initiative aims at promoting more women as board members. Read More » Read More » Read More » Read More »
FEATURED BLOGS Peer Support for Breastfeeding Helps Ensure a Healthy Start "More than 800,000 children died due to suboptimal breastfeeding in 2011. Part of the answer is that it really does take a village to raise a healthy child."— Leslie Elder, Aug. 1 Bringing Down Gender Barriers: Testimony of a Colombian Bus Driver "With her urge to achieve her goals, she reminded me of the documentary 'Girl Rising,' and how women face challenges in a world of men, but with the hope that they can overcome them."— Isabelle Schaefer, Aug. 7 View Featured Blogs | View All Blogs » In the news Release WTO, World Bank to Develop Services Trade Database Article A Closer Look at Migration as a Life Experience View all News » AFRICA Women of Côte d'Ivoire Speak Out View Regional Site » EAST ASIA & PACIFIC Enhancing Equity and Performance through Local School Grants in Indonesia View Regional Site » EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA Moldova: Offering Children with Disabilities More Educational Opportunities View Regional Site » LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Dominican Republic: Voz Eléctrica Empowers Consumers View Regional Site » MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA New World Bank Project to Improve Lebanon's Mobile Internet Services View Regional Site » SOUTH ASIA Blog: What Drags Poverty Reduction in South Asia? View Regional Site »
	On FACEBOOK UN Youth: Latin America, tell us your plans for International Youth Day 2013. Email your event details to youth@un.org. Details: http://bit.ly/18N4Pnr Aug. 5, 2013 On twitter KIVA: Help end poverty & enter draw to win tickets to @GlblCtzn Fest w/ #StevieWonder @AliciaKeys @KingsofLeon& @JohnMayer http://globalfestival.com Aug. 7, 2013
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	Events & consultations Consultation Review of Sanctions System Through September 2013 The World Bank Group is evaluating its sanctions system and seeking the views of external stakeholders. View More Events »
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