Brookings: Centers - Wolfensohn Center for Development

The Global Food Crisis: "The Silent Tsunami"

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2009, 1:30 PM to 02:45 PM

On November 24, Global Economy and Development at Brookings will host a discussion on nutrition, school feeding programs and food security in the developing world. Over the past five years, droughts in grain-producing nations, increased oil prices and sales of corn to produce biofuels have contributed to skyrocketing food prices and lower quantities of food reserves. Issues of food and food security differ in complexity across state, national and regional boundaries, often depending on the strength of a country’s economy and the stability of its political leadership.

The Zedillo Commission Report on World Bank Reform: A Stepping Stone for the G-20 Summits in 2010

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn comments on the final report issued in October 2009 by the High-Level Commission on Modernization of World Bank Group Governance. He reviews key recommendations and examines reform challenges the World Bank faces moving forward.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Economic Recovery and a New Government in Lebanon

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tarik Yousef and the Middle East Youth Initiative speak with Jad Chaaban about recent economic and political developments in Lebanon, where Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri ended months of negotiations by announcing a new unity cabinet earlier this week. With impressive overall growth projected for 2009, Lebanon’s economy may emerge stronger from the global crisis if the new government can agree on needed reforms.

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

Generation in Waiting : The Unfulfilled Promise of Young People in the Middle East

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Young people in the Middle East (15--29 years old) constitute about one-third of the region's population. Generation in Waiting portrays their plight, urging greater investment designed to improve the lives of this critical group.

Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although violence in Iraq has decreased, Raj Desai states other transitions are needed before U.S. businesses feel comfortable about the Iraqi investment climate. In addition to security, Desai offers three sets of fundamental reforms to convince investors that Iraq is really "open for business."

Tracking the Global Economic Recovery: Insights on the IMF's New World Economic Outlook

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In May 2009, Laurence Chandy, Geoffrey Gertz and Johannes Linn examined the global impact of the financial crisis based on data from the IMF’s April World Economic Outlook (WEO). Following the release of a new WEO database released earlier this month, they appraise their previous assertions and analyze the salient features of the global economic recovery.

U.S. Private Philanthropy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A striking gap has emerged in the United States between official government aid and private aid. As the U.S. government reviews its external development assistance, some believe the deliberations will not reflect how those outside Washington think about development. Homi Kharas discusses what motivates private aid donors and the impact they make.

Case Study on Aid Effectiveness in Tajikistan

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Official Development Aid grew significantly from 1992 to 2006; and transformed from mostly humanitarian aid and food assistance to financing the reforms and development of Tajikistan. In this case study, Rustam Aminjanov, Matin Kholmatov, and Firuz Kataev present Tajikistan's perspective of, experiences with, and challenges to foreign aid.

Do Philanthropic Citizens Behave Like Governments?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rapid growth in private development aid raises a host of questions regarding the allocation of aid and its selectivity across recipient countries. Raj Desai and Homi Kharas analyze giving patterns from two large, internet-based non-profit organizations and discuss the need for private and official aid partnerships.

Iran Sanctions: Who Really Wins?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iranian officials agreed in principle with the United States and five other international powers in Geneva to export their uranium enrichment program in exchange for a halt in UN sanctions action. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani argues that sanctions would be the wrong choice anyway. Existing sanctions have had no discernible effect on Iran's nuclear policy, and harsher sanctions may actually strengthen President Ahmadinejad's populist control of the economy.

Non-G-20 Developing Countries and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What did the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit offer non-G-20 developing countries? Homi Kharas examines the Summit talks and how the interests of developing countries in this group were not adequately addressed.

The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A topic of discussion at previous G-20 summits, IBRD resources are central to helping poor countries survive this economic crisis. Homi Kharas discusses the importance of making IBRD resources much more widely available to promote development and urges G-20 leaders to continue talks about this issue at the summit in Pittsburgh.

Combating Judicial Corruption in Uganda

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The challenges that the judiciary system in Uganda has faced are well known, but the country has come a long way from that past. In a new paper, Cynthia Baldwin proposes a four-part approach to control judicial corruption.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Development and Diversification in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia will join other Group of Twenty (G-20) nations this week to address the global economic recovery. In a discussion with the Middle East Youth Initiative, expert economist Hassan Hakimian explains that the government’s stimulus budget has helped to cushion the country from the worst effects of the recession. Yet, the long-term challenges of developing the non-oil, private sector and harnessing human capital remain.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Revisiting Egypt in the Wake of the Downturn

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As leaders from the Group of Twenty (G-20) nations prepare to meet to take stock of the world's economy, the Middle East finds itself increasingly influenced by global trends and policies. Brookings expert Tarik Yousef and professor Ragui Assaad discuss Egypt's responses to the downturn and its future role in the global economy.

Quality and Coordination of Official Development Aid in Pakistan

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan has historically received large volumes of aid but it has also faced an increasingly difficult task of aid coordination. Abdul Malik examines aid quality and discusses its implication for the coordination and effectiveness of aid.

Political and Economic Woes Thwart Return to Normalcy in Iran

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following his return from Tehran, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani speaks to NPR’s Marketplace about festering political and economic discontent in Iran following the June elections. Bringing the country’s economy in for a soft landing will pose a significant challenge to the government, he notes, as Iranian citizens struggle to get back to their daily lives.

Aid Coordination on the Ground: Are Joint Country Assistance Strategies the Answer?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The dilemma of what to do about aid fragmentation remains a challenge. In a new working paper, Johannes Linn discusses comprehensive approaches to aid coordination and how joint country assistance strategies could be an effective strategy.

President Obama's Agenda Needs Greater Focus on Global Development

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although the Obama administration faces serious challenges at home and abroad, Homi Kharas, Johannes Linn and Noam Unger call for greater attention to the world's poor. The experts provide recommendations on how the Obama administration can begin to improve America's critical role in global development.

Effective Development Assistance Through Competition

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is now generally accepted that development interventions can only be successful and sustainable if they are accepted by stakeholders and implemented in accordance with local institutions, culture and norms. In this policy brief, Clifford Zinnes, answering the demand for foreign aid alternatives, assesses a new class of "tournament" approaches that promise to improve on the lackluster performance of conventional methods.

Geithner and the New Middle East Economic Agenda

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As U.S. Secretary Treasury Geithner concludes his first visit to the Middle East, Navtej Dhillon argues for a new agenda which links U.S. efforts to reduce its dependency on foreign oil to the Middle East’s challenge of building diversified economies which provide a better future for the region’s citizens.

After the Iranian Uprising

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Looking past Iran’s recent election crisis, growing trade and budget deficits will hamper Ahmadinejad’s second term and his penchant for redistributionist policies, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani warns. While the administration will face pressure to continue expansionist policies, Salehi-Isfahani predicts that Iranians will pay the price through high inflation and low growth.

The Many Crises of Iranian Youth

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With Iran at a political impasse, Navtej Dhillon and Daniel Egel write that the youth of Iran, who account for nearly 40 percent of the voting age population, have been profoundly disappointed by the promises of the Islamic Republic and are yearning for opportunities for economic advancement.

How the Economy Plays into Iran's Turmoil

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview on NPR’s Marketplace, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani reports from Iran that the post-election political stalemate has put a halt to much economic and social activity in Tehran. Winning back the full participation and confidence of Iran’s “technical elite”—its doctors, engineers, and lawyers—will be a grave challenge for the new government.

Iran's Election: Economic Fears and Discontents

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani continues to monitor post-election unrest from Tehran. He writes that deep social and economic divisions will continue to weaken the fabric of Iranian society, and will present a challenge for the next government as it attempts to reverse growing inequality in the country.

Iran's Economy: Trouble in Tehran

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani assesses Iran's recent economic performance in Foreign Policy magazine, arguing that the country’s policymakers have amassed a mixed record. While government spending in the past year was based on safe estimates of oil prices, high levels of social spending will be hard to maintain and the private sector will struggle to revive the Iranian economy in 2009.

The Global Economic Crisis and Failed States

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Already precariously dependent on commodities before 2008, the world's fragile states have been critically hit by the global financial crisis. In a recent article in Foreign Policy Magazine, Homi Kharas notes that a number of them are likely to suffer declines in real per capita income through 2010 as a result of the global recession and commodity price declines.

What if Ahmadinejad Really Won?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As demonstrations continue in the wake of the Iranian election, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani writes from Tehran that the concentration of protests in Iran's large urban areas is not a coincidence: rural and small town voters may prioritize different social and political issues than their young, urban counterparts.

International Policy Workshop on Aid Effectiveness

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 15, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
June 16, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

From June 15-16, 2009, around 40 participants gathered at a workshop in Berlin to discuss aid effectiveness. The diversity of the group reflects the changing and increasingly diverse landscape that is reshaping the key issues in aid effectiveness.

Iran's Presidential Elections: A Surge of Reformists in Politics

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The highly anticipated Iranian presidential election marks a major turning point in Iranian politics. With over 30 million expected voters, Djavad Salehi-Isfanani analyzes the campaign, what’s at stake and states that this election demonstrates Iranian political progress.

Middle East's Dual Challenge: Youth and the Economy

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama presented his much anticipated speech in Cairo at a time when the Middle East faces the dual challenge of a peaking youth population and a slumping economy. On NPR’s Marketplace, Navtej Dhillon describes how the region can address chronic youth unemployment through a larger reform agenda, including social sector investment and open dialogue between the state and its citizens.

Change We Can Believe In? The Muslim World, America, and Obama's Promise

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the pervasive challenges of poverty and illiteracy, the two strongest ties that bind the U.S. and the Muslim world are still military aid and oil. In the wake of President Obama's historic speech to the Muslim world from Cairo on June 4, Navtej Dhillon, Laurence Chandy and Geoffrey Gertz argue that a new foundation for engagement must include instruments such as trade, investment and human development.

Tracking the Global Financial Crisis: An Analysis of the IMF's World Economic Outlook

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The IMF's flagship publication, the World Economic Outlook (WEO), marks the most extensive effort to measure the health of the global economy since the outbreak of the financial crisis. Analyzing the WEO's projections, the Wolfensohn Center's Laurence Chandy, Geoffrey Gertz and Johannes Linn examine the countries and regions hit worst by the downturn and assess the lasting impact on the global economy.

Institutions, Markets and Youth in the Middle East During Global Downturn

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:03:57 GMT

Reformers in the Middle East are facing testing times, explains Navtej Dhillon, summarizing the findings of a new Middle East Youth Initiative report. Will existing challenges of youth unemployment and exclusion worsen, or will countries enact the necessary reforms to emerge stronger from the economic slowdown?

Stuck in the Middle: Is Fiscal Policy Failing the Middle Class?

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 15, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The economic well-being of the middle class can be crucial to the success of economic policies in both developed and developing countries. Yet many public policies are not aimed at the middle class. On May 15, Brookings hosted a discussion on the need to assess how fiscal policy affects the middle class around the world.

Missed by the Boom, Hurt by the Bust: Making Markets Work for Young People in the Middle East

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new Middle East Youth Initiative report is the first of its kind to assess the early risks faced by young people during the economic downturn, calling on policy makers to help prevent an intensified jobs crisis in the region.

Global Economic Crisis: Prosperity and Politics in Lebanon

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon speaks with Jad Chaaban, author of “The Costs of Youth Exclusion in the Middle East,” about the resilience of Lebanon’s economy during the global recession. With elections approaching, policymakers must protect recent fiscal gains, avoid debt increases, and ensure diverse jobs are available for Lebanon’s youthful electorate. An edited transcript follows.

Scaling Up Early Child Development in the Developing World

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 04, 2009, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
May 05, 2009, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM

The Early Child Development Initiative at the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings hosted a two-day conference to feature the project’s first five country case studies on the scale up of Early Child Development (ECD) in the developing world. Country authors presented their findings on the process of scaling up ECD in Cuba, Madagascar, South Africa, Macedonia and the Philippines.

Action on Aid: Steps Toward Making Aid More Effective

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

World leaders at the G-20 London Summit and the World Bank and IMF spring meetings responded to the urgent needs of the world’s poorest countries impacted by the global economic crisis with new financial commitments and pledges. Homi Kharas argues that full recovery from the crisis and future successful development ultimately requires reducing aid volatility and enhancing aid flow coordination.

A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Ethiopia

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

International aid has significantly impacted Ethiopia's development initiatives since the end of World War II, and Ethiopia has been a major recipient of foreign aid in recent times. Project consultant Getnet Alemu examines the country’s aid flows—predominantly assisting Ethiopia's health sector—and argues that although aid has been instrumental in the country's development, donor coordination has been challenging.

Tough Times Ahead for the Iranian Economy

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani questions if Iran’s next president will proceed with the difficult but necessary reforms to build healthy and viable non-oil export sectors. Or, in the hopes of gaining political points, will they opt for short-term populist policies?

The London G-20 Summit: Addressing the Global Financial Crisis

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:43:39 GMT

On April 2, leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies will begin talks in London to focus on solutions for the global financial crisis. Johannes Linn previews the meeting and says there a number of actions they must agree on to help mitigate the economic crisis.

The G-20 Summit - Its Significance for the World and for Turkey

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs journal, Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn assess the global impact of the G-20 Summit and insist that Turkey actively engages in the G-20 summit process in order to strengthen Turkey’s role as a respected and effective member of the international community.

Can India's Tiger Economy Survive the Global Crisis?

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How worried should India be by the global economic crisis? Will the crisis impact India’s overall growth trajectory and thus mark the end of the country’s growth miracle? In this article, Brookings expert Homi Kharas, along with Laurence Chandy and Geoff Gertz, examine India’s long term economic outlook in light of the crisis and consider how policymakers should respond.

Reform the IMF and World Bank

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Reform of the IMF and World Bank is one of the tasks for the G-20 Summit in London. Johannes Linn suggests steps for critical action to help ensure early recovery from the current global financial crisis and the future capabilities of these institutions.

Beyond Reconstruction: What Lies Ahead for Young Palestinians?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Donors have pledged $4.4 billion in new aid to rebuild Gaza, yet serious questions remain regarding the fate of the Palestinian economy. Navtej Dhillon writes that the West Bank and Gaza need more than a lifeline of aid to achieve real development for a growing youth population.

Global Economic Crisis: Coping Mechanisms in Oil-Exporting Economies of the Middle East

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani argues that the ongoing economic slowdown may stimulate development of new tradeable industries in oil-exporting countries. While large stocks of reserves may allow some countries to delay reform, external trade deficits and budget shortfalls will force some, like Iran, to consider more urgent fiscal adjustments.

World Bank Reform: Proposals for the Next G-20 Summit

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The April 2, 2009 G-20 Summit should focus on easing the impact of the global financial crisis—particularly on the world’s poor. Leading up to the summit, Johannes Linn lists recommendations for critical World Bank reform so that the global institution can aid the developing world during this time of crisis.

Global Economic Crisis: A Catalyst for Change in Saudi Arabia?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While King Abdullah's recent Cabinet shake-up makes headlines, the country is also confronting a volatile global economy in advance of London's G-20 summit. With oil prices slumping, Navtej Dhillon and Hassan Hakimian analyze whether Saudi Arabia can maintain its strong economic position and continue to create jobs for its youth population.

The Great Stability is Over: The Poverty Trap Facing Low-Income Countries

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homi Kharas analyzes the impact of the financial crisis on developing countries—from declining economic growth forecasts to cutbacks in development assistance. He argues that greater attention should be paid to managing risk in low income countries and developing countercyclical instruments in the international institutions to aid the developing world.

The Financial Crisis, a Development Emergency, and the Need for Aid

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Affected by the financial crisis, the world’s poorest countries are facing a development emergency. Cutbacks in foreign aid and devalued currencies are wiping out aid contributions that supply the world’s poor with basic necessities—food, education, and healthcare. Billions of aid dollars are sitting in Washington, ready for disbursement but hindered by bureaucracy. Homi Kharas outlines steps to accelerate the disbursement of this aid so that poor countries can receive the help they need.

Connecting Central Asia with the World

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn examines the impact of the global economic crisis on Central Asia—a transit and natural resource hub in the Eurasian super-continent. He assesses the region’s needs for economic integration and cooperation with the rest of the world.

The Middle East in a Post Oil-Boom Era?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With recent global growth projections for 2009 painting an austere picture, Middle Eastern economies are entering a post oil boom phase. As economic security and recovery take on a renewed urgency, Navtej Dhillon outlines key considerations for the new Obama administration arguing that U.S. foreign assistance to the Middle East must be reassessed to support countries through this difficult transition.

Iran: Poverty and Inequality Since the Revolution

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thirty years after the Iranian revolution proclaimed social justice as a principle tenet, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani analyzes trends in inequality, poverty, and access to education and health services. While strides have been made, the record of the Ahmadinejad administration, up for re-election, is mixed.

A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Kenya

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Because foreign aid to Kenya is highly volatile and fragmented, efforts are being made to coordinate and harmonize aid allocations. Project consultant Francis M. Mwega analyzes these efforts and focuses on the health sector to compare and contrast trends and experiences. This case study highlights the innovations and competencies that have developed over time to respond to the challenges in development aid.

President Obama's Speech: An Appraisal from the Middle East

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Expectations for the Obama administration in the Middle East and Muslim world are characterized by a realistic optimism, says Tarik Yousef, speaking on a BBC Arabic radio broadcast. Yousef highlights the importance of the new President’s symbolic changes in rhetoric and discusses the tests that the new administration will face in the region, from the stalled Arab-Israeli peace process to the relationship with Iran. What will beckon the administration first, however, are a pressing set of domestic policy challenges.

West Bank and Gaza Economy: Before and After the Crisis

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon speaks to Edward Sayre, co-author of a forthcoming Middle East Youth Initiative working paper on Palestinian youth, on the economic conditions in the Palestinian Territories. As the Gaza crisis continues and young Palestinians face deteriorating prospects, the imperative of transforming a weak and fragmented Palestinian economy is greater than ever.

Development in Fragile States: The Toughest Cases

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 12, 2009, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

On January 12, Foreign Policy Studies and the Wolfensohn Center for Development at the Brookings Institution hosted a workshop to examine Development in Fragile States: The Toughest Cases. The event engaged experts in a discussion of how the U.S. and its partners can more effectively sustain development in autocratic states and states in transition.

Aid Effectiveness in Cambodia

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Cambodia received over $5 billion in development assistance within the past decade, yet the country faces unpredictable donor flows and duplication of technical cooperation and funding for more than 400 donor missions. Ek Chanboreth and Sok Hach from the Economic Institute of Cambodia analyze these challenges and the government’s actions to strengthen aid coordination and management systems—most notably by developing an online database to better coordinate official development assistance.

Regional Cooperation in Central Asia: Another Step Forward with CAREC

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn outlines the 7^th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), which approved strategies for greater technical, operational, and financial solutions to the region. Operating since 2002, CAREC now needs to focus on these solutions to bring about sustainable development, improved infrastructure and institutional capacity of Central Asian countries, which is home to 120 million inhabitants.

India's Materialist Middle Class Needs to Wake Up

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon writes that in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, public confidence in the Indian political system is at an all time low. With the growing realization that economic growth alone cannot preserve the country’s stability, can the Indian middle class pave the way for a new politics that addresses the age-old conflict with Pakistan?

More Excuses from Donors at Doha

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The recent Doha Financing for Development Conference reviewed promises to increase the volume and quality of aid; yet, with the global financial industry in meltdown, aid to developing countries is expected to fall. Raj Desai and Homi Kharas argue that volatility in aid disbursements can send poor countries spinning into recession that then needs far more aid to reverse in the future.

Early Child Development for the Developing World

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 04, 2008, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

On December 4, 2008, the Wolfensohn Center for Development, in cooperation with the Committee for Economic Development, held a conference to raise awareness of early child development in the developing world and to foster support from the North American business community. Business leaders, international early child development experts, and public policy stakeholders developed strategies to increase private sector support for early child developing in developing countries.

A Call to Action for Global Early Child Development

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 04, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On December 4, the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings and the Committee for Economic Development hosted a discussion on the importance of early child development and its impact on sustainable economic development in the developing world.

Global Economic Crisis: Mixed Forecast for Jordan and Syria

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jordan and Syria have recently faced similar economic challenges such as absorbing large numbers of Iraqi refugees and fighting high inflation. Yet the global economic slowdown may have unique implications for development and reform in each country, as Taher Kanaan and Nader Kabbani reveal in interviews with the Middle East Youth Initiative’s Navtej Dhillon.

Post-Tsunami Aid Effectiveness in Aceh: Proliferation and Coordination in Reconstruction

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami killed more than 150,000 people and displaced an estimated 700,000 inhabitants in Aceh, Indonesia. With unprecedented damage to the region, Aceh received an influx of aid and assistance—the largest reconstruction program in the developing world at the time. Project consultants Harry Masyrafah and Jock MJA McKeon analyze the aid effectiveness by examining the international community’s response to the disaster, challenges in reconstruction, and coordination of the aid agencies involved.

Better Aid: Responding to Gaps in Effectiveness

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite increasing aid volume and ministerial promises and commitments, there are gaps in the effectiveness of development aid. Using a two-pronged approach, Homi Kharas and Johannes Linn analyze these gaps and provide useful recommendations so that the aid architecture can be strengthened, aid flows coordinated and development sustainable—ultimately making aid better.

Light at the End of the Tunnel in Egypt's Marriage Crisis?

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon and Ragui Assaad share findings from new research by the Middle East Youth Initiative indicating that a series of reforms in Egypt has given young people easier access to rental housing. With housing more affordable so, too, is marriage, giving hope to numerous young people in the region who have delayed married life due to financial constraints.

American Education in the Middle East: Smart Power for a New Era

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 21, 2008, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

On November 21, the Middle East Youth Initiative at the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings hosted David Arnold, president of the American University in Cairo, for a discussion on the future of American-style higher education in the Middle East. The discussion will highlight the growing ties between U.S. colleges and universities and their counterparts in the Middle East and the role of such institutions in promoting social and economic development in the region.

Arab Youth Between Hope and Disillusionment: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 10, 2008, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

On November 10, the Wolfensohn Center for Development and the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings will host a discussion on emerging trends in youth attitudes toward future economic prospects in the Middle East and North Africa. Policy-makers, development experts and business leaders are acknowledging the importance of achieving a better understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Middle East’s youth demographic.

Global Economic Crisis: Can Egypt Emerge as a Winner?

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the third in a series of analyses by the Middle East Youth Initiative, Navtej Dhillon speaks with with prominent Middle East economist Dr. Heba Handoussa on the critical issues facing Egypt’s economy and how it can create a favorable climate for long-term growth and investment in the context of the global financial crisis.

The Experience with Regional Economic Cooperation Organizations: Lessons for Central Asia

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Central Asia has attempted to strengthen its regional integration and cooperation since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Johannes Linn and Oksana Pidufala globally examine regional cooperation initiatives and organizations, and analyze functions and performance to draw lessons for the future success of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program.

Scaling Up: A Framework and Lessons for Development Effectiveness from Literature and Practice

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Scaling up—expanding, adapting, and sustaining successful projects, programs, or policies over time—can substantially reduce poverty. To improve the effectiveness of development programs, Arntraud Hartmann and Johannes Linn outline the key aspects that allow for scaling up to occur. This framework includes the implementation phases of development interventions—monitoring, evaluating, planning and effective management. Hartmann and Linn also reflect on lessons learned, case studies, and implications for aid and aid donors.

Global Economic Crisis: Short and Long-term Prospects for Egypt

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a recorded discussion, Navtej Dhillon speaks to Dr. Ragui Assaad on short-term and long-term prospects for the Egyptian economy. This piece is the second in a series of analyses, "Food, Fuel, and Finance: How Will the Middle East Weather the Global Economic Crisis?" by the Middle East Youth Initiative.

The G-20 Summit: Could the Financial Crisis Push Global Governance Reform?

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President Bush recently announced that he has invited the G-20, or the heads of state from the top 20 industrialized and developing economies, to join an economic summit in Washington on November 15. According to Johannes Linn and Colin Bradford, inviting the full G-20 to discuss the current global financial crisis represents a critical step in reforming financial and economic stability, relations and institutions.

Slipping Oil Prices: Is the Oil Rich Middle East Prepared?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the first commentary in the series, Food, Fuel, and Finance: How Will the Middle East Weather the Global Economic Crisis? Djavad Salehi-Isfahani examines how declining oil prices will affect government spending and youth-targeted development in the region. Compared to the 1980’s oil price collapse, today’s policy-makers face a more complex set of challenges, including a volatile global economy and large numbers of unemployed youth.

Scaling Up Through Aid: The Real Challenge

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Scaling up—expanding, adapting, and sustaining successful projects, programs, or policies over time—can substantially reduce poverty. Johannes Linn and Arntraud Hartmann outline the actions that bilateral and multilateral donors and private aid agencies need to take in order to support scaling up for effective, sustainable development.

The Future of Foreign Aid

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 15, 2008, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

On October 15, 2008, Brookings hosted Sadako Ogata, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for a briefing on the topic of foreign aid effectiveness and the future of aid.

Can Russia Compete? Enhancing Productivity and Innovation in a Globalizing World

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 15, 2008, 3:00 PM to 5:00PM

On October 15, 2008, Brookings co-hosted a discussion with the World Bank InfoShop on Can Russia Compete? Enhancing Productivity and Innovation in a Globalizing World. After escaping economic bankruptcy within the past ten years, Russia now needs to set its sights beyond oil and gas. Co-editors Raj M. Desai and Itzhak Goldberg focus on Russia's neglected manufacturing sector; and quantify and benchmark the relative strengths of the sector, identifying opportunities to increase the emerging economy's productivity and competitiveness.

Iraq's Missing Generation

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The future of Iraq hinges on its young, but far too many of them have been driven into exile.

Stalled Youth Transitions in the Middle East

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The confluence of economic growth in the Middle East and millions of youth ready to hit the job market could be a recipe for prosperity. However, young people are encountering numerous obstacles. Navtej Dhillon, Director of the Middle East Youth Initiative, and Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Visiting Fellow at the Wolfensohn Center for Development, argue that the root cause of youth exclusion lies in the institutions that mediate transitions from school to work and family formation.

Global Perspectives on the U.S. Financial Crisis

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

What’s next for the global financial markets? Brookings hosted a discussion on the global implications of the U.S. financial crisis, featuring the Honorable Wayne Swan, MP, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, and projections by Brookings experts on the future of emerging and financial markets.

Reform the IMF or Create a New Global Agency, But Do Something

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In advance of the G8 finance ministers meeting and the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn stress the need for financial leaders to seek a more vigorous role for the IMF in the global financial crisis and urge leaders to create a new agency to help deal with the urgent challenges if the IMF cannot take the leading role.

On the Politics of Financial Meltdowns

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent economic events in the United States have proven that the financial crisis is a political phenomenon. Raj Desai draws five lessons the US can learn from the political economy of recent financial crises in emerging markets.

Egypt’s Education System: Parents and Students Emerge as a New Force for Reform

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon, Amina Fahmy, and Djavad Salehi-Isfahani discuss the troubled state of Egypt’s education system, demonstrated most recently by the organized leaking of national exams. Growing frustration among parents and students can be remedied by reforming signals from the labor market and university admissions policies.

Millennium Development Goals: Enhance Public Policy with Private Donors

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although private aid from philanthropies and NGOs deliver a larger share of total development assistance than official aid agencies, they are rarely included in development policy-planning meetings, particularly at today’s UN High Level Event on the Millennium Development Goals. In order to improve the MDGs implementation and monitoring process, and ultimately the effectiveness of aid, Raj Desai and Joshua Hermias urge for better inclusion of private aid donors.

Addressing Yemen's Twin Deficits: Human and Natural Resources

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the attack on the U.S. embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, Navtej Dhillon emphasizes that human development, resource management, and the productive use of a fast growing youth population are of utmost importance to Yemen’s future, the poorest country in the Arab world. The international community must now do more than ever to invest in sustainable economic development and institutional capacity-building to ensure the country’s prosperity and stability.

Can the World Be Governed? Possibilities for Effective Multilateralism

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 10, 2008, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

As the global economic and power structures have shifted in recent years, calls for reform of global institutions and governance mechanisms have increased. On September 10, Brookings hosted the Centre for International Governance Innovation to discuss the possibility of reform of current international organizations and processes and what the best options are for effective reform.

Accra Agenda for Action: Old Promises, New City

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the High Level Forum will resume for its third gathering in Accra, Ghana on September 2, 2008. Homi Kharas examines the coordination of development aid and the addition of new donors since the Paris Declaration and questions whether this Forum’s ministerial declaration of an Accra Agenda for Action can provide improvements to the $170 billion aid system.

The California Consensus: Can Private Aid End Global Poverty?

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The rise of private aid donors—foundations, NGOs, corporations, and individuals—is changing the landscape of development assistance. As private aid has doubled within the past decade, the developing world welcomes these new players, and Raj Desai and Homi Kharas argue that they have the potential to be more effective in ending global poverty than the traditional bilateral and multilateral aid agencies.

The 'Union for the Mediterranean:' The Next Generation of Europe-Middle East Cooperation?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon and Diana Greenwald argue that, despite a difficult political climate, the 'Union for the Mediterranean' can exceed expectations by convening European and Arab leaders around a pressing and shared interest: the need to improve economic outcomes for millions of young people in the broader Middle East.

War in Georgia—End of an Era, Beginning a New Cold War?

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With violence erupting between Georgia and Russia, Johannes Linn analyzes the serious dilemmas confronting both countries and their citizens as well as the consequences for the global community. Linn examines the reemergence of a cold-war mentality, calls for a swift halt of Russia’s military actions and provides recommendations for the world’s response to the conflict.

The Compound Water-Energy-Food Crisis Risks in Central Asia

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In June 2008, Johannes Linn warned of a water and energy crisis facing Central Asia and advised governments and international agencies to take urgent action. The following month, at the invitation of the United Nations Development Program, 15 international and bilateral agencies met in Kazakhstan to review the impending crisis in the region. Linn highlights the agencies’ findings and provides an update on the regions and international community’s next steps.

Turmoil in Central Asia

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

North of Afghanistan, Central Asia faces great instability with the impending threat of political unrest, economic downturn, and water shortages. Martha Brill Olcott from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Johannes Linn examine the instability of the region and its implications for Afghanistan, and urge the international community to pay greater attention to the region’s needs.

Central Asia's Energy Challenge: Overcoming the Natural Resource Curse

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Johannes Linn examines the challenges of managing the abundance of natural resources in Central Asia. Macroeconomic management difficulties, volatility of earnings, and negative impacts of high natural resource revenues on national institutions and governance are common consequences of the “natural resource curse.”

The Reality of Rising Food Prices: Benefits to the Poor

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an Oxford-style debate hosted by The Economist, Homi Kharas closes his argument that there is “an upside for humanity in the rise of food prices.” Kharas argues that further research concludes that the current high food prices can lead to an optimistic future for the world’s poor—more food, higher income, and ultimately a decline in poverty.

Has Poverty Increased in Iran Under Ahmadinejad?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Contrary to recent findings by the Central Bank of Iran, Brookings Djavad Salehi-Isfahani argues poverty rates in Iran are not high when compared to international standards for developing countries, nor do they appear to be rising. However, income inequality is on the rise and poses a challenge to President Ahmadinejad in his 2009 re-election bid.

Reinvesting in Agriculture to Reduce Poverty

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As part of an Oxford-style debate hosted by The Economist, Homi Kharas provides further reasoning that there is “an upside for humanity in the rise of food prices.” Higher prices provide incentives for increased food production and opportunities for raised incomes among the poor, and international donor support for the developing world has been accelerated due to this global crisis.

Measuring the Cost of Aid Volatility

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Aid volatility, caused by various reasons including shifts in the donor’s economic and political landscape, can negatively affect development growth. Homi Kharas measures the cost of aid volatility using a financial metric, which if used by policymakers, can create a better system of aid flows and effective development. At times, recipient countries can incur negative income shocks, and Kharas calculates that in recent years about 16 billion USD in development assistance has been lost to aid volatility.