The COVID-19 pandemic tested public health communication like never before. While providing information is crucial, does it always translate into action? In this episode of “Accelerating Development,” we delve into a groundbreaking World Bank meta-analysis on COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Drawing on insights from the 2015 World Development Report "Mind, Society, and Behavior," we examine how behaviorally informed messages – considering how people think socially and use mental models – significantly impacted public responses. From the power of trusted messengers to the nuances of message framing and the complexities of heterogeneity across contexts, we explore the methodological innovations and critical research frontiers this study illuminates for accelerating development through a deeper understanding of human behavior.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested public health communication like never before. While providing information is crucial, does it always translate into action? In this episode of “Accelerating Development,” we delve into a groundbreaking World Bank meta-analysis on COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Drawing on insights from the 2015 World Development Report "Mind, Society, and Behavior," we examine how behaviorally informed messages – considering how people think socially and use mental models – significantly impacted public responses. From the power of trusted messengers to the nuances of message framing and the complexities of heterogeneity across contexts, we explore the methodological innovations and critical research frontiers this study illuminates for accelerating development through a deeper understanding of human behavior.

The world's poorest nations are grappling with an unprecedented debt crisis. In this episode of "Accelerating Development," we delve into the World Bank's International Debt Report 2024. Join us as we explore the record $1.1 trillion external debt burden facing IDA-eligible countries and the complex factors driving this surge, from pandemic aftershocks to rising global interest rates.

The world's poorest nations are grappling with an unprecedented debt crisis. In this episode of "Accelerating Development," we delve into the World Bank's International Debt Report 2024. Join us as we explore the record $1.1 trillion external debt burden facing IDA-eligible countries and the complex factors driving this surge, from pandemic aftershocks to rising global interest rates.

The world of work is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technology and globalization. While this brings new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. In this episode of “Accelerating Development”, tune in to unpack the World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work and explore how firms, workers, and societies are adapting. We delve into the skills needed for the future labor market, the evolving social contract, and how governments can respond to ensure inclusive growth. From the rise of digital platforms to the need for lifelong learning, we ask: is the changing nature of work a path to shared prosperity, or a driver of increased inequality?The world of work is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technology and globalization. While this brings new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges.

The world of work is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technology and globalization. While this brings new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. In this episode of “Accelerating Development”, tune in to unpack the World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work and explore how firms, workers, and societies are adapting. We delve into the skills needed for the future labor market, the evolving social contract, and how governments can respond to ensure inclusive growth. From the rise of digital platforms to the need for lifelong learning, we ask: is the changing nature of work a path to shared prosperity, or a driver of increased inequality?The world of work is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technology and globalization. While this brings new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges.

Many countries have business-friendly laws on paper. But what happens when the public services meant to support them fall short? In this episode of “Accelerating Development”, tune in to unpack the World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 report and examine the often-overlooked gap between legislation and implementation. From underpowered tax portals to fragmented border systems, we ask whether firm resilience is a sign of strength, or a symptom of deeper dysfunction.

Many countries have business-friendly laws on paper. But what happens when the public services meant to support them fall short? In this episode of “Accelerating Development”, tune in to unpack the World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 report and examine the often-overlooked gap between legislation and implementation. From underpowered tax portals to fragmented border systems, we ask whether firm resilience is a sign of strength, or a symptom of deeper dysfunction.