Financial Sector Development And The Millennium Development Goals

This study investigates the relationship between financial sector development and progress in reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It assesses the contribution of countries' financial sector development to achieving the MDGs. The focus is on the relationships between financial development and economic welfare and growth, and the following four MDG-themes: Poverty, Education, Health, and Gender Equality. In doing so, the book reviews the theoretical channels, surveys existing empirical evidence - both cross-country and case study evidence, and provides new evidence. Financial Sector Development and the Millennium Development Goals finds that financial development is an important driver for economic welfare in that it reduces the prevalence of income poverty and undernourishment. In addition, new evidence is provided of a positive association between financial development and health, education, and gender equality.

This book can be purchased at the World Bank website.This study investigates the relationship between financial sector development and progress in reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).We assess the contribution of countries' financial sector development to achieving the MDGs. We focus on the relationships between financial development and economic welfare and growth, and the following four MDG themes: Poverty, Education, Health, and Gender Equality. In doing so, we review the theoretical channels, survey existing empirical evidence - both cross-country and case study evidence - and provide new evidence.We find that financial development is an important driver for economic welfare in that it reduces the prevalence of income poverty and undernourishment. In addition, we provide new evidence of a positive association between financial development and health, education, and gender equality.

The Asia-Pacific region has made considerable progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but the region is still off track on many crucial MDG indicators. This publication considers the challenges the region faces for achieving the Goals and shows that they are still within reach, given sufficient determination and financial resources. It starts by estimating the financial needs of the region for closing the gaps in achievement of the MDG targets and identifies potential sources for those funds. It also shows how Asia and the Pacific can take the lead in developing a more inclusive and development friendly financial system. Finally, the report discusses challenges -including technology and finance- for promoting growth that is inclusive and sustainable -green growth- that will help the region achieve the MDGs.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Finance, Technology and Law Reform Achieving the SDGs requires a fundamental rethink from businesses and governments across the globe. To make the ambitious goals a reality, trillions of dollars need to be harnessed to mobilise finance and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Bringing together leaders from the World Bank, the financial and business sectors, the startup community and academia, this important, topically relevant volume explains what the SDGs are, how they came about and how they can be accelerated. Real-world case studies and authoritative insights address how to direct investment of existing financial resources and re-align the global financial system to reflect the SDGs. In depth chapters discuss how financial institutions, such as UBS Wealth Management, Manulife Asset Management and Moody’s Rating Agency are supporting the SDGs. The opportunities arising from Blockchain, Big Data, Digital Identity and cutting-edge FinTech and RegTech applications are explored, whilst the relevance of sustainable and transparent global supply chains is underscored. Significant attention is paid to law reform which can accelerate progress of the SDGs through SME Financing, Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer Lending and tax restructuring. To achieve the ‘World We Want’, much needs to be done. The recommendations contained within this book are critical for supporting a fundamental shift in thinking from business and governments around the world, and for building a more just and prosperous future for all.

This comprehensive book explores the role of financial markets in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on the banking and insurance sectors and the capital market. Magdalena Ziolo brings together expert contributors to discuss the role of financial institutions in implementing environmental and social goals, including green finance, socially responsible investing, and social inclusion through microfinance.

The proactive engagement of the private sector was critical to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Inevitably, private finance will become even more central in the concerted effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to their ambition. Private investment decisions in both the real economy and in the financial sector should move the world towards the aspirations set out in the 2030 agenda. This means going far beyond philanthropy and voluntary corporate social responsibility, important though they are. It is a matter of steering the investment decisions that private actors make every day. In the context of the Financing for Development debate, this discussion paper reflects on the latest trends and makes recommendations to: 1. Establish an enabling regulatory environment for the private sector to invest in the SDGs; 2. Introduce “Smart” public incentives to fasten the realignment of private finance to the SDGs; and 3. Foster change in company and consumer behaviours to transition to inclusive and sustainable markets.

This is the sixth annual review which assesses the effectiveness of World Bank programmes in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and related targets designed to address global poverty. This year's review finds that the organisation's programmes are consistent with MDG themes, but can be greatly enhanced by defining quantified, time-bound targets for poverty reduction and other development outcomes. Areas needing further attention include: helping clients to monitor and evaluate development outcomes, working to establish cross-sectoral strategies, and clarifying the role and objectives of itself and other partners. Above all, the World Bank needs to fully assess MDG implications at the corporate, country sector and global levels and to address the implications in its use of lending and administrative resources.

The new sustainable development agenda is expected to touch every country, person, and activity. Therefore, shouldn't every dollar count toward achieving it? Asia and the Pacific, home to more than half of humanity, has the money to improve the lives of all its people, and protect the planet in fair and durable ways. However, funds are in many hands, invested elsewhere, or used for various purposes. It is time to move beyond this fragmentation and align finance behind sustainable development, recognizing that while capital will be key, so will the capacity to apply and attract it effectively. This report explores some of the ways forward. It highlights not just the need to inject more money into investments that contribute to sustainable development, but also the need to attract funds toward them---to finance human needs, infrastructure, and cross-border public goods. The report spans public and private options, in their distinct roles and in combination. An eight-point agenda suggests how key constituents can do their parts. Working together, they can make money work for development where benefits are not only more equitably shared, but will last for generations to come.