International Economics: IB Economics

Larry Elliott argues that the G20 are showing signs of committing to tackling extreme poverty in the years ahead, arguing that poverty reduction is going to require both public and private sector investment, with the former crowding in the latter. 

However, without a concerted effort to improve infrastructure and improve public finances in developing economies and go some way to getting closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. At present, we're going to fall well short in relation to both extreme poverty and zero hunger. 

I've already 'scooped' about this issue on the Microeconomic board, but this World Economic Forum clip rather shifts the focus, away from the issue of scarcity, towards the central role that fresh water plays in fostering development. 

These vox pops highlight the many different roles for water, and its importance to the planet. It's also interesting to note that we are falling short of meeting those water-related Sustainable Development goals.

However, like my earlier scoop, the clip also highlights the role of proper pricing and property rights in ensuring that water is allocated efficiently. 

Another World Bank clip, this time looking at the World Bank's Global Action Plan for Healthy Living, to address the current health emergency but also to enhance the prospects for a resilient and healthy recovery. 

The World Economic Forum is looking to foster innovation to tackle the ongoing problems that face the world, trying to bring together entrepreneurs via UpLink, so as to promote solutions to those things that pose a threat to our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This WHO clip looks at how far we've moved towards the SDG goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, with the WHO Global Monitoring Report charting how much progress there's been. 

The position is that there's been some progress but there needs to be mean better and more efficient domestic funding and better targeted aid.

This World Bank clip looks at SDG number 6 - Ensuring the Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All - highlighting the importance of water to development and the way in which it is integral to the achievement of other SDGs, and, looking at five key aims that will help achieve the goal.

This World Bank clip shines a light on the International Development Association and its remit, illustrating the extent to which it can intervene to tackle a wide range of development issues: climate change, childrens' rights, healthcare and so on. 

It underpins the developmental prospects of many of the world's most vulnerable and seemingly does so in a highly efficient way, generating returns of $3.50 for every $1 spent.  

This WHO clip highlights the fact that the UN looks like it is going to miss one of its health-related Sustainable Development Goals, in providing access to Universal Health Care, especially primary health care. 

In some senses, given the pandemic, this isn't surprising - however, a number of forces are look to reinvigorate this campaign, improving healthcare and developmental outcomes going forward. 

The pandemic has setback the achievement of health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And what is worse, inequality has risen, with only 14% of all vaccinations taking place in low and middle income countries who account for 46% of the world's population.

The World Health Organization are trying to halt this two-speed approach, focusing on how to better use data to promote Universal Health Coverage. 

An interesting World Health Organisation clip that highlights the importance of accurate data to economic decision-making. In this case, the measurability of data permits governments and international organisations to take the best policy choices to enhance developmental outcomes. 

A Ghanaian entrepreneur has started selling an electronics kit which he hopes will revolutionise STEM teaching in Africa, and encourage more children to become scientists.

It highlights how important education is to development. Without more scientists, Africa is unlikely to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding sanitation and access to clean water.