Pathways to Rural Prosperity: Unlocking Green Jobs for Women and Youth through Renewable Energy Access

Pathways to Rural Prosperity: Unlocking Green Jobs for Women and Youth through Renewable Energy Access

by Staff

When it comes to women, being grounded with a forward-looking vision, “Pathways to Rural Prosperity: Unlocking Green Jobs for Women and Youth through Renewable Energy Access.” Hosted under the Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF), it captured the energy and optimism of a movement determined to make inclusive growth more than just a talking point.

The CSPF has long been the beating heart of civil engagement at these global gatherings, and this year was no exception. With 33 CSO-led sessions and voices from across the globe, the forum created a rare space where policy meets purpose. From discussions on gender and agribusiness to Mission 300 and health equity, it was a showcase of how collaboration can turn policy frameworks into tangible progress.

This particular session highlighted how renewable energy access can be a catalyst for both rural development and green job creation, especially for women and youth who are often left behind in traditional economies. The conversation went beyond theory, focusing on real solutions: training women to install solar panels, financing rural cooperatives, and building sustainable livelihoods through energy innovation.

World Bank Group leaders and technical experts joined CSO partners in a dynamic dialogue that underscored one truth, the future of prosperity is green, inclusive, and powered by people who refuse to be left in the dark.

From Crisis to Confidence: Ghana’s Journey to Macroeconomic Stabilization

by Staff

This week Ghana took center stage as a story of resilience, reform, and renewal. The conversation around Ghana’s economic recovery was refreshingly optimistic, a reminder that progress, though hard-won, is indeed possible with discipline and vision.

Ghana’s macroeconomic stabilization is showing real results. Inflation is easing, growth is rebounding, and international reserves are strengthening. The Bank of Ghana’s tight monetary policy and sterilization of excess liquidity have been key drivers of this turnaround. While sterilization has put some strain on the Bank’s balance sheet, the authorities are determined to rebuild it over time through greater independence and new legislative safeguards limiting monetary financing.

In foreign exchange and reserve management, Ghana’s managed floating exchange rate system has helped smooth market volatility. The central bank’s interventions, mainly to offset large one-time payments, have been strategic rather than reactionary. Today, the country’s reserves cover roughly 4.5 months of imports, a sign of growing financial resilience. The Domestic Gold Purchase Program continues to shine, literally, as it supports the buildup of gold-backed reserves.

Then there’s the digital frontier, crypto assets. The Bank of Ghana has noticed a noticeable shift in remittance flows, with some Ghanaians opting for crypto and stablecoins over traditional banking. Rather than resist, the central bank is moving to regulate, drafting a new bill to oversee crypto assets, supported by the IMF. A dedicated department now monitors this fast-changing space, proof that Ghana isn’t just stabilizing its economy, but modernizing it.

Under the Governor’s leadership, the Bank of Ghana is balancing old challenges with new realities, showing that resilience, transparency, and innovation can go hand in hand. Ghana’s steady comeback is not just about recovery; it’s about reimagining what a modern African economy can look like.

It. Goes. So. Fast: A Conversation with Mary Louise Kelly

by Staff

Kristalina Georgieva, Mary Louise Kelly NPR

At the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings, the spotlight turned from global finance to the human stories that shape leadership and resilience. NPR’s All Things Considered host and acclaimed author Mary Louise Kelly joined Sabina Bhatia, Director of the Corporate Services and Facilities Department at the IMF, for a compelling conversation that bridged journalism, leadership, and the personal cost of ambition.

With IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivering the opening remarks, the session set a reflective tone on the importance of integrity and courage in leadership, both in the newsroom and in global institutions. Kelly, drawing from her memoir It. Goes. So. Fast., shared candid reflections on navigating motherhood, moral crossroads, and moments of no return while reporting from conflict zones.

Bhatia offered insight into the IMF’s evolving leadership culture, emphasizing empathy, accountability, and adaptability as central to modern governance. Together, their dialogue revealed a shared truth: whether in global economics or international journalism, leadership is as much about humanity as it is about strategy.

Women and Wealth Transfer: The Next Global Shift

by Silke Endress International

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A quiet revolution is underway in the world of finance, and women are leading it. At the recent World Bank and IMF Meetings, one theme stood out loud and clear: women are not just part of the economic story; they’re writing it, empowering us all with their financial prowess.

Across boardrooms, investment firms, and even within multilateral institutions, there’s a growing realization that wealth transfer and financial power are shifting into women’s hands, reshaping the financial landscape. Trillions of dollars are expected to change ownership over the next few decades, and a considerable share will go to women, whether through inheritance, entrepreneurship, or leadership in investment.

Both the IMF and World Bank have prioritized gender inclusion as a key policy goal, a vital step toward a more equal financial future. Their latest strategies no longer see gender as a “soft issue”; instead, it’s considered a fundamental economic driver. The IMF’s new framework describes gender equality as “macro-critical,” meaning that economies cannot fully reach their potential without it. Meanwhile, the World Bank’s 2024–2030 Gender Strategy emphasizes giving women more control over assets, finance, and leadership roles in economic development.

Over the next two decades, women are expected to inherit and control more than $30 trillion in global wealth. That’s right, women are becoming one of the most powerful financial forces on the planet.

“Women are expected to become the primary global wealth holders for the first time”, said Lia Lungu, Global Governance & Strategy Expert. “It’s making sure women are primed for success and inheriting resilient economies.”

This is a pivotal moment. Women are not just accumulating personal wealth; they are leveraging it to shape economies, influence global policy, and invest in a more inclusive future. Their financial power is not just significant, but transformative.

This shift is massive. It means more women will be making investment decisions, shaping markets, and influencing corporate behavior. And here’s the exciting part: research shows that women investors are more likely to prioritize sustainability, social impact, and community well-being.

In essence, women are on the brink of redefining wealth itself. It’s not just about accumulation but about using wealth as a tool for transformation. This unique perspective on wealth and investment could have profound implications for our society and economy.

Financial institutions are finally catching up. Many banks and wealth management firms are now developing services tailored to female investors, emphasizing long-term growth, intergenerational legacy planning, and values-based investing. The upcoming era of women-led wealth will change how capital flows and possibly redefine what capitalism looks like.

Women’s Financial Resilience: How Global Finance Is Finally Catching Up

by Staff

Let’s be honest, when women have financial power, everyone benefits. Families grow stronger, communities become more resilient, and economies flourish. Yet for far too long, women have been on the sidelines of finance. From being denied loans to lacking access to savings and insurance, the barriers have been as invisible as they are powerful.

Now, as climate change and global crises shake economies, the world is realizing something crucial: women’s financial inclusion isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a survival strategy for the planet.

That’s why global institutions like the United Nations (UN) focus on women’s financial resilience. They’ve seen the data: when women control more of the world’s capital, economies grow faster, businesses become more sustainable, and communities are better equipped to handle shocks.

Simply put, empowering women financially isn’t charity. It’s one of the smartest economic decisions any society can make.

Global Challenges in 2025: Why Peace Matters Now More Than Ever

by Carletha Cole

The declaration of 2025 as the Year of International Peace comes against the backdrop of unprecedented global challenges.

Armed Conflicts: Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and other regions continue to cause immense human suffering. These conflicts also destabilize neighboring countries, fuel refugee crises, and divert resources away from development.
Humanitarian Emergencies: More than 110 million people worldwide are displaced, according to UNHCR, with many lacking access to food, shelter, or healthcare. Protracted crises in Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa highlight the urgent need for peace.
Climate Change: Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity are driving conflict in vulnerable regions. The link between environmental stress and insecurity is now undeniable.
Economic Inequality: The pandemic widened gaps between rich and poor, both within and among countries. Inequality fuels grievances, undermines trust in institutions, and creates fertile ground for extremism.
Geopolitical Rivalries: Growing competition between major powers risks fragmenting the international order. If left unchecked, such rivalries could paralyze multilateral cooperation at precisely the moment it is needed most.

Against this backdrop, the UNGA 80s’ focus on peace is not just symbolic; it is a strategic necessity. Without peace, the international community cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, protect the planet, or safeguard human dignity.

UNGA 80 (2025): The Year of International Peace

by Carletha Cole

The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) marks a historic milestone in the journey of multilateral diplomacy. In 2025, the General Assembly has chosen to declare this year as the “Year of International Peace”, signaling a renewed global commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and conflict prevention. The

decision reflects not only the urgency of addressing today’s crises but also the deep symbolism of reaching the 80th session, a testament to the resilience of the United Nations since its founding in 1945.

Unlike previous commemorations, this year carries profound political and moral weight. It comes at a time when wars continue to devastate communities, climate disasters displace millions, and inequalities drive instability across regions. Declaring 2025 as the Year of International Peace is not merely ceremonial, it is a call to action for governments, civil society, and international institutions to put peace at the center of their agendas.

The global community now faces a defining question: will UNGA 80 inspire genuine change, or will it remain another symbolic gesture? The answer depends on how seriously nations embrace this moment, and whether they can rise above narrow interests to build a shared future.

The Historical Legacy of the UN General Assembly

by Carletha Cole

To understand the significance of UNGA 80, it is necessary to examine the history of the General Assembly. Established in 1945, following the devastation of World War II, the UNGA was envisioned as the “parliament of humanity.” Unlike the UN Security Council, where a handful of powerful nations hold vetoes, the General Assembly gives each of its 193 member states an equal voice and vote.

Over the decades, the Assembly has played a critical role in shaping international norms. In 1960, it oversaw the “Year of Africa”, when 17 newly independent African nations joined the UN. In 1981, it declared the International Year of Peace, emphasizing disarmament and dialogue during the Cold War. More recently, in 2015, it adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which continues to

guide international priorities.

Each of these milestones reflects the UNGA’s role as a moral compass for the international community. While it cannot enforce peace directly, it provides legitimacy, builds consensus, and offers a stage where even small states can shape the global agenda. The 80th session draws on this legacy while charting a new course for the future.