UK launch of the World Bank's World Development Report 2017

Too often, governments fail to adopt pro-growth or pro-poor policies. And even more often, when adopted, these policies fail to achieve their intended goals. Yet we know that history is full of instances in which societies have improved rules, institutions, and processes that have helped them move closer to reaching their development goals.

Why are carefully designed, sensible policies too often not adopted or implemented? When they are, why do they often fail to generate development outcomes such as security, growth, and equity? And why do some bad policies endure?

The World Bank’s 2017 World Development Report explores these issues and considers what matters for policy effectiveness. It shows that institutions can perform their functions when they can provide sufficient levels of credible commitment, coordination and cooperation, all of which can be undermined by processes of exclusion and clientelism. The report also shows that positive change is possible, through shifts in incentives, beliefs and constructive contestation. This has significant implications for domestic reformers and international actors alike.

At this event UK Minister of State for International Development, Rory Stewart MP delivers a keynote speech, offering his reflections on the report and how they link to DFID’s latest approaches. This is followed by an overview of the 2017 World Development Report, with responses from leading experts who offer their thoughts on how the ideas in the report can be put into practice.