Social Science > Poverty and Homelessness

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Juan Pablo Cuesta Aguirre
and
Mrs. Swarnali A Hannan
To shed light on the possible scarring effects from Covid-19, this paper studies the economic effects of five past pandemics using local projections on a sample of fifty-five countries over 1990-2019. The findings reveal that pandemics have detrimental medium-term effects on output, unemployment, poverty, and inequality. However, policies can go a long way toward alleviating suffering and fostering an inclusive recovery. The adverse output effects are limited for countries that provided relatively greater fiscal support. The increases in unemployment, poverty, and inequality are likewise lower for countries with relatively greater fiscal support and relatively stronger initial conditions (as defined by higher formality, family benefits, and health spending per capita).
International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
This Selected Issues paper analyzes impact of debt on growth in South Africa. A permanent increase of four percentage points of gross domestic product (GDP) in national government expenditure underlies the doubling of public debt in the last decade. The wage bill accounted for most of the expenditure increase (64 percent), followed by the interest bill (23 percent). The debt expansion, thus, financed a countercyclical fiscal policy centered on current spending, which likely shielded the impact of subdued economic activity, but had limited permanent effects on growth. Had resources devoted to wage increases and debt service payments been invested in more productive outlays, such as highly productive capital expenditure and reforms in key network industries, the growth gains would have been higher. The spending increase that drove the large debt accumulation helped smooth the impact of the global financial crisis, but likely did not have a material impact on growth.
International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
This Selected Issues paper analyzes banking sector developments in Myanmar. It highlights that latent banking sector risks are surfacing, following a period of rapid credit growth and as banks adjust to updated financial regulations. Over time banks will need to enhance their credit risk management, and reduce the over-reliance on collateral values to safeguard lending. A banking system action plan has been developed, to enhance the banking system’s resilience, as well as strengthen the supervisory and resolution framework. The ongoing overhaul of the prudential framework and financial sector reforms will strengthen the banking sector and its role in supporting the economy.
Mr. Benedict J. Clements
,
Frank Eich
, and
Mr. Sanjeev Gupta

Abstract

Pension reform is high on the agenda of many advanced and emerging market economies, for many reasons. First, public pensions often constitute a large share of government expenditure. Second, population aging means that reforms would be needed just to keep pension spending from rising in the future. Third, in many economies, low or falling pension coverage will leave large segments of the population without adequate income in old age and at risk of falling into poverty. Although a number of studies have assessed the effects of pension reforms on fiscal sustainability, a systematic analysis of equity issues in pension systems—and how countries have grappled with these issues—has yet to be undertaken. This book brings together the latest research on equity issues related to pension systems and pension reforms in the post-crisis world. Some of the key issues covered include: the effect of pension systems on intergenerational equity and the impact of pension reforms on poverty, the effects of pension reform measures on fiscal sustainability and equity, and the fiscal consequences of achieving different equity goals. It also presents country case studies. The volume provides a rich menu of material to assist policymakers and academic audiences seeking to understand the latest research in this area, as well as the lessons and challenges for the design of reforms.

International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Since its independence in 1975, the Union of Comoros has been deeply affected by political and institutional crises. Resolution of the separatist crisis on the island of Anjouan and subsequent national consolidation has constituted a historic turning point. The government has begun a wide-ranging program of structural reforms. The external debt of Comoros remains unsustainable. The government is making efforts to speed up the implementation of reforms and obtain access to a reduction in its debt burden.
International Monetary Fund
By combating malaria with mosquito nets or building schools and providing basic sanitation, philanthropy is helping transform the developing world. Rich donors are devoting fortunes—many of them earned through computer software, entertainment, and venture capitalism— to defeating poverty and improving lives, supplementing and in some cases surpassing official aid channels.From billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to Aliko Dangote and George Soros, the titans of capitalism are backing good causes with their cash. Whether financing new vaccines, building libraries, or buying up Amazon rain forest to protect the environment, philanthropists are supporting innovations and new approaches that are changing lives and building dreams.This issue of F&D looks at the world of targeted giving and social entrepreneurship.“ Philanthropy’s role is to get things started,” says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is the world’s most generous giver. “We used foundation funds to set up a system to make market forces work in favor of the poor.” He says that catalytic philanthropy can make a big difference. “Good ideas need evangelists. Forgotten communities need advocates.” Former U.S. President Bill Clinton tells us that networks of creative cooperation between government, business, and civil society can get things done better to solve the world’s most pressing problems.Also in this issue, Prakash Loungani profiles superstar economist Jeffrey Sachs, who helped campaign for debt relief for developing economies and championed the Millennium Development Goals. We look at how, instead of spending commodity price windfalls on physical investments, which are often sources of corruption, governments of poor countries are sometimes well advised to hand some of the income over to their citizens. We examine moves by major central banks to ease our way out of the crisis enveloping advanced economies in our Data Spotlight column, and we hear about how China’s growth inspires creativity in the West.
International Monetary Fund
By combating malaria with mosquito nets or building schools and providing basic sanitation, philanthropy is helping transform the developing world. Rich donors are devoting fortunes—many of them earned through computer software, entertainment, and venture capitalism— to defeating poverty and improving lives, supplementing and in some cases surpassing official aid channels.From billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to Aliko Dangote and George Soros, the titans of capitalism are backing good causes with their cash. Whether financing new vaccines, building libraries, or buying up Amazon rain forest to protect the environment, philanthropists are supporting innovations and new approaches that are changing lives and building dreams.This issue of F&D looks at the world of targeted giving and social entrepreneurship.“ Philanthropy’s role is to get things started,” says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is the world’s most generous giver. “We used foundation funds to set up a system to make market forces work in favor of the poor.” He says that catalytic philanthropy can make a big difference. “Good ideas need evangelists. Forgotten communities need advocates.” Former U.S. President Bill Clinton tells us that networks of creative cooperation between government, business, and civil society can get things done better to solve the world’s most pressing problems.Also in this issue, Prakash Loungani profiles superstar economist Jeffrey Sachs, who helped campaign for debt relief for developing economies and championed the Millennium Development Goals. We look at how, instead of spending commodity price windfalls on physical investments, which are often sources of corruption, governments of poor countries are sometimes well advised to hand some of the income over to their citizens. We examine moves by major central banks to ease our way out of the crisis enveloping advanced economies in our Data Spotlight column, and we hear about how China’s growth inspires creativity in the West.
International Monetary Fund
By combating malaria with mosquito nets or building schools and providing basic sanitation, philanthropy is helping transform the developing world. Rich donors are devoting fortunes—many of them earned through computer software, entertainment, and venture capitalism— to defeating poverty and improving lives, supplementing and in some cases surpassing official aid channels.From billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to Aliko Dangote and George Soros, the titans of capitalism are backing good causes with their cash. Whether financing new vaccines, building libraries, or buying up Amazon rain forest to protect the environment, philanthropists are supporting innovations and new approaches that are changing lives and building dreams.This issue of F&D looks at the world of targeted giving and social entrepreneurship.“ Philanthropy’s role is to get things started,” says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is the world’s most generous giver. “We used foundation funds to set up a system to make market forces work in favor of the poor.” He says that catalytic philanthropy can make a big difference. “Good ideas need evangelists. Forgotten communities need advocates.” Former U.S. President Bill Clinton tells us that networks of creative cooperation between government, business, and civil society can get things done better to solve the world’s most pressing problems.Also in this issue, Prakash Loungani profiles superstar economist Jeffrey Sachs, who helped campaign for debt relief for developing economies and championed the Millennium Development Goals. We look at how, instead of spending commodity price windfalls on physical investments, which are often sources of corruption, governments of poor countries are sometimes well advised to hand some of the income over to their citizens. We examine moves by major central banks to ease our way out of the crisis enveloping advanced economies in our Data Spotlight column, and we hear about how China’s growth inspires creativity in the West.
International Monetary Fund
Ya sea luchando contra la malaria con mosquiteros, o construyendo escuelas y proporcionando saneamiento básico, la filantropía está ayudando a transformar el mundo en desarrollo. Donantes ricos dedican muchísimo dinero -obtenido en muchos casos a través de sus negocios en los sectores de la informática y el entretenimiento, o de inversiones de capital-riesgo- a luchar contra la pobreza y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas, complementando y, en algunos casos, superando la ayuda oficial. Desde los multimillonarios Bill y Melinda Gates y Warren Buffett a Aliko Dangote y George Soros, los titanes del capitalismo respaldan las buenas causas con su dinero. Ya sea financiando nuevas vacunas, construyendo bibliotecas o adquiriendo tierras en la selva amazónica para proteger el medio ambiente, los filántropos respaldan distintos proyectos y enfoques innovadores que están cambiando la vida de la gente y construyendo sueños. En este número de F&D se examinan el mundo de las donaciones focalizadas y el empresariado social. “El papel de la filantropía es poner en marcha el proceso”, dice el cofundador de Microsoft, Bill Gates, el filántropo más generoso del mundo. “Usamos los fondos de la fundación para establecer un sistema que pusiera a las fuerzas del mercado a trabajar para los pobres”. Según Gates, la filantropía catalizadora puede tener un gran impacto. “Las buenas ideas necesitan divulgación. Las comunidades olvidadas necesitan apoyo activo”. El ex Presidente de Estados Unidos, Bill Clinton, señala que las redes de cooperación creativa entre el gobierno, las empresas y la sociedad civil pueden hacer las cosas mejor para resolver los problemas más apremiantes que afronta el mundo. También en este número, Prakash Loungani traza una semblanza del economista superestrella Jeffrey Sachs, quien apoyó la campaña en favor del alivio de la deuda de las economías en desarrollo e impulsó los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio. Examinamos cómo, en lugar de utilizar las ganancias extraordinarias derivadas de los precios de las materias primas en inversiones físicas, los gobiernos de los países pobres deberían transferir parte de estos ingresos a los ciudadanos. En “Un vistazo a las cifras” analizamos las medidas adoptadas por los principales bancos centrales para salir de la crisis que afecta a las economías avanzadas, e incluimos un artículo sobre cómo el crecimiento en China incentiva la creatividad en Occidente.
International Monetary Fund
En distribuant des moustiquaires pour combattre le paludisme, en construisant des écoles, ou bien encore en offrant un assainissement de base, la philanthropie aide à transformer le monde en développement. De riches donateurs consacrent des fortunes — souvent bâties dans les logiciels, le spectacle ou le capital-risque — pour vaincre la pauvreté et promouvoir le bien-être, servant d’appoint à l’aide publique, ou parfois même la dépassant. De Bill et Melinda Gates et Warren Buffett à Aliko Dangote et George Soros, les titans du capitalisme financent de nobles causes. Qu’il s’agisse de créer de nouveaux vaccins, de construire des bibliothèques ou de protéger la forêt amazonienne, les philanthropes appuient l’innovation sous toutes ses formes pour améliorer les conditions de vie et nourrir les aspirations. Ce numéro de F&D examine le monde de la philanthropie ciblée et de l’entreprenariat social. «La philanthropie a un rôle d’amorçage», déclare Bill Gates, le cofondateur de Microsoft, et le plus généreux donateur de la planète. «La fondation s’efforce de mettre en place un système qui permette aux forces du marché d’œuvrer en faveur des pauvres». Selon lui, l’effet de catalyse de la philanthropie peut être déterminant. «Les bonnes idées ont besoin d’apôtres et les laissés-pour-compte de défenseurs». L’ex-président Bill Clinton explique que les réseaux de coopération créative entre les États, les entreprises et la société civile peuvent mieux réussir à résoudre les problèmes les plus pressants de la planète. Prakash Loungani brosse le portrait de l’économiste superstar Jeffrey Sachs, champion de l’allègement de la dette et des objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement. Nous examinons en quoi les pays pauvres peuvent avoir intérêt à distribuer une partie des recettes exceptionnelles qu'ils tirent des ressources naturelles au lieu de financer des investissements pouvant être source de corruption. La rubrique Gros plan explique ce que font les banques centrales pour combattre la crise dans les pays avancés. Enfin, nous découvrons en quoi la croissance chinoise est une source de créativité pour le monde occidental.