Stories by Globe Banner on Globe Banner

Globe Banner News


Eastern Caribbean schools embrace digital transformation with World Bank support

Nestled amid Saint Lucia's lush greenery, the vibrantly colored classrooms of Vide Bouteille Primary School host over 300 young learners from kindergarten to sixth grade. Ten-year-old Ayan skillfully watches real-time scores from a math app on her tablet as they are reflected on the interactive board at the front of the room. She says she's eager to become a veterinarian.


Binance announces Binance Labs investment in aPriori

Binance announced that Binance Labs has invested in aPriori, a project developing MEV-powered liquid staking solutions on the Monad Ethereum-compatible platform. aPriori was incubated during Season 6 of the Binance Labs Incubation Program.


U.S. Embassy holds auction for storm-damaged vehicles

The U.S. Embassy has announced an auction for vehicles that were damaged during a recent storm.


U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan announces upcoming playground project solicitation

The Embassy of the United States in Turkmenistan has issued a pre-solicitation notice, PPR12772380, concerning the design-build service for a playground in Ashgabat.


Elizabeth Rood begins role as US ambassador to Turkmenistan

United States Ambassador Elizabeth Rood has commenced her duties in Turkmenistan following her arrival on July 24.


U.S. Embassy announces upcoming vehicle procurement solicitation in Turkmenistan

The United States Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a pre-solicitation notice for vehicle procurement, specifically a cargo van and a warehouse box truck.


Homeboy CEO: Stopping gang violence is about 'love, kinship, compassion'

Thomas Vozzo, the CEO of Homeboy Industries, said stopping and preventing gang violence and criminals is about "love, kinship, compassion" and meeting people where they are at.


Leveraging international trade for sustainable growth in South Africa

International trade can be a powerful force for economic growth and poverty reduction. This report, “Unlocking South Africa’s Potential: Leveraging Trade for Inclusive Growth and Resilience,” synthesizes analytical work carried out over the last four years. It provides an overview of South Africa’s export performance over the past decade for both goods and services and discusses how trade policies and trade facilitation reforms can support robust, inclusive, and resilient economic growth in South Africa. In a changing world marked by unprecedented supply chain disruptions...


World Bank appoints Anne Tully as new country manager for Myanmar

The World Bank has appointed Anne Tully as its new Country Manager for Myanmar, effective August 7, 2024.


Thailand advances sustainable finance initiatives amid global trends

In the evolving landscape of sustainable finance, Thailand is actively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its financial sector. Authorities and market players are making strides to align with global trends and regional standards.


U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan seeks bids for hand dryer contract

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan has issued a request for quotations for the procurement of hand dryers, under solicitation number PR12769849.


U.S. envoy addresses OAS on disputed Venezuelan election

Ambassador Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council regarding the recent presidential elections in Venezuela.


World Bank appoints Faris Hadad-Zervos as new country director for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2024—Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos has been appointed the World Bank’s new Country Director for Afghanistan, effective today.


World Bank outlines strategies for developing nations facing "middle-income trap

New research offers a 21st century playbook for high-quality growth


Forest management project improves livelihoods in DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces numerous challenges and opportunities, from its vast mineral resources to its expansive forests. These forests cover two-thirds of the country and are part of the Congo Basin, which houses the world's second-largest rainforest. Over half of DRC's population lives in rural areas, relying heavily on these forests for sustenance, often at the expense of environmental health.


Puerto Rico's GDP decreased by 2.5% amid rising imports

Real gross domestic product (GDP) for Puerto Rico decreased by 2.5 percent in 2022 after a 4.1 percent increase in 2021, according to statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The decrease in real GDP was attributed to an increase in imports, as well as declines in private fixed investment and exports. However, personal consumption expenditures, private inventory investment, and government spending saw increases.


Puerto Rico's GDP decreased by 2.5% in the year of economic challenges

El producto interior bruto real (PIB) para Puerto Rico decreció 2.5 por ciento en 2022, luego de crecer 4.1 por ciento en 2021, de acuerdo con las estadísticas difundidas hoy por el Negociado de Análisis Económico de EE. UU. (BEA). El decrecimiento en el PIB real en 2022 reflejó un aumento en las importaciones —que son un elemento de resta en el cálculo del PIB— así como decrecimientos en la inversión privada en capital fijo y en las exportaciones. Los gastos de consumo personal, la inversión privada en inventarios y los gastos de gobierno aumentaron.


NCUA issues prohibition orders against two former credit union employees

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has permanently prohibited two individuals from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution as of July 2024.


EU challenges Chinese Taipei’s wind installation policies at WTO

The European Union has initiated a dispute complaint regarding Chinese Taipei’s wind installation measures. The EU asserts that the measures contain domestic content requirements, which are inconsistent with provisions under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the General Agreement on Trade in Services.


World Bank approves $24 million grant for education in São Tomé and Príncipe

The World Bank Board of Directors has approved the Safeguarding Access to Fiscal and Educational Resources Project (SAFER) with a grant of $24 million from the International Development Association (IDA). This initiative aims to address the fiscal crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe, ensuring the continued delivery of education services amid ongoing challenges in the energy sector.