Please join the World Resources Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Center for American Progress (CAP), and International Rivers for a panel discussion on:

The World Bank’s New Energy Strategy: Perspectives from Various Stakeholders

Note: You must be registered for the World Bank Spring Meetings to attend this event. Register here.

Chair:

Athena Ballesteros, World Resources Institute

Featured Panelists:

Jake Schmidt, Natural Resources Defense Council
Shannon Lawrence, International Rivers
Kirsty Hamilton, Chatham House
Richard Caperton, Center for American Progress
Davida Wood, World Resources Institute

Response:

TBC, World Bank Group

The World Bank is currently reviewing its energy strategy and holding worldwide multi-stakeholder consultations to seek input on its approach to energy development assistance. As the basis for this discussion the World Bank has authored an “Energy Strategy Approach Paper” outlining the Bank’s planned approach for energy sector lending. It proposes a renewed focus on improving access and reliability of energy supply and facilitating a shift to more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sector development.

At the same time, the Bank hopes to improve their operational and financial performance and strengthen governments in borrowing countries so that they can achieve the twin objectives of greater access to energy and a sustainable energy supply.

While this renewed focus is encouraged and supported by diverse stakeholders, the Bank must greatly improve upon its past performance and ensure it assists developing countries with their transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future.

Please join us for a panel discussion on how the Bank can meet these proposed new objectives. The panel will include civil society energy and climate change experts who will address the following questions:

  • Is there a role for the Bank in expanding sustainable energy access in developing countries?
  • The Bank states that there is a trade-off between addressing climate change and meeting poverty and development objectives—is this a trade-off or an opportunity?
  • Is there a role for the Bank in addressing regulatory and governance issues to increase the investments in clean energy?
  • How can the Bank create an environment to catalyze and leverage the private sector to scale up investments in clean energy?
  • How do the Bank’s current operations and policy advice have to change to achieve the goals of the new energy strategy?

Please RSVP to agrais@wri.org and remember to register for the World Bank Spring Meetings.