Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Larry Elliott in Marrakech

Severe debt burdens thwarting progress on climate and poverty, says World Bank

Banga speaking at a press conference at the Bank’s annual meeting in Marrakech
Banga was speaking at a press conference at the Bank’s annual meeting in Marrakech. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu/Getty Images

Reducing poverty and hitting global net zero goals are being hindered by the severe debt burdens on poor countries, the president of the World Bank has said, amid growing concern that high interest rates could cause dozens of countries to default.

Ajay Banga, the new head of the Washington-based body, urged faster progress in providing debt relief but said there was no “magic wand” that could be waved to make the problem go away, at a press conference at the Bank’s annual meeting in Marrakech.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.