World Bank Group Fragility, Conflict and Violence Forum 2016

Date of Event: March 1-3, 2016

Event Holder: the World Bank

Description:

The challenge of fragility, conflict and violence has become increasingly complex, spread across a wide range of countries, regions and urban centers. The recent spike in conflicts has led to an increase in casualties, with 60 million people displaced globally – the highest level since the end of World War II.

Against this backdrop, the global community marks a milestone with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. This ambitious agenda of 17 goals and 169 targets may present special challenges for conflict-affected and fragile states, where many still struggle to provide basic services.  Emerging challenges, including the plight of millions of forcibly displaced people and violent extremism among others also require a strengthened development approach.   

In recent years, fragile states and partners have undertaken initiatives that are well aligned with the SDG framework. The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, and the recommendations from the World Bank’s World Development Report 2011 on Conflict, Security and Development are both highly complementary. Yet, more needs to be done to reorient development programs to make them more effective on the ground.

To help meet this challenge, the World Bank Group Fragility, Conflict and Violence Forum 2016 will focus on how to realize the SDGs in fragile and conflict-affected states, with special attention to SDG16 – promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions – as a critical foundation for sustainable development. 

By convening a broad spectrum of partners from governments, aid agencies, civil society, private sector, and research institutions among others, the 3-day Forum aims to facilitate a robust exchange of knowledge and experience among policymakers and practitioners, highlighting innovative work and groundbreaking initiatives that can improve development solutions and advance SDGs for all.