With more than a billion young people expected to enter the workforce over the next decade, creating sufficient jobs and opportunities has become a critical global challenge. Jobs are not just a source of income; they provide self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope, making employment one of the most effective routes out of poverty.
At the World Bank Group–International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, the focus was on “From Sectors to Systems: Building Job-Rich Economies at Scale,” reflecting a strategic shift from funding isolated projects to supporting entire economic ecosystems. This holistic approach aims to generate jobs across whole sectors rather than in isolated interventions, emphasizing systemic solutions for sustainable employment.
A key highlight was the AgriConnect event, which outlined a vision to transform agribusiness into a driver of jobs, economic growth, and food security. Family farms, including more than 500 million smallholders who produce roughly 80 percent of the world’s food, often remain trapped in poverty due to limited access to markets, finance, and technology. By reshaping these systems, the initiative seeks to unlock opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
Engagement with civil society was another cornerstone of the meetings. Townhall sessions brought together global civil society leaders to engage with senior leadership, emphasizing the importance of partnership and trust. Progress toward the World Bank Group’s vision of a world free of poverty was discussed at the Development Committee Meeting, where representatives of all 189 member countries highlighted the need for governments and the private sector to collaborate, viewing investments as integral components of a broader jobs ecosystem.
The Annual Meetings also emphasized the power of data in driving impact. The Data Playground offered attendees hands-on experiences with real-time data, demonstrating how information informs decisions, improves results, and helps countries achieve tangible outcomes. An interactive Jobs board allowed participants to design their own “jobs ecosystems” by integrating elements of the three pillars of job creation.
Complementing in-person events, digital initiatives showcased global partner stories and highlighted collaboration across governments, civil society, and the private sector. Social media storytelling, interactive interviews, and creator collaborations amplified personal experiences and the impact of initiatives, making the Annual Meetings accessible to a wider audience and illustrating how coordinated action translates ambition into measurable results on the ground.
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