💉 A new commitment for vaccine equity and defeating the pandemic

PLUS: Afghanistan’s self-help groups are empowering—and helping—rural women fight COVID-19. If you're having trouble reading this message, [click here]( [A medical worker draws a dose of a Covishield, AstraZeneca's Covid-19 coronavirus in Mumbai, India. Credit: Shutterstock]( [A new commitment for vaccine equity and defeating the pandemic]( By now it has become abundantly clear there will be no broad-based recovery without an end to the health crisis. Access to vaccination is key to both. It’s critical that countries with excess COVID-19 vaccine supplies immediately release and match doses to countries with deployment plans. Ending the pandemic is a solvable problem that requires global action – now. Related: [World Bank Support for Country Access to COVID-19 Vaccines]( | [Remarks by World Bank Group President David Malpass at the WHO Media Briefing on COVID-19 and Vaccine Equity]( [READ OP-ED]( Editor's Pick [Photo credit: Thep Photos/Shutterstock.com]( [Protecting the poor and strengthening healthcare capacity in Tajikistan]( In April 2020, Tajikistan was among the first countries to receive emergency support from the World Bank to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. A grant of $11.3 million was approved for the Tajikistan Emergency COVID-19 Project—here are some of the results! [VIEW MORE]( [Photo credit: World Bank / Rumi Consultancy]( [Afghanistan’s self-help groups are empowering—and helping—rural women fight COVID-19]( The Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Project (WEE-RDP) is a national program helping women mobilize into self-help groups that help fight misinformation, train communities on how to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus, and provide loans for medical expenses and livelihood assistance. [LEARN MORE]( Blog [© Shutterstock.com ]( [Improving transport and connectivity in Africa: Can drones be part of the solution?]( "The ongoing pandemic presents a unique opportunity to integrate uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs—or drones) – and other out-of-the-box mobility solutions – across development applications to ensure long-term resilience. It is an opportunity to make supply chains more sustainable and resilient by complementing traditional solutions where they fall short: most often, at the last leg." [READ BLOG]( Broadcast Series & Virtual Events [© World Bank Group]( [UPCOMING: Taking on transport emissions: Motorization management and the trade of used vehicles]( We cannot win the fight against climate change without reducing the carbon footprint of transport. How can we ensure these vehicles meet acceptable environmental and safety standards? How can countries promote adequate and proper maintenance? These are some of the key questions that the World Bank, the government of the Netherlands, and the United Nations, and other key development partners will be taking on as they mark the launch the new Transport Decarbonization Investment series. Join us live June 7th at 11:15am ET! [ADD TO CALENDAR]( [© World Bank Group]( [UPCOMING: World Bank Group Youth Summit 2021: Resilient recovery for people and planet]( Established in 2013, the Youth Summit is an annual event hosted by the World Bank Group (WBG) to engage with youth globally on the most pressing topics facing our generation. The theme for the 2021 Summit is Resilient Recovery for People and Planet, and at the heart of this theme is the opportunity for a global conversation that emphasizes the role of the youth in addressing the effects of climate change and examining the measures and opportunities for a resilient recovery for people and planet. Join us for a live conversation on June 9 and 10! [ADD TO CALENDAR]( In The News [New World Bank Report Covering 10,000 Cities Shows Shape of Urban Growth Underpins Livability and Sustainable Growth]( [New World Bank Support to Protect 120,000 People Against Flood Risks in Peri-Urban Areas of the Senegal Capital-City]( Jobs [French Translator/Reviser – Yaounde, Cameroon]( [Financial Sector Specialist – Washington, DC]( Social Media [2020 saw the largest alliance of countries and corporations committing to achieving #NetZero carbon emissions by 2050 as part of the @UN Race to Zero campaign. We must turn commitment into action. ➡️ @Mari_Pangestu on new Carbon Pricing Leadership Report: ( [How do we ensure #Ghana’s youth are competitive for the fast-changing world of work? According to experts, investing in #technology and increasing opportunities for internships could be a good start. WATCH to learn more: ( Data Viz [Image title ]( Natural gas prices spiked on strong demand and supply outages. Natural gas prices rose sharply in 2021Q1, with an increase of 40% (q/q) in the U.S., 29% in Japan, and 25% in Europe. The rebound was driven by the economic recovery, with a further surge triggered by bouts of very cold weather and supply disruptions. As these factors eased, natural gas prices fell back in March Japan and the U.S. [READ MORE]( Connect with us on social media! Accredited journalists may obtain advance access to reports and information by registering with the Bank's [Online Media Briefing Center]( a password-protected site for working journalists. 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