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In a world where overlapping crises continue to deepen poverty, economic inclusion programs have emerged as an evidence-backed and scalable strategy to get back on track with the Sustainable Development Goal of ending extreme poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic and other crises increased the number of people living in extreme poverty to 700 million, while climate change threatens to push an additional 122 million into similar conditions by 2030. These challenges make economic inclusion programs more relevant than ever before.

The by The ), hosted by the World Bank Group, highlights the progress and challenges of scaling up government-led programs, as well as the vital interplay with nongovernment actors and the private sector. Through a multifaceted approach combining digital cash transfers, skills training, business capital, coaching, and market access, these programs create pathways out of poverty for the most vulnerable populations.

The launch event on November 20th addressed critical questions:

• How can governments effectively scale up these programs while maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness? What role can partnerships play in overcoming capacity constraints?
• With two-thirds of programs targeting youth and 90 percent reaching women, how can we strengthen program design to drive transformative economic opportunities for these groups?
• As climate change emerges as a new frontier for economic inclusion programming, what innovative approaches are showing promise in building climate resilience?

The event  gathered a distinguished panel of global leaders, policymakers, and practitioners, including Mamta Murthi, Vice President for People Vice Presidency at the World Bank, Dean Karlan from Northwestern University, government representatives from Ethiopia and Ghana, and leading implementing organizations.

Economic Inclusion programs are not just alleviating poverty but building resilience and creating sustainable economic opportunities for millions of poor and vulnerable people worldwide.