JCU Welcomes World Bank Manager Vasco Molini
On April 11, 2024, John Cabot University had the pleasure of welcoming Vasco Molini, Manager at the World Bank, who shared insights into the World Bank’s mission and his personal journey within it. The seminar, hosted in Professor Sergio Scicchitano‘s Econometrics class, gave attendees a better understanding of the World Bank’s global initiatives and the transformative impact of working in the field of international development.
The World Bank’s Vision: Driving Global Change
Molini started his presentation by outlining the World Bank’s to-do list, including the establishment of a data development center in Rome aimed at “facilitating the production of high-quality, timely, relevant microdata for evidence-based policymaking and investment decisions to achieve poverty reduction, food security, and growth.”
Drawing from his experiences, Molini recounted his journey from economist to expert practitioner in international development. He shared anecdotes from his time in Mozambique, where he collaborated with the government through the World Bank, focusing on microeconomics and poverty alleviation strategies.
Tackling Global Challenges: Insights from the Field
Molini provided insights into the World Bank’s current initiatives, including the ambitious “50×2030” project aimed at gathering agricultural statistics from 50 countries in order to develop more effective policies. He underscored the urgency of addressing food security issues and highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable regions such as Africa, emphasizing the critical role of data analysis in shaping effective policy responses.
Throughout the seminar, Molini remarked the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in international development. He emphasized the pivotal role of econometrics in policy formulation, stressing the need for quality data and rigorous analysis to drive meaningful change.
Molini shed light on pressing issues such as food security and climate change, underscoring the disproportionate impact on developing countries. He emphasized the critical role of data analysis and econometrics in informing effective policy responses, stressing the importance of quality over quantity in data collection and analysis. Particularly, he highlighted the stark contrast in the effects of climate change between regions, noting that while carbon dioxide emissions in Europe and America may have superficial effects, in Africa, they trigger floods, ruin harvests, and endanger lives.
Presentation of His Paper
In a thought-provoking presentation, Molini delved into his research on gender equality in labor participation, offering evidence from both developing and developed countries. His paper challenged conventional notions of equality, sparking a discussion on the multifaceted nature of gender disparities in the workforce.
As John Cabot University continues to nurture future leaders in economics and development, events such as this one inspire to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
(Paolo Clemente Resta)
