UK urges World Bank to channel more money into tackling climate crisis

Size of British contribution also hinges on better gender equality and an anti-poverty approach

UK backing for a World Bank fund to help poor countries will hinge on reforms at the global institution to channel more money into tackling the climate crisis, improving gender equality and ensuring vulnerable countries can pay their debts.

Speaking in Washington, the international development secretary, Alok Sharma, said the size of the UK's contribution to the Bank's concessional loan facility for the world's least-developed countries would depend on a more focused anti-poverty approach.

Increase the Bank's financial support to tackle the climate crisis, including helping the most vulnerable communities to become more resilient and preparing for potential natural disasters

Preserve biodiversity and invest in innovative nature-based solutions such as reforestation

Focus on mobilising private-sector investment for the poorest countries - and making a priority of green, quality infrastructure projects that form the backbone of economic growth

Bring about improved debt transparency and sustainability, through balancing the need for finance with limits on how much governments are borrowing from different sources before the International Development Association agrees more loans

Provide extra money and an increase in World Bank staff based in fragile and conflict-stricken countries

Improve rights of women and girls through increasing access to safe family planning services, ensuring girls can go to school and stronger laws against gender-based violence.

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