How The World Bank Is Using Technology And Open Development To Help Eradicate Poverty

Founded in 1944, the World Bank is, as its name alludes to, a global financial institution geared towards reducing poverty in developing countries. But as with many pre-Internet organizations, transitioning from the analog world order into one fit for the digital age is something of a challenge.

As such, Chris Vein, Chief Innovation Officer for Global Information and Communications Technology Development, at The World Bank, took to the stage at The Guardian’s Activate London: 2013 conference today to outline some of the key issues they’re facing. And, ultimately, how it’s tapping technology and open data to tackle one of the oldest problems known to man.

Vein joined the World Bank a little over six months ago, having previously served in the White House as one of its chief technologists. In essence, Vein’s role is not only to help the World Bank embed technological innovations across its operations, but also ensure that the benefits of this are seen in projects throughout its client countries...