Focus on fragile contexts crucial for global stability

During the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, Belgium advocated for a sustained focus on fragile and conflict-affected situations. Our country believes this is vital to prevent global instability and tackle cross-border challenges such as the climate crisis and forced displacement.

During the Annual Meetings (13–18 October 2025) of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (see box), Belgium once again played a very active role. As a shareholder, our country can influence policy decisions. We believe it is important that the World Bank Group deploys its resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. In an era of scarce resources, every euro must make a tangible difference.
 

Choosing fragile contexts

One point Belgium insists on is the focus on fragile and conflict-affected situations. According to the OECD classification, no fewer than 11 of our 14 partner countries in governmental cooperation face high and extreme fragility. This is, in fact, a deliberate choice. Thanks to our expertise, we can do more for these countries than other donors.

The World Bank Group is currently developing a renewed strategy for 2025–2030 for fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS). This revision comes at a crucial moment, as fragility and conflict risk becoming the norm in many countries where the World Bank Group operates.

By 2030, an estimated two-thirds of the extremely poor will live in such contexts. Without an ambitious strategy, achieving the World Bank Group’s core objective—eradicating extreme poverty—will be very difficult.

At the same time, we notice that this focus is coming under pressure from various stakeholders. In fragile contexts, it is often harder to achieve concrete, measurable results in the short term. Yet long-term impact and stability are vital for sustainable development, even if they do not always translate into quick results.

That is why Belgium is pushing for an ambitious strategy and a renewed commitment from the World Bank Group to make a difference even in the most challenging contexts. Belgium already raised this issue during the Spring Meetings. And at the Annual Meetings in October, we – together with other countries – organised a debate on how we can involve the private sector in creating jobs in fragile contexts.

As Heidy Rombouts – head of our Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid – put it during the debate: “We can never eradicate extreme poverty – the World Bank’s motto – if we turn our backs on countries plagued by fragility and conflict.” With this appeal, she underlined the importance of sustained commitment and international solidarity, especially in the most complex and vulnerable environments where needs are greatest.

Jobs for greater stability

Since 2010, extreme poverty has become increasingly concentrated in fragile contexts. The population there is young, and by 2040 the majority will be of working age. But these young people need prospects, including job opportunities. Without them, frustration grows and instability deepens.

“If we withdraw from those countries, we also need to factor in the costs and risks involved, as pulling out goes hand in hand with global instability and hampers our joint efforts to tackle global challenges — think climate change and forced displacement,” Rombouts added. An inclusive labour market therefore plays a key role: it boosts economic development and acts as a catalyst for stability and shared resilience.

But how do you achieve results in such an unstable context? “Partnerships and the private sector are essential,” Rombouts stressed. “A thriving local private sector is a driving force for stability. It brings prosperity, creates jobs, and lays the foundation for government revenues to fund essential services.”
 

Need for an enabling environment

Foreign companies are often hesitant to invest in what they see as high-risk environments. “Where foreign direct investment remains limited, we will need to focus on a private sector that is rooted locally,” said Rombouts. “And we need strategies that can address the realities of a small-scale, highly informal private sector. We have to learn from success stories and scale up what works.” Local knowledge and experience are essential for promoting sustainable solutions.

She also stressed the need for a solid enabling environment. “That is a stimulating environment that provides security, basic infrastructure, reliable and transparent governance, as well as a skilled and healthy workforce. To achieve this, we need to build strong institutions and strengthen local capacity and human capital. This will be necessary to attract investment.”

Looking forward to an ambitious successor

The debate sparked an interesting exchange of ideas. Participants agreed that a renewed strategy for fragile contexts should place even greater emphasis on job creation by the private sector than it does today. Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UK backed the proposal to step up efforts in fragile contexts, as job creation is essential for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Entrepreneurs highlighted challenges such as instability, limited access to financing, and fragmented markets. Meanwhile, ministers from Guinea, Somalia, and Yemen urged for support tailored specifically to the needs and context of the countries concerned.

In light of these appeals, Belgium is eagerly looking forward to an ambitious successor to the fragility strategy — one built on a context-specific approach and strong multilateral cooperation. Belgium stands ready to actively contribute with its expertise and a clear vision on fragile contexts.