Debt And Growth: A Balancing Act? 2018 | The World Bank | 20 April 2018 | Atrium, World Bank Headquarters, 1818 H St NW (at Pennsylvania Ave) Washington, D.C. 20006 United States

As debt vulnerabilities rise globally, countries increasingly find themselves grappling with a trade-off between boosting potential output and rising debt. Public debt in low and middle-income countries is on the rise, large sovereign bond issuances are making markets more volatile, and a changing creditor landscape has increased borrowing on non-concessional terms. Despite these vulnerabilities, governments still need to finance development efforts. Can growth happen while keeping debt levels in check?

During this event, a panel of experts will explore the balancing act between growth and debt that countries face, assess how the sovereign debt situation is evolving, and evaluate the risks increased domestic borrowing poses to low- and middle-income countries. Given these risks, how can countries better manage their debt?

2018 Speakers

Kenneth Ofori-Atta
Finance Minister, Ghana

Matthew Rycroft
Permanent Secretary - Department for International Development, United Kingdom

Imad Fakhoury
Minister of Planning & International Cooperation, Jordan

Torsten Slok
Chief International Economist - Managing Director, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

Mauricio Cárdenas
Minister of Finance and Public Credit, Republic of Colombia

Liliana Rojas Suarez (Moderator)
Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development