Dutch strategy for World Bank Annual Meetings: more private investment, billions for Ukraine and a new Syria reconstruction fund

Can private investors help close the enormous financing gap facing developing countries? And how far is the Dutch government willing to go in using the World Bank as a vehicle for reconstruction in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza and Syria? Those questions are at the heart of the Dutch government's strategy for the upcoming World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok next month. Newly released government documents show that The Hague wants the World Bank to mobilise more private investment, while simultaneously pushing the institution to remain active in fragile states, climate financing and post-war reconstruction. The documents also reveal Dutch plans to advocate the creation of a new World Bank reconstruction fund for Syria.