On 22 October 2026, the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development, in partnership with the United Nations University (UNU), the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), and the Japanese Association for Development Economics (JADE), will organize "The Promise of Artificial Intelligence: Insights from the World Development Report 2026", an event to explore key findings and policy recommendations from the World Development Report 2026. This event will begin at 13:00 in Elizabeth Rose Hall at UNU Headquarters.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, societies and governments around the world. As a new general purpose technology, AI has the potential to enhance productivity, expand access to services, strengthen government capabilities and create new opportunities for jobs, innovation and entrepreneurship. The World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence (WDR 2026), examines how developing countries can harness AI while managing associated risks and ensuring that benefits are broadly shared.
This event will bring together policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, private sector leaders and students to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in developing countries, with a focus on Asia.
Agenda
13:00 — Opening remarks
- Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under Secretary General of the United Nations
- Takaaki Nomoto, Director of the Multilateral Development Banks Division, Ministry of Finance, Japan
13:20 — Presentations
World Development Report 2026: Global perspectives and a regional deep dive
"The Promise of Artificial Intelligence: Key Findings from WDR 2026"
- Gaurav Nayyar, Economic Advisor and Director, World Development Report 2026, World Bank Group
"AI in East Asia and the Pacific: Regional Economic Perspective"
- Franziska Ohnsorge, Chief Economist for Asia, World Bank Group
14:00 — Panel discussion
AI agenda in Japan and Asia: How can Asia harness AI for development?
Moderator: Kerina Wang, Program Manager and Head of IED Tokyo, Development Economics Vice Presidency, World Bank Group
Panelists:
- Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean, Asian Development Bank Institute
- Tomoyuki Yamada, Senior Director for Science, Technology, and Innovation and Digital Transformation Office, Governance and Peacebuilding Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency
- Akira Murata, Associate Professor, Juntendo University (JADE)
