Enhancing External Debt Statistics for
Greater Transparency and Sustainability

As countries emerge from the pandemic, they face elevated debt levels, increased inflationary and
interest rate pressures, and slowing growth rates. Consequently, debt risks and vulnerabilities are
at an all-time high, requiring a renewed focus on understanding and managing debt.

This intermediate-level course offers a comprehensive overview of debt statistics, drawing on the World Bank Debtor Reporting System (DRS) and the methodologies for compiling external debt statistics. Participants will explore gaps and discrepancies in debt data that undermine confidence, affect debt sustainability, and complicate debt restructuring efforts. 

  • Duration

    April 7-11, 2025

  • Location

    Chiba, Japan

  • Training typology

    Onsite

  • Certificate

    For onsite trainees

What's included?

  • Hands-on sessions
  • Text materials
  • Assessments
  • Certification
  • Peer to peer discussions

Learning Objectives

  • • Comprehend World Bank policies and actions to address debt challenges and support countries in debt distress.
  • Recognize the significance of debt data and statistics in policymaking. 
  • Grasp debt concepts and definitions through World Bank DRS methodologies.
  • Identify major debt instruments and understand changes in international financial flows and lending patterns.
  • Recognize contingent liabilities and understand debt restructuring processes.
  • Understand the basic concepts of the debt sustainability framework and World Bank policies on debt transparency and sustainable development finance.

Who we were looking for

Debt specialists and mid-level officials in Debt Management Offices (DMOs) at Ministries of Finance or similar institutions; Balance of Payments (BoP) and International Investment Position (IIP) departments at Central Banks or similar institutions. 

Participants should have experience with external sector statistics, specifically focusing on debt, Balance of Payments (BoP), International Investment Position (IIP), and Government Financial Statistics (GFS).

Meet our core team

Evis Rucaj
Senior Economist at the World Bank's Development Data Group
Rubena Sukaj
Senior Economist at the World Bank's Development Data Group
Rasiel Vellos
Senior Economist at the World Bank in the Development Data Group

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