From Learning to Impact: How the World Bank Group Academy Drives Scalable Solutions: Spotlight on the Disaster Risk Insurance Academy Impact Program 2026

Across the World Bank Group, we often hear the same question from our clients: “We know what works—so how do we make it work here, and make it last?”

This is the real challenge today. It is not a lack of knowledge. It is the difficulty of adapting proven solutions to complex country contexts, building the institutional capacity to sustain them, and turning insights into real policy and operational change.

This is exactly why the WBG Academy was created.

Over the past few years, I have seen firsthand how the Academy is helping shift the conversation—from delivering training to enabling change. At its core is a simple belief that guides everything we do: learning only matters if it leads to impact.

That means we no longer measure success by the number of workshops delivered or participants trained. Instead, we focus on what happens after: Are countries moving forward on reforms? Are institutions becoming more responsive? Are stakeholders aligned and engaged?

In other words, the Academy treats learning not as an end—but as a practical tool to drive scalable results.

Bringing the Model to Life: Disaster Risk Insurance Learning Week in London

One of the most powerful examples of this approach came to life during the Disaster Risk Insurance (DRI) Academy Impact Program - Learning Week in London (June 9–12, 2026).

Walking into the sessions, what struck me immediately was the diversity and energy in the room—around 40 senior officials from 17 countries, from Bangladesh to Mexico to Rwanda, all grappling with similar challenges, yet bringing very different perspectives.

Veronique speaking at the event

Ministries of Finance sat side by side with insurance regulators and private sector representatives. Conversations were candid, practical, and often grounded in real constraints—not ideal scenarios.

This was not a traditional training.

It was the starting point of a two-year journey, designed together with colleagues from DRFI, MIGA, IFC, and the Insurance Development Forum—focused not on theory, but on real reforms and implementation.

Watch highlights from the event: click here. 

A Week Focused on Practice, Not Just Knowledge

Throughout the week, one principle guided the design: apply, don’t just absorb.

Yes, there were technical sessions and expert insights. But the real value came from the moments in between—countries exchanging experiences, challenging each other’s assumptions, and reflecting on what might actually work in their own institutional context.

What stood out most to me was how quickly the shift happened—from discussing concepts to asking:
“What does this mean for us when we go back next Monday?”

Liudmila at the event

From Ideas to Action: Country Ownership at the Core

From day one, country teams were asked to focus not on general ideas, but on one concrete reform priority they wanted to move forward over the next 12–24 months.

Together, they worked through:

• What exactly needs to change
• What steps are realistically achievable
• Who needs to be involved (including those who may block or enable progress)
• What support they will need along the way

These were not abstract plans. They reflected real political and institutional constraints, which made the discussions both more honest—and more useful.

I remember one team saying, “This is the first time we are aligning internally before going back, rather than continuing fragmented conversations.” That, in itself, was already a shift.

Watch an interview with Veronique Kabongo at the event: click here.

Early Signs of Momentum

By the end of the week, there was a clear sense of momentum.

Participants left not just with new knowledge, but with concrete action plans and defined next steps; a stronger understanding of how disaster risk finance tools can be applied in practice; connections to peers facing similar challenges—and a willingness to stay engaged.

Perhaps most importantly, there was a strong sense of ownership. Many participants expressed their intention to take the conversation forward domestically and bring others into the process.

This is where, in my experience, the Academy model really proves its value—linking learning directly to reform momentum.

The Bigger Picture: Scaling What Works

The Disaster Risk Insurance Learning Week is just one example, but it illustrates something bigger.

The WBG Academy is not just a platform for learning—it is becoming a mechanism for scaling solutions across countries.

By bringing together:

• Cohort-based peer learning
• Structured, facilitated action planning
• Ongoing technical support
• Strong links to operations and financing

we are starting to see how knowledge can move beyond reports and workshops—and into decisions, institutions, and systems.

Because ultimately, development impact does not come from knowing what works.

It comes from making it work—in context, and at scale.