Governance has been an explicit part of the Bank s developmental agenda since the latter part of the 1990s, though elements of good governance have always played a role in the institution s work on development. These ranged from project focused work on financial management and procurement to the...

A well-functioning financial sector is critical for efficient resource allocation leading to increased productivity, greater investment, and higher overall levels of economic growth. This is particularly critical in Iraq, where years of political instability and violence have impeded the...

Well-functioning institutions are critical to reducing poverty and boosting growth. However, fragile and conflict-affected states generally lack the political and institutional structures needed to address pockets of poverty and promote development. One relevant example where the World Bank met...

The Republic of Yemen, situated on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the poorest countries in the world. In addition to significant development challenges, Yemen is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rainfall is erratic and variable, a situation made worse by high...

South-South knowledge exchanges are increasingly recognized as one of the most effective learning and development tools. While it is important to facilitate such exchange of first-hand experiences and lessons across developing countries, what is even more important is what is actually done with...

The integration of consultation mechanisms throughout the policymaking process has proved to be a valuable instrument to help strengthen government-citizen interaction and improve the quality of government policies on key development areas by leading to better designed development projects, more...

The Palestinian Authority (PA)- administered Cash Transfer Program (CTP) is considered one of the most advanced cash assistance programs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using its sophisticated management information system (MIS), which includes a poverty-targeting database, it...

Understanding the demands and priorities of poor persons is important to effectively target services in the justice sector. To help enhance data, in 2012 the Department of Statistics implemented a survey of 10,000 households focusing on the justice sector the first of its kind in Jordan. The...

The Egyptian revolution resulted in key challenges but also opportunities. It has highlighted the need for more jobs, a level playing field, good governance (transparency and accountability), as well as a fair and competitive environment to accelerate inclusive growth. It is essential to address...

The Government of Kuwait (GOK) is now moving decisively to reform its insolvency and creditor/debtor regime (ICR). Stakeholders recognize that Kuwait's ICR system had fallen behind that required for a modern economy. The GOK's effort to establish a modern insolvency and creditor rights system is...