About International Organisations

1.World Bank :

The World Bank is a prominent international financial institution with a primary focus on poverty
reduction and economic development. It provides financial and technical assistance to developing
countries around the world.

The World Bank Group works in more than 170 nations, collaborating with partners in the public and
commercial sectors to address some of the most urgent development challenges and alleviate
poverty.

History:

 The World Bank was established in July 1944 during the Bretton Woods Conference in New
Hampshire, USA. Its official name is the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD).
 The institution's initial purpose was to provide financial and technical assistance to help
European countries rebuild their economies after World War II. Over time, its mission
expanded to include development assistance for all developing countries.

Structure:

The World Bank is made up of five institutions, with distinct but interconnected roles:

 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): Provides loans and
financial services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries for various
development projects.
 International Development Association (IDA): Offers concessional loans and grants to the
world's poorest countries, often for projects that may not be financially viable through
standard loans.
 International Finance Corporation (IFC): Supports private-sector development by providing
financing and expertise to businesses and industries in developing countries.
 Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): Offers political risk insurance and credit
enhancement to encourage foreign investment in developing countries.
 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID): Provides facilities for
the arbitration and settlement of investment disputes between governments and foreign
investors.

Mission :

 Increasing the incomes of the poorest 40 percent of people in every country.

Core Values:

 Impact
 Integrity
  Respect
 Teamwork
 Innovation

Objectives :

 The World Bank's primary mission is to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic
development in developing countries.
 It works toward these goals by financing a wide range of projects and programs, including
infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental
protection,
 The institution also emphasizes good governance, the rule of law, and sound economic
policies as essential components of development.
 Climate Change, Debt, Health, Food Security, Agriculture and Food, Poverty, Education,
Energy ,Fragility, Conflict & Violence.

Funding:

 The World Bank raises funds through a combination of sources, including member
contributions, capital markets, and reinvested earnings. Member countries' financial
contributions are determined by their economic size and capacity.
 The IBRD raises funds through bond issuances in the international capital markets, while the
IDA relies on donor contributions from wealthier member countries.

Operations:

 The World Bank identifies development priorities in consultation with its member countries.
 It provides loans and grants to support projects aligned with these priorities, often in sectors
such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture.
 The Bank also offers technical expertise and policy advice to help countries design and
implement effective development strategies.

Impact:

 The World Bank has played a significant role in funding and supporting development
projects that have improved living conditions, reduced poverty, and enhanced economic
growth in many developing countries.
 Its projects have helped build critical infrastructure, increase access to education and
healthcare, promote environmental sustainability, and foster private-sector development.

Challenges:

Various challenges in its efforts to promote development and reduce poverty in developing
countries. Some of the key challenges include:
 Poverty Reduction and Inequality: Despite significant progress in reducing poverty, many
developing countries still face high levels of poverty and income inequality. The World Bank
must continue to find effective strategies for poverty reduction and address the disparities
that persist within and between countries.
 Environmental Sustainability: Balancing economic development with environmental
sustainability is a significant challenge. The World Bank needs to support projects and
policies that promote sustainable practices and mitigate the environmental impact of
development projects.
 Corruption and Governance: Corruption and weak governance can undermine the
effectiveness of development projects and hinder economic growth. The World Bank faces
the challenge of promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in its
member countries.
 Political Instability and Conflict: Political instability and armed conflicts in some regions can
disrupt development efforts and displace vulnerable populations. The World Bank must
work in challenging environments to support conflict-affected countries in their recovery
and development.
 Debt Sustainability: Some countries that borrow from the World Bank and other
international financial institutions face challenges in managing their debt burdens. Striking
the right balance between providing financial support and ensuring debt sustainability is a
critical challenge.
 Social and Cultural Context: Development is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The World
Bank must consider the diverse social and cultural contexts of the countries it assists and
tailor its programs accordingly.
 Human Rights and Social Inclusion: Ensuring that development projects respect human
rights and include marginalized and vulnerable populations is crucial. The World Bank must
navigate complex social and political landscapes to promote inclusive development.
 Health Crises: Global health crises, such as pandemics, can have severe economic and social
impacts on countries. The World Bank has a role in supporting countries in responding to
health emergencies and building resilient health systems.
 Changing Global Economic Conditions: Economic fluctuations and changing global economic
conditions can affect the financial stability and economic prospects of member countries.
The World Bank must adapt its strategies to address these challenges.
 Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions among member countries can impact the
operations and decision-making processes of the World Bank. Maintaining a cooperative and
inclusive approach can be challenging in such an environment.
 Technology and Innovation: Leveraging technology and innovation for development can be
both an opportunity and a challenge. The World Bank must keep up with rapidly evolving
technological advancements and ensure that developing countries can access and benefit
from them.
 Public Perception and Accountability: The World Bank must maintain public trust and
accountability. It faces criticism and scrutiny from civil society organizations and the media,
which can influence its policies and operations.
Few Global Development Data:

 Healthy Diet: In 2021, more over 3.1 billion individuals, up 134 million from pre-pandemic 2
019, lacked access to a healthy diet.
 Electricity Access – over 80 percent of the world's population has access to electricity.
 Extreme Poverty: The percentage of the world's population that lives in extreme poverty
has drastically dropped.
 Climate Change: Annual global carbon dioxide emissions have surpassed 34 billion metric
tonnes.

Priority Aspects of World Bank:

 Climate: Given the growing global concern over climate change and environmental
degradation, the World Bank places an emphasis on projects that promote environmental
sustainability. This includes projects related to renewable energy, natural resource
management, and environmental protection.
 Food Security: Food security is a critical issue addressed by the World Bank in its efforts to
reduce poverty and promote sustainable development in developing countries. The World
Bank recognizes that access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food is essential for human
well-being and economic development.
 Human Capital: Human capital is a critical focus area for the World Bank in its efforts to
promote economic development and reduce poverty in developing countries. Human capital
refers to the knowledge, skills, health, and other attributes of individuals that enable them
to contribute effectively to economic and social development. The World Bank recognizes
that investing in human capital is essential for sustainable and inclusive growth
 International Development Association (IDA): The International Development Association
(IDA) is one of the member institutions of the World Bank Group, specifically designed to
provide financial and developmental assistance to the world's poorest countries. IDA's
mission is to reduce poverty, promote economic development, and improve living conditions
in these countries.

Knowledge Sharing :

The World Bank places a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and dissemination as part of its
development mission. Its knowledge-related activities encompass a range of functions and
initiatives:

 Research and Analysis: The World Bank conducts extensive research on various aspects of
development, including poverty, inequality, economic growth, education, healthcare, and
environmental sustainability. It publishes reports, studies, and research papers that provide
valuable insights and analysis to inform policymaking and development strategies.
 Data and Statistics: The World Bank collects, compiles, and maintains an extensive database
of economic, social, and environmental data from around the world. It provides access to
these data through platforms like the World Development Indicators (WDI) and the World
 Bank Data portal, allowing researchers, policymakers, and the public to access and use data
for informed decision-making.
 Policy Advice: Building on its research and analysis, the World Bank offers policy advice to
member countries. It works closely with governments to formulate evidence-based policies
and strategies that address development challenges and promote sustainable growth.
 Knowledge Platforms: The World Bank hosts various knowledge-sharing platforms, including
websites, online databases, and interactive tools, to disseminate information, research
findings, and best practices in development.
 Capacity Building: The World Bank provides technical assistance and capacity-building
support to help countries strengthen their institutional and human resource capacity. This
includes training programs, workshops, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
 South-South Knowledge Exchange: The World Bank facilitates knowledge exchange among
member countries, including sharing lessons and experiences among countries with similar
development challenges. This South-South knowledge exchange helps countries learn from
each other's successes and failures.
 Global Partnerships: The World Bank collaborates with other international organizations,
governments, civil society, and the private sector to leverage expertise and resources for
global development efforts. These partnerships often involve joint research initiatives and
knowledge-sharing activities.
 Publications: The World Bank regularly publishes a wide range of publications, including
books, policy briefs, working papers, and annual reports, to share research findings, best
practices, and development experiences.
 Development Dialogues: The World Bank organizes forums, conferences, and dialogues on
various development topics to facilitate discussions among policymakers, experts, and
stakeholders. These events promote knowledge exchange and generate innovative solutions
to development challenges.
 Open Data Initiatives: The World Bank promotes open data initiatives, making data and
research findings freely accessible to the public. This commitment to transparency and open
data enhances accountability and promotes evidence-based decision-making.
 Online Learning Resources: The World Bank offers a range of online courses, e-learning
platforms, and educational resources to support capacity building and skill development in
areas related to development.

The World Bank's knowledge-sharing efforts are integral to its mission of promoting sustainable
development and reducing poverty. By providing access to valuable data, research, and expertise,
the institution aims to empower governments, organizations, researchers, and individuals to make
informed decisions and contribute to global development efforts.

Regions:

 The World Bank divides its member countries into regions for operational purposes. These
regions include:
 Africa Region
 East Asia and Pacific Region
 Europe and Central Asia Region
 Latin America and the Caribbean Region
 Middle East and North Africa Region
  South Asia Region

Works with Country Groups like:

 European Union
 Middle Income Countries
 Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
 Pacific Islands
 Small States
 Gulf Cooperation Council
 Western Europe

The World Bank works with countries and regions across the globe, with a focus on providing
financial and technical assistance to promote development and reduce poverty.

Development projects,Income Groups

T.B.C