A World Bank Group Flagship Report WORLD DEVELOPMENT R ividdle Ir come Trap ORLD BANK GROUP Middle-Income Trap A World Bank Group Flagship Report WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPO Middle-Income Trap RLD BANK GROUP © 2024 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Softcover Hardcover ISSN: 0163-5085 ISSN: 0163-5085 ISBN: 978-1-4648-2078-6 ISBN: 978-1-4648-2097-7 DOI: 10.1596/978-1-4648-2097-7 e-ISBN: ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The GRADE report estimates the direct economic damage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) due to Hurricane Beryl at approximately US$ 230.6 million, which is about 22% of SVG's 2023 GDP and 4% of the total exposed value of assets [18][61][70] - The total replacement value of all assets in SVG is estimated at US$ 5.91 billion, including residential and non-residential buildings and infrastructure [18][22] - The southern Grenadines were the most affected, accounting for US$ 186.8 million or 81% of the total damage, with Union Island being the hardest hit [18][70] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report provides a rapid assessment of the economic damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall on July 1, 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane [17][35] - The assessment follows the GRADE methodology, which is designed for quick damage estimation post-disaster [23] Introduction - The report aims to estimate the direct economic damage to physical assets caused by Hurricane Beryl and to inform recovery and reconstruction efforts [24] Context - SVG is a multi-island nation with a population of approximately 110,000, vulnerable to natural hazards including hurricanes [25][30] Summary of Historical Disasters - Historical data indicates that SVG has not experienced hurricanes of Category 3 or stronger since at least 1900, with significant past events causing substantial economic losses [31][32] Event Description - Hurricane Beryl was the earliest forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the strongest to impact SVG since at least 1900 [35] Reported Impacts - The hurricane exposed 56% of the population to winds between Tropical Storm and Category 4 hurricane strength, with varying levels of damage across the islands [38] - Initial assessments indicate extreme damage in Union Island and Mayreau, with significant impacts on infrastructure and buildings [41][42] Direct Damage Estimation Methodology - The GRADE methodology involves data collection, comparison with historical damage estimates, and calibration to provide rapid damage assessments [46][47] Results - Total damages are estimated at US$ 230.6 million, with building damage accounting for over two-thirds of the total [61][62] - Infrastructure damages are estimated at US$ 71.7 million, affecting key sectors such as power, telecommunications, and water networks [62][71] Interpretation of Results - The assessment indicates that Hurricane Beryl is one of the costliest hurricanes to impact SVG, with significant damage observed across various sectors [70]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the Romanian justice sector, but it emphasizes the need for strategic reforms and improvements in efficiency and access to justice, indicating potential areas for investment opportunities. Core Insights - The Functional Review of the Romanian Justice Sector (JFR) represents a significant initiative to evaluate and enhance the performance and management of the justice sector, identifying strengths and areas for improvement [11][23] - The report highlights the importance of a unified strategic approach to justice reform, focusing on people-centered services that address real-life challenges faced by citizens [13][39] - Key challenges include limited coordination among justice entities, fragmented service delivery, and inefficient resource management, which threaten the effectiveness of the judiciary [13][38] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The JFR was conducted over two years to assess the overall functioning of Romania's justice sector, providing a comprehensive analysis of management and performance topics [11][12] - The document aims to foster dialogue on how justice sectors can adapt to new societal needs, emphasizing justice as a fundamental public good [12][22] Cross-Cutting Observations - Romania has made significant progress in justice reforms, including legislative changes that align with EU standards, but faces systemic challenges such as limited coordination and inefficient resource management [13][36] - The lifting of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) by the European Commission reflects Romania's advancements in judicial reform and anti-corruption measures [38] Optimizing Performance - Strategic resource management is essential for an efficient justice sector, addressing staff shortages and uneven distribution of caseloads among judges [14][48] - Regular assessments of caseloads and human resource allocation are necessary to enhance judicial efficiency [14][51] Enhancing Access to Justice - Improving access to justice is a strategic priority, with barriers such as fragmented legal aid and inadequate infrastructure hindering effectiveness [16][38] - Recommendations include expanding legal aid, creating central oversight, and enhancing public awareness of rights [16][38] Data-Driven Justice - The report identifies significant data challenges within the justice sector, emphasizing the need for standardized data management practices to improve coordination and service delivery [17][38] Modernizing Justice - Digital transformation is a top priority, but the sector lacks a coherent strategy for implementing digital justice services [18][38] - A comprehensive digital strategy is necessary to enhance efficiency and accessibility in the justice system [18][38] Looking Forward - A unified vision for the future of Romania's justice sector is crucial, focusing on responsiveness, equity, and adaptability to new demands [19][38] - Collaborative leadership and increased institutional capacity are essential for addressing complex challenges and ensuring the rule of law [45][38]

ORLD BANK GROUP Leveraging Private Sector Investment in Digital Communications Infrastructure in Eastern Africa World Bank Group July 2024 ic Disclosure Author lic Disclosure Author & 2024 The World Bank Group 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: +1 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbankgroup.org Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 21 20 19 18 The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank Group, its Board of Executive Direct ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasizes gender equity and the empowerment of women in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which is crucial for economic growth and sustainable development [7][31] - Closing the gender employment gap could lead to a significant increase in GDP per capita, with estimates suggesting over 40% growth for Saudi Arabia by 2050 [7][11] - The report identifies persistent challenges in women's participation in TVET, including societal stereotypes, institutional policies, and personal constraints [10][11][39] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report outlines the importance of women's skill development in Saudi Arabia's labor market and the reforms made since 2017 to reduce barriers to women's access to employment [31][32] - It highlights the economic potential of women's participation in vocational education and training, estimating a contribution of $400 billion by 2030 [32][33] Gender-Equity - Gender disparities in TVET are linked to societal norms, institutional policies, and personal motivations, which collectively hinder women's participation [38][41] - The report emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to promote gender equity in TVET, particularly in STEM fields [40][41] Current State of Gender Reform in Saudi TVET - The report reviews the achievements of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) in promoting women's participation in TVET and identifies ongoing challenges [11][33] - It notes that while female labor force participation has increased, women still face significant disadvantages in securing employment compared to men [11][33] International Lessons on Advancing Gender Equity in TVET - The report draws on international best practices to address gender barriers in TVET, including public awareness campaigns, mentorship programs, and financial incentives for female trainees [14][21][24] - It suggests that a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders is essential for creating an inclusive ecosystem for women in TVET [23][26] Conclusion: Implementing Change in Saudi Arabia - The report concludes with recommendations for advancing gender equity in Saudi Arabia's skills development system, emphasizing the importance of policy alignment and stakeholder collaboration [24][26]

Yemen ECONOWIC WONITOR Navigating Increased Hardship and Growing Fragmentation Spring 2024 ic Disclosure Auth ic Disclosure Autho Yemen Economic Monitor Navigating Increased Hardship and Growing Fragmentation Spring 2024 Global Practice for Macroeconomics, Trade & Investment Middle East and North Africa Region © 2024 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the World Bank Group's activities in Georgia Core Insights - The World Bank Group (WBG) is perceived to have significantly improved its effectiveness in Georgia, with high ratings for its role in development and alignment with local priorities [17][52][134] - Stakeholders express a desire for the WBG to enhance collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and local government to increase its impact [141][176] - Education remains the top priority for WBG's focus, followed by regional development and climate change, indicating a shift in stakeholder priorities compared to previous years [110][172] Summary by Sections Objectives - The survey aims to understand stakeholder perceptions of the WBG's effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with Georgia's development priorities [7] Methodology Overview - The survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024, with a total of 226 respondents participating, yielding a 26% response rate [8][9] Overall Context - Respondents indicated that the WBG could improve effectiveness by engaging more with local communities and tailoring solutions to specific needs [17] Key Indicators - Familiarity with the WBG increased from a mean rating of 6.9 in FY21 to 7.8 in FY24, with higher familiarity among those collaborating with the WBG [19][20] - Trust ratings for the WBG improved, with local government and government institutions showing the highest levels of trust [38][46] Development Priorities - Education is the most important area for WBG focus, with 62% of respondents prioritizing it, followed by regional development at 46% [110][172] Engagement on the Ground - Stakeholders expressed the need for more intensive engagement with civil society and the private sector to enhance project effectiveness [131][176] Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work - Respondents rated the WBG's financial instruments positively, with a mean rating of 8.6 for meeting Georgia's needs [153][154] Future Role of the World Bank Group - Stakeholders suggest that the WBG should prioritize targeted investments in key sectors and strengthen capacity-building initiatives [169][172] Communication and Outreach - Events and direct contact are preferred methods for stakeholders to receive communications from the WBG [180]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the World Bank Group's activities in Bhutan Core Insights - The World Bank Group (WBG) is perceived as increasingly effective and relevant in Bhutan, with significant improvements in stakeholder perceptions compared to previous years [28][38][55] - Stakeholders emphasize the need for the WBG to strengthen collaboration with local entities and enhance private sector engagement to foster economic growth [26][66][113] Summary by Sections Objectives - The survey aimed to understand stakeholder perceptions of the WBG, focusing on familiarity, effectiveness, alignment with development priorities, and communication preferences [7][8] Methodology Overview - Conducted from November 2023 to January 2024, the survey had a 51% response rate with 155 participants, primarily from Bhutan [9][203] Overall Context - Bhutan's small economy limits business opportunities, necessitating increased exports and multi-economic activities. The WBG could support private sector growth through low-interest loans and international business connections [20] Familiarity with the World Bank Group - Familiarity with the WBG remained stable at a mean rating of 6.0, with higher familiarity among those collaborating with the WBG [22][24] Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group - Stakeholders expressed a desire for the WBG to enhance collaboration with local stakeholders and promote private sector engagement [26][27] Improvement Across Key Performance Indicators - Ratings across key indicators have improved significantly, with private sector respondents rating the WBG's relevance at a mean of 8.3 [28][41] World Bank Group's Support for Development Areas - Stakeholders identified digital development, private sector development, and climate change as top priorities for WBG resources [67][68] Effectiveness of WBG's Sectoral Support - The WBG's work in health and public sector governance received high effectiveness ratings, while digital and private sector development were rated lower [68][73] Communication and Outreach - Events and direct contact were preferred channels for receiving information from the WBG, with social media also being significant [131][133] Future Role of the World Bank Group in Bhutan - Stakeholders emphasized the importance of building local capacity and diversifying the economy through targeted investments [113][121]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry under consideration. Core Insights - The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has developed over 250 project-based methodologies that can inform baseline-setting methods under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to ensure environmental integrity and increased mitigation ambition [8][9] - The transition from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement requires reassessment of CDM methodologies to align with new requirements, focusing on ambition-raising and addressing key risks such as over-crediting and perverse incentives [9][10] - Article 6.2 aims to facilitate cooperative actions to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating operational rules and procedures to be established promptly [11][12] Summary by Sections Introduction & Objectives - Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement is designed to contribute to global GHG emissions reduction through cooperative mechanisms [11] - The operationalization of Article 6.2 is urgent to meet global temperature goals [11] Considerations for Article 6.2 Baselines - Baseline determination is crucial for Article 6.2, requiring methodologies that are transparent, credible, and below business-as-usual levels [16][18] - The report emphasizes the need for performance-based approaches in setting baselines, including best available technologies and ambitious benchmarks [17][18] Managing Risks with Article 6.2 Baselines - The report identifies risks such as over-crediting and the need for robust baseline settings to mitigate these risks [18][30] - It suggests that baselines should reflect future policy impacts and not incentivize short-term gains over long-term decarbonization [31][32] Testing Article 6.2 Concepts with CDM Methodologies - The report discusses the adaptation of existing CDM methodologies to align with Article 6.2 requirements, emphasizing the need for simplicity and predictability in baseline setting [43][44] - It highlights the importance of considering the unique circumstances of different countries and sectors when applying baseline methodologies [56] Conclusions - Article 6.2 baselines must evolve beyond CDM methodologies to effectively support NDC achievement and ambition-raising [56][57] - The report advocates for a phased approach to baseline setting, starting with simpler methods and transitioning to more complex ones as capacity improves [57]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The report introduces a practical framework to assist the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) of Cambodia in prioritizing investments and interventions for rural roads to achieve climate-resilient rural accessibility for poverty reduction, human development, and logistic supply [12][13]. - The proposed framework utilizes two core geospatial models: the Flood Disruption Model and the Logistic Supply Chain Model, to identify critical and climate-vulnerable road sections for prioritized interventions [13]. - The report emphasizes the importance of rural roads, which account for about 75% of Cambodia's total road network, in providing access to services and economic opportunities for the rural population [19][20]. Summary by Sections Introduction - The report aims to assist MRD in prioritizing rural road investments for climate resilience [12]. - The audience includes officials and decision-makers at MRD and other rural road authorities facing similar challenges [14]. Cambodia's Rural Road in the Face of Climate Change - Cambodia's rural road network spans over 47,000 km, with 90% remaining unpaved and undrained, posing challenges during the rainy season [20]. - Climate change increases vulnerability, with projections indicating a temperature rise of 0.7℃–2.7℃ by 2060 and more frequent extreme precipitation [24]. A Prioritization Framework for Resilient Rural Road Planning - The framework prioritizes communes based on a multicriteria analysis and selects roads through context-specific assessments [29]. - It integrates three development lenses: Inclusiveness, Human Development, and Logistic Supply, with six indicators to quantify the criticality of rural roads [30][31]. Underpinning Geospatial Models - The report details two geospatial models: the Resilient Accessibility Model and the Logistic Supply Model, which assess the criticality and vulnerability of rural roads [40]. - The Resilient Accessibility Model evaluates accessibility to key facilities, while the Logistic Supply Model simulates supply chain disruptions due to road closures [60]. Revealing the Climate Vulnerability of Rural Roads - The analysis reveals that about 70% of the rural population has access to referral hospitals within 60 minutes, and two-thirds can reach high schools within 30 minutes [71]. - The report highlights the significant impact of flooding on accessibility, with a focus on the socio-economic implications of road disruptions [70].