Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the water and sanitation utilities industry Core Insights - The Utility of the Future (UoF) program aims to transform water and sanitation utilities into future-focused, action-oriented entities that provide reliable, safe, inclusive, transparent, and responsive services [39][40] - The UoF methodology is structured into two main phases: UoF Standard and UoF Advanced, focusing on establishing a foundation for transformation and implementing comprehensive business and investment plans [41][43] - The program has been implemented in over 100 utilities across more than 35 countries, demonstrating its scalability and adaptability to various operational environments [54] Summary by Sections Introduction - The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for water and sanitation highlights the challenge of providing access to improved sanitation and reliable drinking water for billions of people [61][62] - The UoF program offers a transformative approach to address these challenges and guide utilities through a structured transformation process [62][63] Utility of the Future Framework - The UoF is defined as a continuously improving utility that operates dynamically and sustainably, aiming to meet the SDG 6 targets [78][82] - The program's objectives include igniting sustainable transformation, guiding utilities through the transformation process, and enhancing internal capabilities [72][76] UoF Implementation Process - The UoF Standard phase includes three stages: Ignition (360-degree analysis), Action (100-day action plan), and Vision (strategic architecture) [44][46][48] - The UoF Advanced phase focuses on detailed planning and a one-year deep-change program tailored to each utility's context and needs [49][52] Knowledge Integration - The UoF methodology integrates various strategic initiatives and tools developed by the World Bank to enhance utility performance [110][111] - The program incorporates elements such as gender equality, utility creditworthiness, and digital transformation to support comprehensive improvement [116][118] Conclusion - The UoF program represents a significant opportunity for water and sanitation utilities to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to global development goals [39][54]

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry, but it highlights significant economic losses and damage across multiple sectors due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon [23][24] Core Findings - The conflict has caused at least $3.4 billion in physical damage and $5.1 billion in economic losses as of the assessment cut-off dates [24] - Lebanon's real GDP growth for 2024 is estimated to be cut by at least 6.6% due to the conflict, compounding a 34% contraction in real GDP over the past five years [24] - The housing sector accounts for 82% of the total damage, with $2.8 billion in damages and $389 million in losses [26][28] - The agriculture sector has suffered $124 million in damage and $1.1 billion in losses, primarily due to lost harvests and displacement of farmers [26][50] - The tourism and hospitality sector has incurred $18 million in damage but faces $1.1 billion in losses due to reduced tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy [26][66] Sectoral Assessment Findings Agriculture - Damage is estimated at $124 million, with 12-month losses of $1.1 billion, driven by lost harvests and displacement of farmers [50] - Key crops such as bananas, olives, and citrus have been severely impacted, with losses estimated at $353 million, $58 million, and $16 million respectively [51] - Livestock has also been significantly affected, with $99 million in damage and $533 million in losses [51] Commerce - Damage to the commerce sector is estimated at $178 million, with 12-month losses of $1.7 billion [52] - Approximately 11% of establishments in conflict-affected areas have been damaged, with the highest costs in southern districts [54] Education - The education sector faces $215 million in losses, primarily due to lost private school tuition payments and the costs of setting up temporary learning spaces [55] - Around 150,000 public and 300,000 private school students have been displaced, with many schools repurposed as shelters [57] Environment - Damage to the environment sector is estimated at $221 million, with 12-month losses of $214 million [58] - The conflict has severely damaged Lebanon's natural resources, affecting 13% of forests, 16% of grasslands, and 17% of riverine ecosystems [59] Health - The health sector has suffered $74 million in damage, with 12-month losses estimated at $338 million [60] - Approximately 66% of hospitals and 36% of primary healthcare centers in the assessed areas have been damaged, leading to reduced service availability [62] Housing - The housing sector has incurred $2.8 billion in damage, with 99,209 housing units partially or fully damaged [63] - Economic losses in the housing sector are estimated at $389 million, including lost rental revenue and wage income for domestic workers [64] Tourism and Hospitality - Damage to the tourism and hospitality sector is estimated at $18 million, with 12-month losses of $1.1 billion [66] - Tourist arrivals have dropped by 75%, and hotel occupancy rates have fallen below 10%, severely impacting the sector [68] Macroeconomic Analysis - The conflict has significantly impacted Lebanon's economy, with real GDP projected to contract by at least 5.7% in 2024 [40] - Private consumption, which accounted for 134% of GDP in 2023, has declined sharply, further slowing economic activity [40] - The tourism sector, a key economic pillar, has been particularly hard hit, with major losses in service exports [40] Displacement and Social Impact - Over 875,000 people have been internally displaced, with women, children, and the elderly particularly at risk [44] - Approximately 166,000 individuals are estimated to have lost their employment, corresponding to a reduction in earnings of up to $168 million per year [44] - The conflict has exacerbated food insecurity, with only 40,000 tons of wheat available as of November 2024, equivalent to 1.3 months' worth of consumption [46]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Cambodia's export-driven growth has led to a significant increase in freight demand, with containerized cargo movements increasing by over five-fold from 2010 to 2022. By 2030, trade volumes are expected to double, but high transport and logistics costs remain a major bottleneck to economic competitiveness [20][21][22]. - The Royal Government of Cambodia has developed the Comprehensive Intermodal Transport and Logistics System (CITLS) Master Plan for 2023-2033 to enhance transport sector performance and efficiency, but many projects are still in the conceptual phase [21][24]. - The report emphasizes the need for immediate investments and policy actions to unlock opportunities along existing transport corridors, focusing on short to medium-term priorities [22][23]. Summary by Sections Chapter 1: Importance of Regional Transport Connectivity - Trade and logistics efficiency are crucial for Cambodia's growth, with exports and imports by value growing by 340% from 2010 to 2021. Containerized cargo movements increased by 400% from 2010 to 2022 [57][58]. - High logistics costs, estimated at 26% of GDP, hinder economic diversification, with transportation costs representing over 40% of total logistics costs [30][65]. Chapter 2: Overview of the Transport Sector - The transport sector faces significant challenges, including high logistics costs, inefficiencies in border clearance, and a large infrastructure investment gap. Public investment in infrastructure was only 3.2% of GDP from 2019 to 2022, while annual investment needs are about 10% of GDP [30][36]. - The report identifies bottlenecks along regional road corridors and highlights the underutilization of waterway transport due to capacity constraints and administrative barriers [30][36]. Chapter 3: Corridor Analysis - Three prioritized transport corridors are identified: - Corridor A: East-West regional road connecting Laem Chabang to Poipet, with significant development potential [37]. - Corridor B: Inland waterway corridor from Phnom Penh to Cai Mep, which offers lower transport costs [37]. - Corridor C: Existing rail corridor from Poipet to Phnom Penh, which can serve as a lower-cost alternative to road transport [37]. Chapter 4: Proposed Improvement Directions - The report proposes actions to enhance cross-border trade facilitation, improve road connectivity, and develop inland waterways and railway infrastructure. Key investments include upgrading the East-West corridor and enhancing the capacity of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port [45][49].

Report number 194677 Educational Accessand DisparitiesinMyanmar November 2024 2 + 1 = ....... 2 + 4 = ....... 4 - 2 = ....... 7 - 3 = ....... k K g G c s S z Z v WORLD BANK GROUP Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2024 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank. The findings, interpretatio ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry discussed Core Insights - The indexation of benefits is a crucial yet underexplored aspect of adaptive social protection (ASP), allowing cash transfers to keep pace with inflation and changing economic conditions [11][12] - A comprehensive analysis of 232 non-contributory cash transfer programs across 158 countries reveals that nearly 80% have some form of indexation, with about one-third employing automatic adjustments [12][13] - The report highlights the evolution of indexation practices over time, noting that while higher-income countries typically have established indexation systems, lower-income countries are increasingly adopting innovative practices [13][15] Summary by Sections Introduction - Food prices have seen significant increases, with some countries experiencing food inflation rates exceeding 100%, impacting the purchasing power of cash transfers [18][21] - The relationship between cash transfers and inflation is complex, with evidence suggesting that cash transfers do not inherently drive prices up, depending on market structures [30][32] The Case for and Against (Automatic) Indexation - Indexation can be discretionary or automatic, with automatic adjustments providing more predictability and transparency [40][41] - The report discusses the benefits of automatic indexation, including maintaining program effectiveness and reducing hidden costs for beneficiaries, while also acknowledging potential drawbacks such as fiscal burdens in high inflation contexts [41][52] Results from Global Indexation Database - Approximately 79% of cash transfer programs adjust benefits, with 32% employing automatic adjustments, predominantly in high-income countries [60][65] - Social pensions are the most commonly automatically indexed cash transfers, while unconditional cash transfers also show a significant number of automatic programs [70][72] - The report identifies a clear trend towards using price-based benchmarks for indexation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) being the most common mechanism [79][83]

Public Disclosure Authorized Rapid Social Response Adaptive and Dynamic Social Protection Umbrella Program Gender Window Review Report OCTOBER 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 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 of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretat ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The World Bank Group's Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs) integrate climate change and development, helping countries identify impactful investment and reform actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptation and resilience while achieving broader development goals [7][24] - As of October 2024, CCDRs have been published for 60 countries and economies, indicating significant engagement and operationalization efforts [7][24] - The report identifies five key channels through which CCDRs have influenced countries, emphasizing the need for context-specific, government-led operationalization [32][34] Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - CCDRs assist countries in prioritizing investments and reforms that address climate change while promoting development [24] 2. Options for Operationalizing CCDRs - The report outlines five modalities for operationalizing CCDRs: direct influence on government policies, integration into national or sector development plans, creation of dedicated cooperation platforms, incorporation into the Country Engagement Framework, and leveraging innovation and analytical tools [33][34] 2.1 Direct Influence on Government Policies and Action - CCDRs engage governments in the writing process and discussions, leading to significant policy changes, such as Cambodia's commitment to renewable energy targets [11][42] 2.2 National or Sector Development Plans - Including CCDR recommendations in national plans ensures ownership and coordination, as seen in Côte d'Ivoire and Uzbekistan [45][46] 2.3 Dedicated Cooperation Platforms or Development Partner Instruments - CCDRs serve as key inputs for country-led platforms that support coordinated policy reform and climate financing, exemplified by Egypt's Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy Platform [50][52] 2.4 Country Engagement Framework (CPF) and World Bank Operations - CCDRs inform the CPF, influencing the World Bank's engagement strategies and operations across various sectors [59][62] 2.5 Innovation, Knowledge, Modeling Tools, and Analytical Evidence - The development of CCDRs has advanced global knowledge on climate and development, with tools and models being transferred to governments for practical application [17][18] 3. Factors of Success and Key Takeaways - Successful CCDRs are characterized by strong existing engagements, close links with government stakeholders, strong post-CCDR engagement, availability of climate finance, and integrated analyses that provide a comprehensive economic picture [18][19][21][23]

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes the urgent need to address structural inequalities in Africa to accelerate poverty reduction, indicating a positive outlook for investments aimed at tackling these issues [27][28][29]. Core Insights - Africa faces significant structural inequalities that hinder economic growth and poverty reduction, with over half of income inequality attributed to circumstances beyond individual control [29][30]. - The report proposes a three-pronged policy framework to level the playing field, focusing on building productive capacities, creating jobs, and implementing fair fiscal policies [31][32]. Summary by Sections Chapter 1: Inequality in Africa - Africa is characterized by high levels of income inequality, making it the second-most unequal region globally [8][29]. - Structural inequality is a major constraint on economic growth and poverty reduction [29][30]. Chapter 2: The Poverty Reduction Challenge in Africa - The gap in well-being between Africa and the rest of the world has widened since the 2000s, with slow rates of poverty reduction linked to low and inequitable growth [10][28]. - Structural inequality limits mobility and the efficiency of growth, further slowing poverty reduction [10][28]. Chapter 3: Building Productive Capacity - There are ongoing trends that exacerbate structural inequality in building productive capacity, necessitating policies that promote equity [13][29]. - The chapter highlights the importance of addressing market distortions that affect access to opportunities [13][29]. Chapter 4: Using Productive Capacities - Structural inequality in using productive capacity is linked to market distortions, which affect job creation and earnings [14][29]. - The report discusses the need for policies that open up job opportunities for all workers [14][29]. Chapter 5: Fiscal Policies - Governments can significantly improve the situation through effective fiscal policies that promote redistribution [15][29]. - The report notes that greater redistribution is possible in many middle-income and resource-rich countries [15][29]. Chapter 6: Tackling Structural Inequalities - The report emphasizes that addressing structural inequalities is crucial for accelerating poverty reduction and growth [15][31]. - It draws lessons from successful episodes of economic growth that have also reduced poverty and inequality [15][31].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The 2022 Colombian Tax Reform mandated the National Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) to conduct gender-focused studies, leading to the establishment of institutional structures and strategies for sex-disaggregation in tax data [8][20]. - DIAN's experience in sex-disaggregating tax data aims to offer lessons for other revenue administrations and government agencies [8][20]. - The report highlights the importance of integrating gender analysis into tax policies to promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development [6][8]. Summary by Sections 1. Tax Data Disaggregation - DIAN has faced limitations in integrating gender-focused analysis into tax data, collaborating with the National Civil Registry to identify taxpayer sex under a restrictive information agreement [9][10]. - The latest strategy for disaggregating personal income tax data by sex involved merging taxpayer and pension data, using ID number rules, and applying a name-based algorithm [10][11]. 2. Data Disaggregation by Gender Identity - Since 2022, DIAN has invited taxpayers to voluntarily report their sex in four categories (male, female, non-binary, transgender) in tax returns, with about 1 million individuals declaring their sex in 2023 [13][14]. - The self-declaration option has been discontinued due to sensitivity concerns, and DIAN now retrieves this data from identity documents in the National Civil Registry [13][50]. 3. Lessons Learned - Key lessons from DIAN's experience include the importance of legal mandates, competent technical staff, and inter-agency collaboration for effective data sharing [16][79]. - Challenges include low completion rates for self-reported sex and discomfort among taxpayers when asked about their sex during registration [16][80]. 4. Methodologies and Institutional Strategies - DIAN's disaggregation efforts evolved through various phases, with significant legal reforms and the establishment of working groups to handle data disaggregation [28][51]. - The report outlines a three-step process for disaggregating tax data, including merging databases and applying algorithms for sex classification [38][39]. 5. Use of Disaggregated Data - The sex-disaggregated data is utilized for internal analysis and policy evaluation, providing insights into gender differences in income distribution and tax burdens [59][60]. - Future analyses will focus on additional tax regimes and factors such as marital status and age to enrich understanding of tax data by sex [65][66].

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes the critical role of the water sector in climate adaptation and mitigation, highlighting substantial investment needs and the necessity for private sector involvement to bridge the financing gap [11][20][62]. Core Insights - Water security is essential for agricultural productivity, food security, human development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The water sector is pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change [20][28][32]. - The report identifies significant untapped potential for climate mitigation within the water sector, with approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions linked to water-related activities [27][52]. - Effective water demand management is often more cost-effective than supply-side solutions, requiring adjustments in water tariffs and increased consumer awareness [20][71]. Summary by Sections Water Security and Climate Change - The report discusses the impact of climate change on water resources, emphasizing that changes in temperature and precipitation will disrupt the water cycle, leading to increased droughts and floods [37][38]. - It highlights that water-related challenges are frequently mentioned in Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), with 39 countries analyzing the water/climate change nexus [15][24]. Investment Needs and Financing - The CCDRs indicate that annual investment needs in the water sector could range from less than 0.5% to nearly 3% of GDP for the next decade [63][67]. - Public sector spending dominates water investments, accounting for approximately 91.4% of total expenditures, while private sector contributions remain minimal [67][70]. Recommendations for Improvement - The report suggests enhancing water resource management through infrastructure investment, policy reforms, and improved financial sustainability [76][78]. - It emphasizes the importance of scaling up private sector financing and establishing enabling conditions for participation, including regulatory frameworks and cost-recovery pricing mechanisms [90][91]. Climate Adaptation and Mitigation - Water sector actions are crucial for both climate adaptation and mitigation, with recommendations focusing primarily on adaptation strategies [48][52]. - The report outlines the need for innovative solutions, such as digital technologies, to improve water management and enhance resilience against climate shocks [84][86]. Future Directions - Future CCDRs should include detailed assessments of investment needs and the impacts of water sector shocks on the macroeconomy, as well as emphasize the importance of transboundary water governance [91][98][99].