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 Executive Summary - The UoF program addresses the challenges of providing water and sanitation services to the 2.4 billion people lacking improved sanitation and 0.7 billion without reliable drinking water [39][60] - It provides a structured approach for utilities to undergo comprehensive transformation [39] Chapter 1: Introduction - The UoF program is designed to help utilities navigate challenges such as intermittent supply and inadequate customer service [61][62] - It emphasizes the need for a forward-looking, action-oriented utility that continuously improves its services [62] Chapter 2: The Utility of the Future Framework - The UoF is defined as a utility that operates dynamically, efficiently, and sustainably, aiming to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 [40][78] - The program's objectives include igniting sustainable transformation, guiding utilities through the transformation process, and strengthening internal capabilities [72][76] Chapter 3: Become a Utility of the Future - The UoF implementation methodology consists of five stages: Ignition, Action, Vision, Plan, and Acceleration [128][130] - The Ignition stage involves a comprehensive analysis of the utility's current state to identify opportunities for improvement [135] - The Action stage focuses on implementing a 100-day action plan with high-impact initiatives [136] - The Vision stage defines the utility's strategic architecture, while the Plan stage develops a comprehensive business and investment plan [137][139] - The Acceleration stage consists of a one-year deep-change program tailored to the utility's context and needs [140]

Photo by: Chad-Tremeau October 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized ADMIRED IN THEORY, PUSHED OUT IN PRACTICE: CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN PURSUING WORK IN MALE-DOMINATED SECTORS IN GUINEA, CONAKRY Authors: Rachael Pierotti, Maria Emilia Cucagna, Isabel Pike, Mame Soukeye Mbaye1 KEY MESSAGES • Women business owners in Conakry, Republic of Guinea operating in maledominated sectors of the economy earn substantially more than women running businesses in sect ...

Industry Overview - The study focuses on economic mobility in Malaysia from 2004 to 2022, analyzing poverty dynamics, vulnerability, and income mobility using a synthetic panel approach based on nationally representative household survey data [4][10] - The research employs three scenarios for setting poverty lines and investigates absolute and relative mobility across income groups, with a particular focus on chronic poverty and economic security [10][12] Key Findings on Poverty Dynamics - Chronic poverty in Malaysia decreased significantly from 22-28% of the population in 2004-2007 to 2-3% in 2019-2022, with the share of consistently non-poor individuals rising to around 88% [66] - Poverty entry rates declined from 13-21% in 2004-2007 to 3-5% in 2019-2022, indicating improved economic conditions and reduced vulnerability [66] - Conditional probabilities show that chances of escaping poverty increased from 29-41% in 2004 to 60-76% in 2019-2022, while the likelihood of remaining poor decreased from 59-71% to 24-40% over the same period [70] Subgroup Analysis - Ethnic disparities in chronic poverty have narrowed, with Bumiputeras experiencing a decline from 30-35% in 2004-2007 to 3-5% in 2019-2022, while Chinese Malaysians and Indian Malaysians saw reductions to 0.5% and 1-2%, respectively [74] - Regional disparities persist, with rural East Malaysia having the highest chronic poverty rate at 13-17% in 2019-2022, compared to 1% in urban Peninsular Malaysia [82] - Poverty entry remains high in rural East Malaysia, with 6-14% of the population falling into poverty in each interval, indicating ongoing vulnerability [86] Economic Mobility and Vulnerability - Under scenario 1, the share of the population classified as persistently economically secure increased from 17-21% in 2004-2007 to 50-55% in 2019-2022, while downward mobility decreased from 15-21% to 11-16% [99] - Scenario 2, which uses higher income thresholds, shows that 31-36% of Malaysians achieved middle/upper class status by 2019-2022, but downward mobility remained significant at 15-21% [103] - Urban Peninsular Malaysia has a much higher share of persistently secure individuals (60-64%) compared to rural East Malaysia (12-16%), highlighting stark regional inequalities [111] Relative Mobility - Relative mobility between income quintiles remained stable, with 24-32% of the population experiencing upward mobility and 27-34% experiencing downward mobility in any given interval [116] - Persistence at the top and bottom of the income distribution is notable, with 9-12% of the population remaining in the bottom quintile and 11-14% staying in the top quintile over time [118] - Ethnic differences in mobility are evident, with Chinese Malaysians more likely to remain in the top quintile (22-29%) compared to Bumiputeras (7-10%) [121] Conclusion - The study concludes that while absolute poverty has decreased significantly, relative mobility remains low, with persistent inequalities between regions and ethnic groups [135][136] - Rural East Malaysia continues to face the highest levels of chronic poverty and vulnerability, with limited upward mobility and frequent poverty entry [130][132]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry under review [3]. Core Insights - The indexation of benefits to inflation is a crucial yet underexplored aspect of adaptive social protection (ASP) systems, which can enhance the adequacy of cash transfers in response to changing economic conditions [11][12]. - A comprehensive analysis of 232 non-contributory cash transfer programs across 158 countries reveals that nearly 80% of these programs incorporate some form of discretionary or automatic indexation, with about one-third utilizing 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, emerging experiences in lower-income contexts are also noteworthy [13][15]. Summary by Sections Introduction - Food prices have been rising significantly, with some countries experiencing annual food inflation exceeding 40%, and in Argentina, it reached 293% [18]. - The long-term trend shows that real food prices in 2024 are approximately 20% higher than a decade ago and double the levels of the previous two decades [18]. The Case for and Against (Automatic) Indexation - Indexation can be discretionary or automatic, with automatic adjustments providing more predictability and transparency [40]. - Automatic indexation is more prevalent in higher-income countries, while lower-income contexts have fewer examples [65]. Results from Global Indexation Database - Approximately 79% of cash transfer programs adjust benefits, with 68% using ad hoc changes and 32% employing automatic adjustments [60]. - Social pensions are the most commonly automatically indexed cash transfers, with 38% of such programs featuring automatic indexation [70]. Evolution and Adaptations - The report documents significant changes in indexation methods, mechanisms, and frequencies across various countries, illustrating a dynamic evolution in response to inflationary pressures [13][15]. - Countries like India have successfully implemented automatic indexation linked to specific price indices, demonstrating effective adaptation to inflation [47][90]. Conclusions - The report emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to indexation, considering the specific context and objectives of cash transfer programs [16][32]. - It identifies a rich operational agenda for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of indexation mechanisms in social protection systems [16].

Public Disclosure Authorized Early-Stage Evaluation of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach 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 ATTRIBUTION Please cite the report as: World Bank. 2024. Early-Stage Evaluation of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach. Independent Evaluation Group. Washington, DC ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Understanding global food production and productivity patterns is essential for addressing poverty, food insecurity, and climate change, with a focus on yield growth patterns across 144 crops covering 98% of global agricultural land and food output [2][7] - The analysis indicates that there has been no discernible slowdown in global yield growth over the past six decades, with an average annual yield increase of approximately 33 kilograms of wheat per hectare [2][44] - The findings suggest that observed deceleration in specific commodities or regions has been offset by gains in others, highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security amid increasing global food demand [2][44] Summary by Sections Introduction - The global population is projected to reach 10 billion by mid-century, making agricultural productivity critical for food supply [7] - Concerns have arisen regarding yield stagnation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which could lead to food availability issues [7] Methods and Data - A calorific-based approach is introduced to analyze yield growth, converting crop production into calorific content for better comparison across various crops [9][15] - The study utilizes data from 144 crops from 1961 to 2021, accounting for 98% of global agricultural land [31] Results - Global crop production has nearly quadrupled on a calorific basis over the past six decades, with aggregate global yield rising from approximately 4,330 KCal/ha in 1961 to almost 11,000 KCal/ha in 2021, a 158% increase [34] - The Big-4 commodities (maize, wheat, rice, and soybeans) contributed significantly to yield growth, with their yields tripling during the same period [34] - Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) contributed over 70% to global production growth, with significant yield advancements observed in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America [34][37] Discussion and Conclusion - The report concludes that global aggregate crop yield has grown consistently at approximately 109 KCal/ha per year from 1961 to 2021, with no evidence of deceleration or acceleration [44] - Future challenges include meeting the expected increase in global food requirements due to population and income growth, necessitating strategic agricultural practices [44]

Policy Research Working Paper 10989 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized GDP-Employment Elasticities across Developing Economies Constantin Burgi Shoghik Hovhannisyan Camilo Mondragon-Velez International Finance Corporation December 2024 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Policy Research Working Paper 10989 Abstract Economic growth is often associated with welfare gains through job creation. However, the number and quality of new job opportunities created in a gro ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the primary healthcare (PHC) sector in Armenia. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the urgent need for investment in primary healthcare to effectively address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Armenia, which significantly impacts both health outcomes and economic growth [32][33][34]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report outlines the critical role of primary healthcare in addressing NCDs and highlights the need for effective resource allocation to improve health outcomes and economic resilience [30][34]. Background - Armenia has seen improvements in public health indicators, such as life expectancy, but continues to face significant challenges from NCDs, which account for substantial economic losses estimated at nearly US$9 billion annually [32][33]. Key Findings - Despite geographical access to PHC facilities, utilization remains low due to concerns about service availability, quality, and costs. Only 32% of people visited their PHC facility in the past year [57][58]. - Diagnostic accuracy in PHC is around 80%, with significant variations based on provider type and location, indicating a need for improved adherence to clinical standards [60][62]. - Patient satisfaction with PHC providers is high, with over 90% expressing satisfaction with the care received [66]. Current Capacity of Armenia's PHC System - The workforce composition is skewed, with 61% being nurses and a notable shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas, where the density of physicians is significantly lower than in urban settings [66][67]. - Infrastructure and equipment availability is inadequate, especially in rural facilities, impacting the quality of care delivered [68][69]. - The report identifies gaps in communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, hindering effective service delivery and integration [80][81]. Policy Recommendations - The report suggests that the Ministry of Health should focus on enhancing financing, governance, and processes within the PHC system to improve service delivery and health outcomes [40][44][87].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the education sector in Myanmar. Core Insights - The education sector in Myanmar has made significant progress in expanding access and achieving gender parity in enrollment rates before the COVID-19 pandemic, but faced severe disruptions due to the pandemic, military coup, and economic decline, leading to a significant decline in enrollment rates, with 28 percent of children ages 6–17 out of school in 2022–23 [12][13][31] - Despite recent disruptions, primary education net enrollment rate (NER) reached 92 percent in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and upper secondary NER increased by 28 percent between 2023 and 2024 [13][43] - Disparities in educational access persist across demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, with females exhibiting higher enrollment rates than males at middle and high school levels, and significant gaps between wealth groups, particularly at middle and high school levels [14][66] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report highlights significant progress in Myanmar's education sector prior to the pandemic, but severe disruptions have led to a decline in enrollment rates, with 28 percent of children ages 6–17 out of school in 2022–23 [12][31] Introduction - Myanmar's education sector experienced notable improvements in enrollment rates and gender parity before the pandemic, outperforming global averages and regional peers [20][21] Data and Methodology - The analysis is based on data from the Myanmar Living Conditions Survey 2017 and the Myanmar Subnational Phone Surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024, covering 303 out of 330 townships [33][35] State of Education Access: Levels, Disparities, and Changes - Access to education has improved significantly, with primary NER increasing by 27 percent from 2023 to 2024, reaching 92 percent, while upper secondary NER increased by 28 percent [43][44] - The lower secondary NER has declined by 14 percent, indicating a need for targeted interventions [44] - Gender disparities are evident, with females having higher enrollment rates than males at middle and high school levels, and significant gaps between wealth groups [14][66] Coping with Disruptions in Schooling - Economic hardship is the primary reason for school dropout, cited by 41 percent of respondents, followed by school closures and safety concerns [15] - There has been a shift towards non-state schools among wealthier households, with urban children comprising a significant portion of non-state school enrollment [16] Conclusions - Addressing inequalities in educational access is critical for Myanmar's future stability and prosperity, with recommendations for targeted interventions and support mechanisms [19]

i From Knowledge to Action Lessons from early operationalization of Country Climate and Development Reports Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2024 The World Bank Group 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 Group. "The World Bank Group" refers to the legally separate organizations of the International Bank for Reconstru ...