Funded by the European Union Digital Pathways for Education: Enabling Greater Impact for All Subhashini Rajasekaran, Taskeen Adam, Klaus Tilmes iblic Disclosure Authori olic Disclosure Auth olic Disclosure Authoriz | --- | --- | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...

lic Disclosure Autho Disclosure Auth ic Disclosure Author Disclosure Authori LD BANK GROUP DIVERGING FISCAL PRESSURES, UNEVEN CONSTRAINTS Government Health Spending Outlook - Projections Through 2029 Double Shock, Double Recovery Series Government Health Spending Outlook - Projections Through 2029 Diverging Fiscal Pressures, Uneven Constraints Double Shock, Double Recovery Paper Series Christoph Kurowski, Martin Schmidt, David B. Evans, Ajay Tandon, Patrick Hoang-Vu Eozenou, Jewelwayne Salcedo Cain, and Eko ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry under evaluation Core Insights - The World Bank Group's commitment to gender equality has been a priority since 2010, with significant engagement and results achieved from FY12 to FY23 [15][60] - The evaluation highlights an increase in gender-relevant projects, with the percentage of projects scoring higher than 15 increasing from 44% in 2012 to 93% in 2023 [16][63] - Despite the increase in quantity, the quality of gender-relevant projects has not seen a proportional improvement, with a notable rise in projects with lower gender relevance [18][19] - The gender tag and gender flag have enhanced awareness and engagement but have incentivized breadth over depth in project design [19][21] - The evaluation identifies a need for a more coherent and strategic country-driven approach to gender equality, emphasizing the importance of integrated operational strategies [22][24] Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - The evaluation assesses the evolution of World Bank and IFC engagement on gender equality from FY12 to FY23, using the World Development Report 2012 as a conceptual framework [15] 2. Engagement for Gender Equality - The share of gender-relevant projects increased significantly, particularly after the FY16–23 gender strategy was adopted [16][17] - The International Development Association played a crucial role in supporting gender-relevant projects, with a higher share compared to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development [16] 3. Lessons Learned on Results - The evaluation finds that most projects do not adequately address the multiple constraints on achieving gender equality, undermining their effectiveness [38] - There is a lack of sufficient gender expertise and resources allocated for effective implementation of gender-related activities [25][27] 4. Conclusions and Recommendations - The report recommends enhancing strategic country engagement, focusing on outcomes, and realigning incentives and resources to better support gender equality objectives [46][49] - It emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to track and account for complex gender results, improving monitoring and evaluation systems [54]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The World Bank Group (WBG) aims for a vision of a world free of poverty on a livable planet, focusing on various indicators to measure progress towards this goal [5] - The report includes a comprehensive scorecard with 50 indicators across three categories: Vision indicators, Client Context indicators, and WBG Results indicators [1][2] Summary by Relevant Sections Vision Indicators - 9% of the global population lives on less than $2.15 a day, while 46% live on less than $6.85 a day [4] - Global average income shortfall from a prosperity standard of $25/day is 49 [4] - 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to various sectors [4] Client Context Indicators - 58% of the population is covered by social protection programs, with 65% coverage in the poorest quintile [5] - 57% of children cannot read by the end of primary school age, indicating a significant learning poverty issue [5] - 24% of children under five are stunted, highlighting health and nutrition challenges [5] WBG Results Indicators - 222 million beneficiaries of social safety net programs are reported, with an expected increase to 263 million [7] - 381 million people received quality health, nutrition, and population services, with an expected increase to 576 million [7] - 171 million people gained access to electricity, with an expected increase to 482 million [7] Disaggregation by Demographics - Among the beneficiaries of social safety net programs, 122 million are female and 41 million are youth [7] - 305 million students supported with better education, with 146 million being female [7] - 381 million people receiving health services, with 224 million being female [7] Environmental Indicators - 59% of people are exposed to hazardous air quality, indicating a significant environmental health risk [5] - 14% of terrestrial and aquatic areas are protected, which is crucial for biodiversity [5] - 28% of people face food and nutrition insecurity globally [5] Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity - 37% of people have access to reliable transport solutions year-round [5] - 63% of the population uses the internet, indicating a growing digital connectivity [5] - 174 million people benefit from digitally enabled services [5]

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes the importance of climate action for Moldova's economic growth and resilience, indicating a positive investment outlook in sectors related to climate adaptation and decarbonization [25][27][30]. Core Insights - Moldova's economic growth has been unstable, heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, and vulnerable to climate risks, necessitating urgent adaptation and decarbonization measures to achieve EU convergence and high-income status [25][26][27]. - Climate action is presented as an opportunity for Moldova to modernize its economy, enhance productivity, and create high-quality jobs, with macroeconomic modeling suggesting that adaptation and decarbonization could increase GDP by 1.3% to 4.6% by 2050 [30][37]. - The report outlines three main opportunities for Moldova: achieving a new growth paradigm, enhancing energy security and efficiency, and building socioeconomic resilience to climate shocks [35][50]. Summary by Sections Climate Commitments, Policies, and Capacities - Moldova's climate policies are crucial for achieving national development priorities and integrating with EU markets, which can enhance private sector productivity and competitiveness [27][36]. - The report highlights the need for significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy security [28][41]. Policies and Investments to Address Climate and Development Challenges - Investments in climate resilience are essential to mitigate economic losses from climate impacts, particularly in agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change [29][39]. - The report identifies the necessity of adopting climate-smart agriculture practices and improving irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and safeguard rural livelihoods [39][49]. Implications for Poverty, Inclusion, and the Macroeconomic Outlook - Climate adaptation measures are projected to significantly benefit Moldova's agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the population, by increasing outputs and incomes [39]. - The report indicates that without proactive climate measures, Moldova could face a GDP reduction of up to 2.8% by 2050 due to climate change impacts, particularly affecting rural communities [50].

YEMEN ECONOMIC monitor Confronting Escalating Challenges Fall 2024 IE WORLD BAN olic Disclosure Auth olic Disclosure Autho Pub Yemen Economic Monitor Confronting Escalating Challenges Fall 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 of The World Bank. The fin ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the hydropower industry Core Insights - Sustainably developed hydropower is essential for achieving climate and development goals, providing low-cost, low-carbon electricity and supporting the integration of variable renewable energy [18][29] - Significant investments are required to scale up hydropower capacity, with an estimated annual investment of $138 billion needed until 2050, while current investments average only $9.7 billion per year [19][30] - Private sector participation is primarily in small hydropower projects, with limited involvement in large projects, particularly in middle-income countries [20][38] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Hydropower plays a crucial role in meeting electricity demand and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030 [18][29] Private Sector Participation in Hydropower - Private sector involvement is concentrated in small-scale projects, with 70% of plants commissioned between 2000 and 2020 being privately owned, while public ownership accounts for over 70% of global installed capacity [20][38] - The private sector's focus is on greenfield projects, with limited engagement in brownfield projects due to regulatory uncertainties [20][42] Survey on Private Sector Participation - A survey of 23 stakeholders indicated a strong interest in hydropower development, particularly in small-scale, low-impact projects, but highlighted barriers such as regulatory uncertainty and high initial costs [21][22] Stakeholder Perspectives of Risks and Opportunities - Key risks identified include political change, environmental and social issues, technical challenges, and financial risks, which hinder private sector participation in large hydropower projects [22][67] Development Finance Institutions Role - Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) are crucial in creating a conducive environment for private sector participation, de-risking project preparation, and promoting innovative financing solutions [27][28]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Croatia is a high-income country with solid macroeconomic fundamentals, experiencing accelerated income convergence with the EU, with GDP per capita increasing from 64.8% of the EU27 average in 2018 to 76% in 2023 [14][43] - Economic growth averaged 3.5% from 2018 to 2023, supported by strong export performance and fiscal measures post-COVID-19 [14][39] - The country faces structural challenges, including demographic decline, low labor productivity, and public sector inefficiencies, which could hinder long-term growth [17][19][20] Summary by Sections 1. Updated Country Context - Croatia has made significant progress in economic growth and inclusion since joining the EU in 2013, with a large services sector where tourism accounts for nearly 25% of GDP [32][33] - The economy has shifted from domestic demand-driven growth to export-led growth, with exports rising from 39% of GDP in 2012 to 54% in 2023 [16][35] 2. Constraints to Sustainable Growth - Public sector inefficiencies and weak institutional capacity hinder service delivery and governance, with Croatia lagging behind the EU average in regulatory quality and corruption control [19][20] - Demographic challenges, including a declining population and low labor market participation, particularly among marginalized groups, pose significant risks to labor supply [20][21] - The education system's shortcomings contribute to a low skills base, affecting long-term productivity and growth potential [21][23] 3. Priorities for Improvement - Effective public service delivery is crucial, requiring improvements in public administration and the justice sector [26][27] - Enhancing human capital and social protection is necessary to increase labor force participation and improve educational outcomes [28] - Promoting better-paid jobs through higher productivity involves supporting private sector innovation and improving the business environment [29] - Environmental sustainability and a green transition are essential for long-term growth, necessitating investments in renewable energy and waste management [30][31]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The study aims to support Lagos State in reducing marine plastic pollution through sustainable plastic management, targeting various stakeholders including government and private sector actors [3][10] - The project aligns with Nigeria's National Policy on Solid Waste Management and Lagos State Development Plan 2052, focusing on economic opportunities, environmental sustainability, and job creation in waste management [3][10] - The report emphasizes the need for improved solid waste management (SWM) practices to address the challenges posed by increasing waste generation in Lagos, particularly plastic waste [46][47] Summary by Sections Overview of the Study - The study enhances understanding and builds capacity in Lagos State to improve SWM and reduce marine plastic pollution by promoting sustainable plastic management practices based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle [49][51] - It includes sectoral analyses on emissions from municipal solid waste, quantification of plastic waste in healthcare facilities, and waste characterization studies [52] Solid Waste Generation and Management in Lagos State - Key challenges identified include lack of household waste segregation, insufficient awareness of waste separation, and excessive use of plastic packaging [54] - Recommendations include increasing private sector involvement, awareness campaigns, and providing separate waste bins [54][57] Plastic Waste Management in Lagos State - The report highlights that while plastic waste recycling has begun, challenges such as high investment requirements and access to funding persist [58] - It recommends government support for companies involved in plastic recycling and the adaptation of business models to incorporate recyclable materials [58] Financial and Economic Analyses - The report discusses the financial challenges faced by the SWM sector, including inadequate funding and poor service delivery from private sector participants [57] - It suggests adopting a clearly defined private sector partnership model and increasing funding from both government and private sectors [57] Roadmap Recommendations - The report provides a roadmap for sustainable SWM in Nigeria and Lagos State, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and engagement with the informal sector [56][57] - It calls for the introduction of monitoring mechanisms and guidelines to enhance compliance with existing laws [56]

Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly Egypt, where public sector employment is disproportionately high, with 22% of total employment in the public sector (18% for men and 42% for women) [11] - The public sector in Egypt employs a significant share of highly educated workers, with 25% of men and two-thirds of women with college education working in the public sector [11] - The study develops a general equilibrium model to analyze the optimal size of the public sector and the public sector premium, which is the wage premium paid to public sector workers compared to private sector workers [5] Core Findings - Aligning the public sector premium with its optimal level could result in aggregate efficiency gains of 12% for output per worker and 8% for total factor productivity (TFP) in Egypt [5] - The optimal public sector premium is positive for women but approaches zero for men, preventing a shift of mid-high-level skilled women from the public sector to non-market activities and a contraction of the male entrepreneurial sector [5] - A reduced female public sector premium fosters greater female labor force participation in market activities through an expansion of the female entrepreneurial sector, which increases the demand for production labor and drives wages up [5] Model Insights - The model incorporates three sectors: private, public, and home production, with women having the option to engage in home production [9] - In the private sector, individuals can run their own businesses or work as production workers, while in the public sector, individuals are employed as production workers or managers, with managerial roles receiving a gender-specific premium [10] - The optimal size of the public sector depends on the efficiency level of public goods in increasing the productivity of the private sector, with higher elasticity of private output to public goods leading to a larger optimal public sector size [8] Calibration and Results - The model is calibrated using data from Egypt, where public sector employment is significantly higher than the average of 108 non-MENA economies [11] - Reducing the public sector premium from the current level to the optimal level would decrease the size of the public sector from 22% to about 8% and increase female entrepreneurial activities [13] - The optimal talent allocation in Egypt requires a decrease in the average public sector premium from 22% to 13%, with the premium remaining positive for women and close to zero for men [13] Efficiency Gains - The study shows that reducing the public sector premium and the size of the public sector to their optimal levels yields aggregate efficiency gains of 12% for output per worker and 8% for TFP in Egypt [12] - The lower the elasticity of private sector output to public goods, the higher the productivity gains from reducing the public sector premium and the share of public sector employment [12] - The optimal public sector premium and employment share vary by gender, with women requiring a higher premium and a larger share of public sector employment compared to men to maximize aggregate productivity [92]