78636 SOLOMON ISLANDS: FY2013-2017 COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY CHAIR’S SUMMING UP ∗ Meeting of the Executive Directors June 13, 2013 Directors discussed the joint IDA/IFC Solomon Islands Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for FY13-17 and agreed that it was well aligned with the Government’s National Development Strategy for the 2011-2020 period (IDA/R2013-0136[IFC/R2013-0175]). Directors commended authorities for the progress made in restoring stability, state functionality and fiscal integrity following the tension of 1998-2003 despite the successive impacts of the global food, fuel and economic crises. Directors noted the development challenges facing Solomon Islands, in particular those deriving from geographical remoteness, and the difficulty and high cost of providing services to a widely-dispersed population. Directors supported the CPS focus on strengthening economic resilience and promoting the broad provision of public services across the country to improve living standards. Noting that the country situation remains fragile and vulnerable, Directors recognized the political- economic, environmental and implementation risks as the World Bank Group deepens its engagement. Directors recognized the challenges that nascent institutions and capacity constraints pose to improving livelihoods, and encouraged continued efforts to ensure that appropriate flexibility for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations is applied. They noted the role of the Bank and IFC in supporting potentially transformational initiatives, while also underpinning the investments by government and partners with analytical support. Directors also underscored the important role of the Bank Group in coordinating with the authorities, development partners, and with key institutions in the Solomon Islands to monitor and develop approaches for any sensitive situations. They supported stronger monitoring of outcomes and results to ensure the efficiency of programs. Directors highlighted the importance of education, health services, job creation, and governance as key areas of emphasis for Solomon Islands. They welcomed the CPS emphasis on gender issues and the objective of ensuring that all aspects of the World Bank Group’s programs in Solomon Islands were appropriately gender-informed. Directors urged continued efforts to address gender-based violence and efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment, access to community services, and gender equality. They also encouraged the sharing of lessons learned and the Bank’s global knowledge, drawing from the experience of Solomon Islands, small island economies, and other client countries. ∗ This summary is not an approved record.