: 3 0 A I PUBLISHED BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP, CAIRO OFFICE D e e e m be r 200 37114 CL- fem Lisof on-.- n--s is published List of quarterly by the World Bank Group office in Cairo. The articles published in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank MNA Regional World Bank Group. CoRIerence on Job @2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Creation and Skill The World Bank Group, Cairo, Egypt. Development An Interview with The World Bank Emmanuel Mbi World Trade Center 1191 Corniche El Nil, 15th floor Boulac, Cairo, Egypt 11221 WDR 2006 Report Phone: (20-2) 574-1670/71 Fax: (20-2) 574-1676 New World Bank President Paul Web site: www.worldbank.org Wolowitz Stresses Results Agenda In Annual Meetings 05 Speech IFC World Trade Center 1191 Corniche El Nil, 12th floor Boulac, Cairo, Egypt 11221 Phone: (20-2) 5795353/9900/6565 * Cal0o Parliam tra8 Fax: (20-2) 579-2211 _ -. tog D li et riPos Web site: www.ifc.org . Deliver Results ler Poor For comments, suggestions, or further information please contact: Dina El Naggar Outreach & Communication Officer Email: delnaggar@worldbank.org Nehal El Kouesny Reducing Poverty and Human Information Assistant Development in MENA Phone: (20-2) 574 1670 Fax: (20-2) 574 1676 Email: nelkouesny@worldbank.org C2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Designed and Printed by On Line Media S.A E., Cairo, Egypt. Pic Egypt 2 WORLD BANK tWEgU P I I rreI ch The challenge of job creation in MNA requires a cross-sectoral approach .to reform based on a conducive investment climate, improved labor market outcomes through better education and training, and employment policies that promote equitable growth and job creation. Mr. Emmanuel Mbi, H.E. Minister Mohei El Din, Mr. Mustapha Nabli and Mr Michal Rutkowski during the conference World Bank MNA Regional Conference on Job Creation and Skill Development concludes: December 4th, growth and job creation are ment climate and capturing opportunities for equitable framework for looking at current labor market dynamics, the critical economic challenges for all countries growth that can be offered by sound labour, social unemployment, job creation and skills development of the MNA region. Ministers and policy makers and economic policies," Minister Mohei El Din said. was introduced. The discussion focused on the review from 16 countries across the region were joined by of a number of issues within the regional context (i) representatives from the private sector, civil society Labor Market Outcomes: An Expanded Agenda for the manpower planning debate and comparison with and international organizations at the 3-day MNA MNA labor market analyses; (ii) the informal sector in MNA Regional Conference on Job Creation and Skill MNA's labor market shares many structural features region; (iii) the role of migration in regional labor Development that was hosted by the World Bank Office with other regions of the world. Nonetheless, MNA!s markets; (iv) the specific case of labor adjustment in in Cairo with support from the UK Department for labor market dynamics vary due to many coexisting the face of privatization, restructuring of state-owned International Development. rigidities that are compounded by a rapidly expanding enterprises, and civil servant reforms; (v) the needs of labor force. In addition, poor labor market outcomes women and other vulnerable groups in the labor market, World Bank estimates that, over the next 20 years, such as unemployment and low earnings are driven such as the disabled, low-skilled, and/or young workers; some 90 million new jobs have to be created to meet largely by: (i) constraints in the investment climate and (vi) the data and measurement issues. the demand of an increasingly young and educated which inhibit growth and job creation, especially in the "Experiences from different regions revealed that often labor force in MNA countries. Not surprisingly, private sector; (ii) lack of alignment between the labor policies are seen in isolation of other social governments in the Middle East and North Africa education and training systems and the labor market, policies that address broader issues of vulnerability Region (MNA) have identified employment creation and (iii) labor market policies that reduce the flexible and risk management. Understanding these linkages as the single most important development challenge deployment of the labor force. is important as some objectives are better served either over the coming decade, though the specific policy by social, or by combinations of labor and social policies concerns may vary by country. In order to meet this Despite variations across the MNA countries, challenges that supplement each other," said Michal Rutkowski, challenge, the current rate of economic growth as well brought forth by integration into the world economy Sector Director of the Human Development Group in as the number of jobs in the region will need to double are creating a significant impact on labour market the WB MNA region. over the next two decades. outcomes. The conference agenda offered a new departure for examining labour market outcomes Setting the Stage for Job Creation: "The agenda of this conference deals with a high- beyond labour issues. "We expanded the agenda to 3 Fundamental Themes: standing priority for MNA countries. We need to, include issues that have a bearing on the capacity of The 3-day conference set the stage for discussions among others, examine the relevance of the informal the economy to create more jobs, the ability of job among a highly diverse group of policy makers, ministers, sector to the job creation agenda and determine how seekers to perform these jobs and the nature of private sector and civil society. Approaching the we can effectively haress the potential and resources employment programs and policies that can facilitate unemployment challenge from a cross-sectoral lens within the sector to support our goals," stated Emmanuel labour mobility as the economy adjusts and creates offered an opportunity for decision makers to reveal Mbi, Country Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti winners and losers," said Mr. Christiaan Poortman, concerns and challenges relating to investment climate, in his welcoming address to participants. "We also need Vice President for the MNA region in his concluding institutional coordination, market regulations and quality to assess the impact of ongoing reforms on youth statement. "This high level representation from the of education. capacities, opportunities and challenges as they cope MNA region offers opportunities for the formulation with global and regional competitiveness. And finally of a comprehensive development program where the In his opening address, Dr. Mustaf4 Nabli, Chief we need to ensure that gender issues are effectively Bank can be of assistance in moving this critical agenda Economist of the World Bank MNA region defined dealt with as we discuss the employment challenge," forward," he further added. "three critical themes" for managing this cross-sectoral he further added. approach. "Establishing an investment climate conducive Understanding Regional Labor Markets Characteristics for job creation and SME development is a theme that From Egypt, H.E. Dr. Mohei El Din, Minister of and Policies needs to be fostered by liberalizing economic Investment, delivered a statement on behalf of the In a Roundtable Discussion, Ministers of Labour, environments," he said. "The second theme relates to Prime Minister where he shared key features of the Education, Economic Policy, Planning and Finance, workforce development through education, skills and Egyptian reform program and its relevance to the job Industry, Social Affairs, Education and Higher training policy in order to effectively accommodate creation agenda. "To ensure the sustainability of job Education/Training from MNA countries presented their the demand growth and deliver employable trained creation, a reform agenda needs to have a lasting experiences within the scope of global and regional workers. The third theme relates to employment policies impact on building human capital, creating an invest- economic and labor market trends. An analytical and institutions," he further added. (Continued on page 12) WORLD BANK GROUP 3 An Interview with Emmanuel Mbi For Emmanuel Mbi, the World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, the year 2005 was a year of change, challenge and new opportunities. In December 2004, Emmanuel assumed his new position based in Cairo. Inspired by transitions, reforms and results, Mr. Mbi keeps an overly busy schedule that is driven by a determination to deliver and an ambition to contribute to sustained alleviation of poverty. During his previous assignment as Country Director 110w do you plan to address these knowledge services and efficient delivery of project for South Central Africa and the Great Lakes Region, challengesP financing, the Bank's assistance remains a very attractive Mr. Mbi took on one of the most challenging Let's take the case of the Country Office. Over the option or package if you wish, for Egypt. assignments in the Bank; with a modest portfolio which past year, the Country Office has gone through a ultimately expanded to US $ 3 billion by the end of transition to become a full "Regional Hub". Many Q What lessons has the Bank drawn from its his term. Before arriving to Egypt, Emmanuel presided functions that were traditionally based in our earlier experience in infrastructure a Consultative Group (CG) meeting with representatives headquarters are handled from here or shared with projects to this new eraP from 21 countries and 20 international organizations headquarters. We have staff working here who are I am glad you raised the question. For those of us who during which nearly US$ 6 billion (a record in Africa) working across the MNA region and beyond. This is have been in the Bank for a long time, what the Bank were pledged for the reconstruction and recovery of part of the Bank's decentralization efforts. We are did and did very well was to support infrastructure the Democratic Republic of Congo. currently increasing our team (Country Office and projects after which, the Bank support to this sector HQ) resources in order to meet the needs of our declined for many years. In Egypt for example, the How wwif you describe your first year as expanding portfolio and ensure that -as much as current CAS includes about 60-70% infrastructure ouiit 1vilrector in the Middle East and possible- the expertise required is available at the projects. The Bank's re-entry to this critical sector was moriu tivica Region Country Office to ensure swift responses to the client the result of the insistence by various countries to in my previous position, I was pleased to be part of solidly underpin their global and regional transition m everal countries where I managed the f: How does the Eglptportfolio respond to the competitiveness. Basically, if you want to compete Bank's program in many post conflict situations: development priorities of a middle- income effectively and efficiently you have to have the necessary reconstruction, rehabilitation, recovery and reform countryP infrastructure in addition, of course, to designing and were squarely on the agenda. In Egypt, I am pleased Our CAS says it all. The agenda of middle-income implementing policy reforms. This is not to say that to be part of an ongoing transition that is based on countries- including Egypt - is a relatively new agenda other sectors such as health and education are not the Government's proactive style in implementing a for the Bank. In recent years, middle income countries important. They are key imperatives for any country. reform agenda In Yemen and Djibouti, poverty have sought the Bank's advice and knowledge and as Both the former and current Bank Presidents have challenges are of a different nature and magnitude. a result the "Knowledge Bank" has proven to be a key emphasized that countries across the world would While politcal contexts may vary, transition processes platform for engaging in policy dialogue and supporting have a difficult time moving forward without developed in all cases involve people at its core and our role as reforms. As a global institution, we have the comparative and adequate infrastructure. Global and regional a development institution is to contribute to making advantage of sharing and drawing upon lessons of experience has revealed that every country that has a sustainable impact on the lives of people: working experiences from the different regions across the world. realized sustained long term growth has a substantial with government, societies, private sector development infrastructure base. partners and other stakeholders." In Egypt, we hosted a number of forums that focused on public private partnerships, improving investment . within the scope of the Egyptian . What are the opportunities and challenges climate, better targeting of the poor, subsidies and the Governments efforts toward of the Bans's agenda in EgyptP economic empowerment of women. We see the value decentralization, how is the Bank Earlier this year, the Bank's Board of Directors discussed in such experience exchange between countries facing addressing capacity and structural gaps the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS 2006 - 2009) the same challenges. In terms of our portfolio design, at the local levelP for Egypt. The Board acknowledged the major strides we are responding to a shift in Egypt's policy agenda The activities we are planning in support of the that the government undertook over the past two that is focusing on achieving high and sustainable Government's efforts in this area include many projects years to reform the economic, financial and social growth, promoting investment, reforming the financial that will be implemented at the local level and hence sectors. This CAS is a new and very different type of sector, creating jobs and targeting vulnerable segments will require additional capacity. We are pleased at CAS for Egypt. The nature of activities: lending and of society. We are building on the experience of the being able to support the Government's gradual shift non-lending, and the highly participatory process that existing projects such as the Social Fund for to decentralization. We have a number of projects in led to their identification represent new features of Development, the Education project, the Sohag Rural the pipeline including the Integrated Governorates our cooperation and partnership with the government, Development Project and others. New projects that Development Projects (I&II), the Alexandria Growth the private sector, donors and most importantly are currently being planned include support for financial Pole Project among others where capacity enhancement members of society. The challenge over the next few sector reform, the Integrated Governorates Projects represents a central feature. years will be to be able to accommodate the pace, (I&11) and a number of major infrastructure projects knowledge, experience and support requirements e.g. the recently negotiated El Tebbin Power project within the resources available to the country program, that will follow the successful experience of the airport country team and country office. development project. Through a combination of our (Continued on page 12) 4 WORLD BANK GROUP New World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Stresses Results Agenda In Annual Meetings 058Speech In describing a world that has seen remarkable progress commitments and the Africa Action Plan represent fin is first address to the Antinal Meetings in the fight against poverty during past decades, the the of the World Bank and laternational Bank president also noted that hundreds of millions largest commitment to increase development Monetary Fund since becoming Bank of people across the world - and particularly in Africa assistance in the past 50 years," Wolfowitz told president June Ist 2005, Wolfewitz told - are being left behind. "Every day, thousands of people reporters. gathered finance and development living in extreme poverty, many of them children, die Leadership Key to improving Lives of the Poor from preventable diseases," Wolfowitz said. "The scale The World Bank president said translating this officials his priority is to ensure the Bank of death and deprivation in Africa is particularly international wellspring of goodwill and intent into produces tangible results in its efforts to alarming. Since 1981, the number of Africans living real results for the world's poor will take leadership support the world's poor, and not just in on less than $1 a day has nearly doubled from 164 and accountability, the empowerment of civil society the poorest countries. Mr. Wolfowitz said million to 314 million." and women, the full participation of the private sector, he believes poverty can be defeated by Concluding 2-days of meetings with top world leaders and adherence to the rule of law. He said the Bank Strong lbader p ideelopinlcountries, and government delegations, Wolfowitz communicated Group needs to explore innovative ways to provide a spirit of hope and optimism. "I believe we've made wider access to financial services to the private sector supported by much closer teamwork by significant progress in fulfilling our obligations to the in developing countries, where growth of small and the donor countries, development world's poorest people, whom we ultimately represent medium-sized companies is often stunted by lack of agencies andcivil society organizationS at these meetings," he told reporters at the conclusion access to finance. The Bank chief also noted that that offir them despea te ded of the semi-annual meeting of the, a ministerial-level governments in developing countries could spur growth committee of the governors of the World Bank and and ensure empowerment of the poorest people by the International Monetary Fund. ensuring there is a sound legal framework in place, "Whether investing in education, health, "The high point of these meetings is the historic complemented by fair, consistent and coherent infrastructure, agriculture, the environment, we in endorsement," said Wolfowitz, "of the G8 proposal regulation. the World Bank must be sure that we deliver results. to cancel 100 percent of the debts of some of the Finally, Wolfowitz pledged to better target Bank Group And by results, let me be clear. I mean results that world's poorest countries." Finance and Development programs in middle-income countries, which are home have a real impact in the day-to-day lives of the ministers who were gathered for the of the IMF and to more than one billion of the world's poorest people. poor. We stand accountable to them for these World Bank reached agreement on financing of the "With time, and with results, the needs of our partners results," he added. debt relief promise put forward by G7 finance ministers will evolve. Success will bring new challenges that will "We cannot just count the number of schools, in London last June and endorsed by the heads of G8 require new responses," he said. "As our partners grow clinics, and businesses that are established," he countries in Gleneagles in July. and prosper, we too must adapt our mission and said. "It is also about the quality of the curriculum, operations. Innovation and adaptation will be critical the health care delivered and the jobs created. We The Development Committee also supported the World if the Bank is to remain relevant in this changing must address both the qualitative as well as the Bank's new Africa Action Plan and committed the Bank world." U quantitative challenges which deny opportunities to increased financing of infrastructure as part of a for the poor." growth agenda. "Taken together, the G8 777 Ivand DevelOpment: 11,0R.' 1i1s year the Bank's flagship.annual publication the 'World Development Report' fings the theme of1'EquN- to the forefront of developmental strategic planning, raource allocation and decision making. The report released in September 2005 rises many queions relating to the effectiveness of national and global development policies in addressing inequalities and allowing individuals across the world a fair access to opportunity that is irrespective of race, gender, social or family background. Equity In a presentation at the Ilth Annual Conference of economic and political inequalities reinforce each the Economic Research Forum (ERF) hosted ip Cairo, other. institutions tend to emerge that are less Dr. Glovanna Prennushi, iead Economist at the conducive to long-term growth. World. Bank, presented some of the teport!s key messages and findings. The implication of this message for the Bank's analytical and operational work is that there is a legitimate role A bro sharing of economic and political for public action in the pursuit of equity. prmvided opportunities is instrumenta forgrowth and sud action is cognizant of the primacy of individual delopmentk both becauseilleadstha more efficient freedoms. and of the role of markets in allocating use of a nation's resources, and because when resources. WORLD BANK GROUP 5 Ongaoing a-- r kat 4 Health Soctor (US$90 million) (it Secondary Education Enhancement (US$50 million) 'Ie project will: (I) expand the health insurance toward universal coverage The project will: (i) increase access to general secondary education or a basic package of primary health care and public health services; through upgrading commercial schools to technological general schools IId (ii) improve accesS to, efficiency and quality of primary care and and provide flexible options for study within and between branches of public health services in the three pilot Governorates to meet the service the system; (ii) better align curricula and assessment with skills needs demand created by the expansion of PHC health insurance coverage. of employers and higher education; (iii) provide professional development for teachers and administrators on new technologies, curricula, assessment ' Education Enhancement (US$75 million) and management techniques; and (iv) strengthen institutional capacity. Key objectives of the project are to (i) increase access to equity; (ii) mprove the quality of student performance; and (iii) enhance the 6 Social Fund Ill (US$50 million) efficiency of the education system. The project's objective is to help create jobs and provide community infrastructure and services through labor-intensive works. 't East Delta Agriculture Services (US$15 million) The project aims to increase the productivity of 26,000 low-income C@ Sohag Rural Development (US$25 million) families who have been recently settled on about 130,000 feddans of The project will primarily support the sustainable development of Sohag saline soil to be reclaimed. rural villages through the participatory approach initiated by the National Program for Integrated Rural Development. National Drainage II (US$50 million) The project will: (i) increase the agricultural productivity of about 0.8 @ Higher Education Enhancement (US$50 million) million feddans of irrigated land by improving drainage conditions through The project will create the conditions fundamental to improving the evacuation of excess irrigation water with subsurface drains into existing quality and efficiency of the higher education system in Egypt through open drains; and (ii) avoid yield and production losses on this land, which legislative reform, institutional restructuring, and establishment of would result if waterlogging and soil salinity problems were to persist. independent quality assurance mechanisms and monitoring systems. I Irrigation Improvement (US$80 million) 6 Skills Development (US$5.5 million) The project will: (i) increase agricultural production and farmers income The project will assist the borrower in carrying out a pilot program to by improving the irrigation infrastructure, facilitating a more equitable stimulate the private sector demand for skills training development distribution of water and improving on-farm irrigation management; (ii) through a demand-driven and competitively-based mechanism. improve the long-term sustainability through takeover of responsibility for operation and maintenance of the tertiary level irrigation system by the farmers and their sharing in the costs for tertiary level investments; ( Airport Development (US$335 million) and (iii) strengthen the institutional planning and implementation capacity The project will support the borrower's ongoing efforts to eliminate of MWRI in the irrigation subsector. capacity bottlenecks to growth in airport traffic, raise t he quality of services to international best-practice standards at Cairo International P.S. Rehabilitation III (US$120 million) and Sharm El Sheikh Airports, and promote private sector participation in airport management and service delivery. The main objective of the project is to improve the efficiency and reliability of delivery of irrigation water and timely evacuation of drainage water to prevent the losses in crop yields resulting from aging pumping stations @ Early Childhood Education Enhance. (US$20 million) on the irrigation and drainage system. The Early Childhood Education Enhancement Project for Egypt aims to achieve its development objectives through the following three components: (i) Increase Access; (ii) Improve Quality; and (iii) Build Capacity. The @ Integrated Irrigation Improvement (US$120 million) Access component will: (i) support the public construction and maintenance The overall project objective is to assist the Government in improving program; (ii) support expansion through kindergartens registered through the management of irrigation and drainage in the project area to increase the Ministry of Insurance and social Affairs and community provided the efficiency of irrigated agriculture water use and services (expected facilities; and (iii) address demand-side constraints. to have positive impacts on water distribution quantity, quality, equity and timeliness). 6 WORLD BANK GROUP M VU* U U E* RUWFE WM i- ruW .* 'World Bank Ong oinga Projects Approval Closing Loan Amunr ye Projects Date Date Amount Amount Primary Sector (UlS$ mil) i ztm wiow11/04/97 31-Jun-07 15.00 6.57 Agriculture National Draina*e II0/5010Ju175.02.7 *iutr -Irrigation Improvement 122/4 3-u-6 8.06.2 Agriculture Integrated Irrig. Improv. &_Mgmnt 0AgricutlureSO__ Piumping Stations.Rehab). III 080698 31Au-6r0000592 Agri-culture Sohag Rural Dev. _007/9 0Ar0 50 84 giutr Early Chidho Educ. Enacmn 021/5 3-e-0 2.001 dcato Education Enhancement 1/49 1Ag0 50 87 dcto H Ec. E 0 Education Skills Development 073/3 30-Jun-08 5.0.1 Edcto Secodar Edc Enanemn 05/9 *30-Jn-6 50001-5 Euato t Setor 03 Hth/Social Protection Social Fund III 0601- - HIth/Social Protection Airports Development 0/00 30Jn9 35.0439 Infrastructure Total 1- 06.5 41.9 11/ As of December 15, 2005 Fiscal o ya Ii- --- -_ 16 Infrastructure Agriculture 31% - 37% _ Education Health/19% 1/ Result as of Sea October 31 2005 Proection (excluding cancellations) 13% fDisbursements 1/ 900 7 200 US$ million 800 6 160 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 700 5 140 -- - - - --- - - 60012 900 4-- m -I- - - - 80 - 300 A 2600 200 A 00 40 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Om0 Fiscal Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1/ Disbursement figure for FY2006 is projected as US$200 million considering the volume of excepted disbursements in FY06. WORLD BANK GROUP 7 . 4 Call for Parliamentarians 77A to Deliver Results f0r Poor Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, World Bank President in this year 2005 - the Year of Development - the plight of the world's poor has dominated the global policymaking agenda as never before. There have been pledges to double aid to Africa and cancel the debt of the world's poorest countries. One often overlooked group wields the power to ensure that this momentum becomes the reality on the ground. H ostEc t, -iii,irnent of Finland, the sixth chairs the independent Parliamentary Network on the Bank President Paul Wolfowitz referred to the critical ann, 1 n nwe e ci the Parliamentary Network World Bank, said: "This meeting comes at a pivotal role of parliamentarians in the coming period. on tn Wo-k Bank under the theme "Beyond time. As parliamentarians, we need to build the "Development policies are not made in a vacuum. They he Year of icvlopm'nt: What Now?', brought 200 necessary political will. It is our job to hold governments reflect the political environment in which they are ected wcreser t,is f, ace-to-face with World Bank and inter-governmental agencies like the World Bank, formulated. This means that effective leadership and revident ", ui W uv'"iowitz, World Trade Organization the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade strong public institutions are needed if we are to fight .ircctor Glenera Pisc-il Lamy, and other development Organization accountable," Koenders said. "We poverty successfully. It also means effective leadership Saders. Th q3tninn featured workshops on pressing parliamentarians can no longer afford to be the missing by elected representatives. Well-functioning ssues sucf, is d:cs relict, trade, climate change, and link. We need a strategy for change." parliaments can help ensure that the voices of the d effectivene, poor are heard and that their needs are addressed in ,wing that -e Ic r action ir tihe fight against The Parliamentarv Network of the World the policymaking process. Against this background, )overty had re,cnatec oud and clear around the world Dank - COMMOn Interests on a Ilio1gue the World Bank and Parliamentarians are increasingly luring thl ear i development, President Paul Alenda working on issues of common interest." Nolfowitz urgen p irliamentarians from 90 countries According to Wolfowitz, parliaments play an equally o help tht couni ie deliver results for the poor. "As Across the world, parliamentarians oversee public vital role in countries that provide development Vorld Bark P-ener intend to build on the resources, and provide a much-needed link between assistance. Parliaments debate and approve foreign- )uartnerhip th,t the 3ank has already established the World Bank and grassroots constituents. That is aid budgets and shape and review development Aith parlient iroond the world," Wolfowitz said. why the Bank sees parliamentarians as important policies. They are also an important partner in the Their oversis it toe has an important bearing on the development partners who can call for more and better call for action, making the case for more aid, better snssion to hg;ht poverty. Across the world, aid and fairer trade, promote reforms, take on use of aid and more trade opportunities. oarliamentanam ii attor public resources and provide corruption, and shape development projects. Over the past ten years, the World Bank Group has i crucial hri between the World Bank and the local Set up in 2000, PNoWB now gathers nearly 1,000 also responded to requests for capacity building. More o3mmunit,e in h o h evei and developed parliamentarians from 110 countries. The group aims inb eveloping adevlpd to encourage policy dialogue between legislators and recently with Finland's support, the Bank conducted ountries," ie further idded. to e olicddaoe b e g t and a study to examine the parliament's role in representing thearlde ian and the fight agant mobe the poor in conflict-effected countries, the most Parliamentarians: meeting at a Pivotal Time paeliamentarians in th ft an h intpr-prentary vulnerable group in the developing world. The report 2005 has oeen the year for world leaders to take Members ofgPNoWl ad ther in elment of this study group has been distributed to some 50 initiatives regularly engage the Bank on development Palmetarudhewl. .-entre stage and p,edge to help the world's poor. It Parliaments around the world. issues such as HIV/AIDS, economic reform, international Nas evident ar Ihe )uiy G8 meeting of the world's For the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank, vas vidns ~ Ih u GBtrade and fighting corruption. Parliamentarian networks' nalor industrial zed nations - a meeting that led to over the past few years have debated a number of two areas emerge as a focus for partnerships according eaders pleoginji to boost aid to Africa and cut debt key questions relating to the Millenium Development to the World Bank President. These are engaging )f poorer countries. And leaders from around the Goals and the commitment of the international Paitarians in dialogue and strengthening the vorld met in September in New York at the United capacity of Parliaments who are becoming more integral Nation's Wot Id Suinmit to examine how to get poorer mmnity s an tillin a sense of to the mission of the World Bank Group. For the meeting the goals on time. Many are skeptical of a Bn,arslsbsdaed adtsacmimn nations bacK on traick to meet the Millennium "business as usual" approach that is likely to hinder Bank, a results-based agenda mandates a commitment )evelopment Goalk - the international set of targets efforts of aprcthat is lnele groups that comes with strong leadership. "Throughout recent o improve the health education and living standards and oerty redon amng inableroups histories, parliaments have steered their countries of the poor by the year 2015. Trade took centre stage and indeed the role of parliamentarians in accelerating through times of great change and contributed to n December 2005 with the 6th World Trade tic l , progress and development. Today, parliaments must Organization Ministerial Conference that was held in The annual conference is the network's f event rise to a new challenge: helping their countries to -long Kong With this, Year of Development already oae n collbran i the world Ban , stand accountable in the fight against poverty and to delveingclar roise sch s oosin th alay organized in collaboration with the World Bank. For deliver results for the poor," said Mr. Wolfowitz.EM delivering clear promises such as boosting the quality the Bank, the Helsinki gathering offered an opportunity deirrsutfothpor"adMrWlowz.1 and quantity of aid, the world's poor are expected to to sample ol inion from arliamenta y ienefit. to sample political opinion from parliamentary leaders across the world. In his opening statement, World 8s Bert Koenders, sh Dutch parliamentarian who 8 WOFILD BANK GROUP 'J artan UHGH 0 B fld Ban lrnores ha e 811 I pp 11111s li IItallull a as~ verlialonand Humif0 inb teis lil n Iri 18ti Since the mid-1 980s, there has been little progress in the poverty situation in the MENA region although human development indicators have continued to improve. Accelerating poverty reduction and sustaining human development improvement are important challenges for the region in the future says a World Bank report. he report provides an overview of trends in poverty and human that prevented higher rates of return to education and higher rates of 3 development indicators during the last two decades. It shows that employment were those related to trade. insufficient openness to trade the substantial progress in reducing poverty in earlier decades came and investment constrained the returns to human development investments to a halt in the latter half of the 1980s. Average poverty rates for the in the region. region, measured at the $2 per capita per day international poverty line, fell to around 25 percent by 1987, the lowest in the world at that time. Progress in human development indicators despite economic stagnation But they stagnated thereafter, fluctuating between 20 and 25 percent. and a decline in levels of social spending suggests gains in the efficiency "This is the social cost of slow growth," says Mustapha Nabli, Chief of service delivery during the 1990s. Such efficiency gains may have Economist at the World Bank for the MENA region noting that "an come from better targeting of spending to underserved groups. They may additional 11 million people were added to the ranks of the poor between also have arisen from positive cross-sectoral impacts of earlier investments 1987 and 2001 because the region's population continued to grow but in female education and the provision of safe water supply. For example, its economies didn't." statistical analysis shows a strong link between child mortality improvements during 1980-2000 and the level of female education achieved by 1980. The depth and breadth of knowledge about the causes and consequences The report also notes that the region's social safety nets need considerable of poverty in MENA is limited by the availability of data. This is a serious improvement. The parts of the safety net that are effective are not efficient issue in MENA countries where, according to Farrukh lqbal, the principal and the parts that are relatively efficient are not effective. For example, author of the report, "access to data is typically considered not a matter food and energy subsidies reach a large number of people and are effective of public right but of bureaucratic discretion." Often, this results in the in the sense that they also reach the poor. However, both food and energy lack of good information even within government agencies to understand subsidies are inefficient in that they involve a lot of resource leakage to and analyze poverty, design effective anti-poverty programs, and learn the non-poor. On the other hand, cash handouts are often better targeted from experience. Fortunately, there is enough aggregate data available to the poor and the vulnerable but they are funded at such low levels to the World Bank that a credible picture of poverty trends can be (typically less than 1 percent of GDP) that they are not very effective. assembled even for the MENA region. While acknowledging some improvements in the design of food subsidies According to this picture, while poverty incidence rates did not improve in such countries as Tunisia and Egypt and the switch from a food subsidy during the period from 1985 to 2000, there were strong gains in human system to a cash transfer system in Algeria and Jordan, the report notes development: Literacy spread to 69 percent of the population, average that opportunities to make a more substantial difference through reforming schooling (for those above 15) rose to 5.2 years, child mortality rates fiscally-profligate energy subsidies have largely been missed. plunged to around 46 per thousand births, and life expectancy continued The report argues for a three-pronged plan to meet future challenges: (a) to climb to reach 68 years. Indeed, the region improved its human accelerate growth while paying special attention to the need to increase indicators faster than middle-income comparators over this period. labor absorption in the private sector; (b) further improve human capital The fact that little poverty reduction occurred during the 1990s despite by focusing on education quality at all levels and expanding the access remarkable gains in human development reflects a failure to translate of the poor to health services; and (c) strengthen social safety nets through rising human capital into higher productivity. The slow growth experienced an emphasis on efficiency and insurance objectives. by the region over this period was a consequence in part of deficiencies in macroeconomic and structural policies. Among the structural policies (Continued imm page 12) WORLD BANK GROUP 9 HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Middle East and North Africa World Bank Launches Regional Strategy to Help Countries Develop National HIV/AIDS Plans On December 1, The World Bank launched a regional strategy to help countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) prevent a major surge in the HIV/AIDS infections in the region. The new strategy - Preventing HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa: A window of Opportunity to Act-will help countries Countries in the Middle East and North Africa referred to in this strategy are: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank & Gaza, and the Republic of Yemen. fight HIV/AIDS more effectively. "Wih an estimated 0.2 percent of adults infected prevention and expansion of access to information. the remaining countries in the region as well. ivith the HIV ,AIDS virus, MENA's level of infection is E Support capacity building and knowledge sharing elatively low compared with Africa, South Asia and for comprehensive management of HIV/AIDS Long-Term Economic and Social Impact of Central Asia is well as the Caribbean regions," says programs. HIV/AIDS Ayo Akala, World Bank Public Health Specialists and The financial and economic costs of HIV/AIDS can be author of the Strategy. "Our strategy cautions, however, So far this year, 67,000 people were newly infected substantial, especially when it reaches the full AIDS that low prevalence does not mean low risk." with HIV in the region and the total number of AIDS epidemic stage. A recent World Bank study estimated deaths has increased from 55,000 in 2003 to 58,000 that an AIDS epidemic could reduce the average While many governments have taken steps to prevent in 2005 so far, according to UNAIDS. Additionally, economic growth rate in the MENA region by 1.5 HIV AIDS, tne new strategy says that their overall the total the number of deaths due to AIDS in the percent per year for the period 2000-25.5 Cumulatively, response has been too slow Regional HIV/AIDS region has increased almost sixfold since the early this would translate into a potential loss in production activities have focused primarily on medical responses, 1990s. of about 35 percent of the current gross domestic such as olood supply safety, mandatory testing, and product value by 2025. The most visible consequences increasingly treatment to AIDS patients. However, the "We know from intemational experience that HIV/AIDS of HIV/AIDS are the increased spending on prevention, social and economic factors driving an HIV/AIDS prevalence rates grow exponentially, so the MENA care, and treatment. For MENA countries, the financial epidemic in MENA countries have not been sufficiently region is well poised to capitalize on this knowledge cost of an HIV/AIDS epidemic could be substantial. addressed. For example, many countries lack by investing early on in monitoring and prevention," An estimate by Jenkins and Robalino (2003) projects comprehensive national strategies. says Bachir Souhlal, World Bank HIV/AIDS Focal Point the direct cost of HIV/AIDS to be on average around and Lead Social Development Sepcialist for the region. 1.5 percent of GDP by 2015 for most MENA countries, Furthermore, the strategy suggests countries work "Good prevention programs are a bargain compared and as high as 5 percent in Djibouti (see figure below). more closely with people living with HIV/AIDS and with the costs of the epidemic." concentrate on high risk groups such as injecting drug Souhlal says that countries should immediately step users, commercial sex workers, prisoners (who are up their efforts in prevention, particularly as the spread For more information on World Bank activities in often drug users), and men who have sex with men. of HIV is vulnerable to migrations, wars, economic the Middle ast and North A1111A, downturns and other developments that affect social or-to viewhestae,pleaselsit;_, According to the new strategy, it is important to keep stability. http:/liviiirWorldbankomena in mind that HIV/AIDS surveillance systems in the For more iormaotion World Bank activiies on region are very weak. For example, many private health The World Bank has worked with Lebanon and Morocco HIV/MDS, pleas" providers do not report HIV/AIDS cases. Official to develop national strategies and hopes to work with http/ wwwidW0d**rgVAd5 HIV/AIDS estimates tend to be vague and lack reliable data making it difficult for governments to respond Economic Losses Incurred by Delaying Interventions by Five Years in 2000-25 effectively. 3 The strategy's key aims are to: 2m . " Engage political leaders, policy 20 makers and key stakeholders to raise awareness and give greater priority to HIV/AIDS programs within the national development agenda, with particular focus on prevention and 5 expanding access to information. * Help countries to upgrade their 0 surveillance systems and strengthen Algeria DlibouI Egypt. Iran. Jordan Lebanon Mowcm Tunisia Yemen. research and evaluation of epidemiological, rt m Rep. of economic, and behavioral aspects of HIV/AIDS. Souce: C Jeridns andD A Robaino. 2003. " Support the development of national HIV/AIDS HNt#/NDS in de Middle East and North Afrca strategy and programs with priority focus on The Costs of kaction. Washirrton. DC* World Bank 1o WOF LD BANK GROUP 2005 in a Snapshot Maler Events at UMe World Bank Euglt Countr Office Government of Egypt, Netherlands and KFW. Egypt to the Information and Decision Support M Departure of Shengman Zhang, Managing Director I Ms. Judith Heumann Special Advisor to the Bank Center of the World Bank after a 2-day visit to Egypt on Disability visits Egypt on a 6-day tour to W Mr. Emmanuel Mbi World Bank Country Director where he met with the Prime Minister to discuss familiarize with relevant activities and programs. joins the Water Sector team in launching the field- the features of the new Country Assistance Strategy based preparation/consultations of the integrated (CAS 2006-2009) within the context of Egypt's sanitation and sewerage program in rural areas of reform program. W World Bank Board of Directors discusses the new the Delta region " Two weeks following his official appointment on Country Assistanie Strategy (CAS 2006-2009) N Launch of the Japanese Social Development Fund 15 December as New World Bank Country Director E The MNA Sialf Grants Workshop for Youth for Preventing Child Labor at the National Council for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, Mr. Emmanuel Organizations was hosted in Egypt where more for Childhood and Motherhood in a ceremony Mbi's launches CAS consultations with government, than 70 youth representatives from 5 MNA chaired by the Secretary General of the NCCM. private sector and civil society. countries participated. _OM__ 8 Negotiations of the El Tebbin Power Plant Project " Signing of the Early Childhoodevelopment Project U Mr Christiaan Poortman, World Bank Vice concluded with the representatives of the in a ceremony attendedby Mr. James Wolfensohn, President for the MNA region joins H.E. Mrs Government of Egypt World Bank President and Egypt's Prime'Minister Suzanne Mubarak, Chairperson of the National " World Bank President,Mr. James Wolfensohn Council of Women atthe High Level Policy Forum leads a high-level-World Bank management and on Economic Empowerment-and Opportunities W The Regional Conference on Job Creation and expert team joined by senior government and for Egyptian Women Skills Development launched Mr. Emmanuel World Bank representatives from Brazil and Mexico W Mr. Emmanuel Mbi, World Bank Country Director Mbi World Bank Country Director joined by Michal Rutowski, Sector Director for the Human at the High Level Retreat on Enhancing Social for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti joins Dr. Ismail Safety Nets ,i Egypt that was hosted by Dr. Ahmed Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Development Group at the World Bank, MNA Nazif, Egypts Prime Minister, at the signing ceremony and launch of the Public regon. W Mr. EmmahIUel Mbi World Bank Country Director, Information Center at,the Library in the city of 0 Visit*f Mr. Christiaan Poortman, Vice President addresses the Mediterranean Cities Forum Alexandria. for the MNA region to conduct high level organizedby the Bibliotheca Alexandrina with I Mr. Emmanuel Mbi meets with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- discussions with the Egyptian pnme nister and supportfrom the World Bank and in collaboration Iweala, Nigerian Minister of Finance and members of Cabinet. with a number of international organizations accompanying high4evelWdelegation to -share I World Development Report 207 Country-level " World Bank supports and participates in the perpectives on Consultations with youth from Upper and Lower Regional Consultations on the World Water Forum officials during a oneday visit to Egypt that was Egypt Mexico 2006 that were held in Cairo. coordinated by the N"gerin Embassy and supported U World Bank Country Office hosts the Wonen in by the World Bank Country Office. Economy Workshop for the Mashreq lank Nmm Mr. Emanuel Mbi, World Bank Countby Director N World Bank executive directors unanimousselected addresses a diverse group of international and Mr. Paul Wolfwvotiz as the new presidentof the Introduction of the Alternate Work Schedule for regional investors at the opening of the International World Bank group. Country Office staff and completion of new office Conference Egypt Invest 2005 * Visit of the WordBank Ombudsman to expansion. U Cotsultation meeting on piloting the Use of 0 MNA-ECA Frontleii Workshop in Bank Operations Country Environment Systems tothe Bank- supported project Environmental Pollution E Regional launch of the Doing Business 2006 by Abatement Project II Mr Michael Klein. Vice President for the World N World Bank MNA Chief Economist, Dr. Mustapha Bank/IFC and author of the report joined by Mr Nabl, joined by Mr. Emmanuel Mbi, Country the MNA Financial Management team organizes Emmnauel Mbi Country Director and senior Director for Egypt, Yemer and Djibouti launch the on Enhancing Corporate F;nandal Reporting in members of government, private sectoi, civil society World Bank regional report titled: Sustaining gains Egypt with high level atterlance incuding the and media representatives in Poverty-reduction and human Development in Egyptian Minister o* Investment and leading inteational and local private stetor resnta6ives Mr. Emmanuel Mbi Country Director, joins the MNA to regional and local media. Minister of Electricity at the opening of the National a Mr. Emmanuel Mbi, World Bank Country Director " World Bank Country Ofice hosts Workshop on WuWorkshop on Deman4ftanagement and-Energy signs the agreement of the establishment of the Young Professionals Program Efficiency third Public Information Center at the intemationally- renowned Sugar Technology Institute (STI) in Assuit Governorate in a ceremony attended by the Vice World Bank Board of Directors approves US$ 120 I National Presentation of the main findings of the President of Assuit University and the Director of million loan for the Integrated Irrigation Bank-assisted report titled: Toward a More Effective STI. E Improvement project with joint financing from the Social Policy: Subsidies and Social Safety Nets in WORLD BANK GROUP 11 W II~ ( tinued rom a Balancing Employment Opportunities with coordination among these agencies is a challenge that MNA is growing and the timing is opportune for "Equitable Growth" needs to be effectively overcome. In most instances fostering cross-cultural themes to exchange experiences I egates shared experiences and listened to a number the Ministry of Labour is not part of the economic and draw upon lessons from other regions. The first ( cresentations that introduced ideas for placing policy-making and yet ministers of labour are in the series of regional flagship reports released in 2003 on tmployment creation at the centre of economic frontline in dealing with it. unemployment, gender, governance and trade created policymaking, and on improving the job prospects of a significant level of interest among policy makers and lions of young peoole who are either unemployed "Cross -Cutting" Conferences- A Platform for paved the way for many economic reforms that need .Underemployed to ensure "equitable growth". The Policy Dialogue to be implemented. As the Bank prepares to launch niployment challenge cannot be solved by one minister Over the past few years, the World Bank has been two additional flagship reports on education and water, r agency alone confirmed participants. A actively engaged in policy dialogue and providing the region is experiencing a transition that fundamentally omprehensive effort involving the Ministries of technical advice to several MNA countries. In a region hinges on its capacity to build cross-sectoral networks conomy, Finance, Planning, Investment, Education, featuring a diversity of economies and priority agendas that would ensure the sustainability and effectiveness abor, Training as well as the private sector and civil whether among the GCC, middle income or the relatively of these reforms and foster principles of public ociety including trade unions represents the solution. lower income countries, national and sub-regional accountability and equitable growth.E 'et for MNA countries, as in other parts of the world, agendas vary. Demand on the "Knowledge Bank" across For more information about the World Bank's work in Egypt, please visit- wwwworldbank.org/eg (Continued f*m p 9) (Continued from page 4) would also like to emphasize to many skeptics that and fight poverty. Corruption is a cancer that destroys 9ector decentralization is not one thing you can do from one the very essence of development and puts the lives can day to the next. Even in very "old" Federations like of many at risk. We have the duty to ensure that ,he US, Australia, Brazil and others, they are still facing fighting corruption stays at the top of the agenda and fe many challenges with decentralization that they need that Bank-financed projects are beyond reproach. The average y to overcome to ensure that the decentralization is one thing we do not want to do is to put money in or effective. an environment where there are "leakages" even if it's in not Bank funds that are stake. Our funds complement Q: HOW does the Bank regard its relationship public and other donors resources so it is a shared e as with civil societyp responsibility to ensure that fighting corruption, ensuring th One thing I would like to make clear is that it is not transparency and public accountability are part of any mo M,O so much about the Bank's relationship with civil society. program to promote the development of any country. by Rather, one needs everybody's contribution in the cevelopment of a country so you cannot push Q: Finally, how does the Bank view The development if you are ignoring one part of society Cooperation and partnerships with other are or a civil entity at the international level. It is "common donorsP and sense" in doing "good business" to bring in civil society This is one of the key roles of the Country Office the and consult with them- as we do with other because the action is on the ground and- as and stakeholders- on a variety of interventions and to get representatives of our institutions- we are committed their views on what we can do better. It is common to the quality and effectiveness of such actions. In front knowledge that in the past there were often tensions Egypt for example, you have several donors and improve With with civil society, in particular NGOs, as to whether coordination to ensure effectiveness is absolutely the the Bank's assistance was actually reaching the poor. essential. The Bank is playing an important role in that h However, I think more and more civil society groups leading and facilitating this coordination while ensuring and thuns now realize that they did not fully understand and that we are all partners. The question is: what are higTMtsTP7 appreciate the Bank's efforts and the Bank has figured different strengths that we can bring to our common of that it is in its interest to build strong bridges to civil vision to help Egypt develop and modernize as it fights society to effectively achieve its mission. poverty. Taking the education sector for example, we are very active in this field and so are the European The question is not how we see our relationship but Commission (EC) and USAID with whom we coordinate. Safety nxran rather how best we can benefit from each others' Similarly in the financial sector, it is crucial that we knowledge and experience as we go forward. The coordinate our efforts with other donors (the EC, through r bottom line is that we are all trying to create jobs, USAID and the African Development Bank). We are constrat ;yd fight poverty. doing the same in health, and in infrastructure. We as wel asyt , are very encouraged by what the government itself is and related ta c Safety net : NOW do YOU mainstream the Bank's firm doing on the national side. It is inspiring to have a canalso be sre ned tough measures that position on fighting corruption and government that is moving fast sometimes faster than help insuie tplv*dwrsh i of joiwWd lincome transparency in Bank's operationsP us. Everyday, something new is happening that is loss. Such.0wA_* Transparency is a central pillar of anything that the laying the foundation for a new and different insurance, lieMmaryaVpiynllntin publcwors, Bank does to help any country to promote growth Egypt. 1 and micraiananoz.1 12W0RLD BANK GROUP YPT Publ ic Information Center What is the Public information Center PIC Yve, - he uast tvi yeirs, ne W,orld Bank Egypt Office in co eration wth ,ational -artners in the field of - 1 , -. D)e eipment l-TCrmatioji-has established a Public ifor miatin Cent-s , PC ) Net work that includes 3 er te Tie f,rst vas lau,ched in August 2004 at hite Inintu e o, Nauoral Planning in Cairo, the second n u 2005 t the Hibliothec, Alexandrina. and the Ihi-ö as ecentiv launched at the Sugar Technology ns:itL.te o, Ass1t UlVerSity. g[Alexandria PIC at Bibliotheca Through tnest int eractive plat-orms designed for Alexandrina information access and intellectual exchange, students, Located at: Documentation and Publishing researchers, NGOs, and the general public can Cet. Insitute of National Planning contribute to :he tevelopment of their communities Salah Salem St. Nasr City. Calio and e,nance thir knowledge on a broad range of dev,e,opment ;s, uc: The Documentation Center of the Institute has pa ~ been a depository library for World Bank the b1 of AMa a 4od krilweval Information Services Offered by the publications for long years, through which - rerrm ,i ift Egypt PIC Network cooperation between the two insutions has field of kn~dcdftI. vam ssMat been very fruitful. The Center is also one of the BibltheeAemna sab to aahie- in The se-vices provdec by the HC network covers all few World Bank entes around the world creating with related informatic,i to development, not only by the equipped with a special service for visuay jk-dad chmäd l World Bark, but arso other partner institutions working disabled users that is provided free of charge. for OK in this field whether UN agencies or bilateral excha 2 devetorment assistance agencies. fith assistance froim ighly qualified resource librarians, PIC litfornaticin 5ervices inclice: Assiut P1C at the Sugar Technology Research Institute (SRTI) - Free access to general information on the World Bank Group. - World Bank pubications, papers, reports, and operational intormation according to the World Bank's disclesure poliv. - Frec access to electronic scarch through the internet on the Bank's website. - Answers to individual queries through email U or telephone. As a pioneer instit~ioin ~pEOgyt the Unrsit in ddinon, a SPEAKERS >ROGRAM represents an s- - ----¯ i an active .p~ in the deveio~ of loi irnportant featu-e of the °IC Information Services communities-and the entire country. whereby seminars and lectures introducing prominent speakers representing the various development dis< iplines from thIe Bank and outside will be organized. To purchase World Bank publications, please contact the official distributor in Egypt: Eiirlr*MI.TE. IMMITM,T =.1 11N ='lW Located at 2 Bahgat Ali St Zamalek ,Cio Tel: 735 38 18 Online purchase orders can be malde at the following address: MERIC was awarded the 'Best Overall Performance 2005" during the Frankfurt Book Fair in October http://publications.worldbank.org/commerce/ 2005, for achieving outstanding sales of World Bank publications througtiout Africa and the Middle East. WORLD BANK GROUP 13 .. . ....... r e rt save ates a hottom ip approach to The report points out that the adverse effects of Bank Lead Economist, was attended by a diverse detemnining development priorities: public action unequal opportunities and political power on group representing public and private institutions shoutc seek to expand the opportunity sets of those development are all the more damaging because the across the MNA region as well as members of who. i) 1he absence of policy interventions, have the economic, social and political inequalities are academia, think tanks and civil society. least resources, voice and capabilities. Such a focus reproduced time and time again across generations. would aim to level the playing field in the crucial areas It leads to what the report calls 'inequality traps - Leveling the playing field of human capacities; justice and the rule of law; land where the cycle of underachievement continues.' In order to boost equity in developing countries, the and access to infrastructure; and in the broad The report says that equity is a fundamental part of report calls for policies aimed at leveling the economic functioning of markets and the macro-economy. the package needed to achieve empowerment and a and political playing field. These include: better investment climate. 'it is also essential to F Investing in people by expanding access to health The report is based on data indicating that in some achieving the Millennium Development Goals.* services (right from birth and targeting the most countries infant mortality are four times as high for "Action to bring about greater equity in the needy); expanding access to schooling, and the poor as they are for the rich. Similar inequalities international arena needs to complement action on providing safety nets for the working poor, those exist in the coverage of immunization systems and the domestic front," said Dr. Prennushi at the ERF unable to work and special vulnerable groups. access to good schools, in access to credit and even Annual Conference. "Developed country policies on * Taxes for equity - the report advocates broad based in coverage of the law. On a global scale, the report trade, migration, capital flows, aid and the taxes - on tfebasis thatleveling thevpapig'ied confirms inequities are massive. "The inequities start management of natural resources should be made will require adequate resources at birth," Prennushi says. Seven out of every 1,000 more equitable, and developing countries should have Pp Building equitable justice systems and achieving American babies die in the first year of their lives, but greater voice in international fora, she further added. greater equity in access to land, and infrastructure in Mali, the figure jumps to 126 babies out of every with a special focus on poor people and poor areas thousand. Dr. Heba Handoussa Advisor to the Economic Research More equal access to finance by broadening finandal Forum chaired the session where she was joined by systems The babies who do survive - not only in Mali, but in Dr. Lyn Squire, President, Global Development Network * Promoting fairness in the labor market - so workers Africa and in the poorer countries of Asia and Latin and Dr. All Abdel Gadir Ali, Arab Planning Institute are protected and ot discrinated against in any America - are at much greater nutritional risk than as discussants to the report The session, organized market. U those born in rich countries. by Radwan Shaban. ERF Research Fellow and World To order World Bank Group publications, contact: PIC Manager: Nehal El Kouesny, E-mail: nelkouesny@worldbank.org Tel.: 574-1670 Fax.: 574-1676 Or visit our Public Information Center: 1191 Corniche El Nil St., World Trade Center, 15th Floor, Cairo, Egypt, PIC hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For 24-hour assistance visit our website at: www.worldbank.org/publications 00, Subscription Form To ensure you receive the World Bank Newsletter Egypt Outreach regularly, please fill out the form below with your contact information and fax it to us. Thank youl 'un ________________ Fax. Please fax this form to 574 1676, or e-mail your contact information to nelkouesny@worldbank.org : A N K G R 0 U P