Volume 2, Number 9 September 2004 Young people are the key to peace By James D.Wolfensohn, these are female. Most of these girls will Organization report. Lack of jobs can lead EduardoMissoniand never learn to read or write. to increased frustration and hopelessness GiacomoFilibeck With an alarming frequency, youth are on such a scale that ensuing social and becoming involved in conflict around the political ferment can make tomorrow's All of the world's current crises­ world, either as victims or, just as world far less stable and secure than conflict, HIV/AIDS, unemployment-have tragically, soldiers. More than half of today's. one thing in common: they all involve those who are of working age are jobless, However, old solutions to old young people who are burdened by the according to a new International Labor continued on page 2 despair of these problems, but who are also a largely untapped source of change. To many of us the world may seem like an old place.Yet there are 2.8 billion people under the age of 25 out of a global population of 6 billion. Nine out of 10 of these young people live in developing countries. They are not just the future but also the now. And that is why this week 170 youth leaders from 82 countries are gathering in Sarajevo, at the invitation of the World Bank, the European Youth Forum and the Scout Movement. This is not just another meeting, it is a gathering of a group that is most at risk, and one that is key to reaching the world's development challenges. Take HIV/AIDS: Out of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS, more than a quarter are in their youth. There are 121 Youth representatives from around the world attend the Annual Youth Conference million children of primary school age who held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina are not in school­and more than half of World Bank team to work with Government on Phase II of Review to reduce risks in Bank-funded projects September 27, 2004 - The Royal Govern- lecting a number for detailed review. The The study is focusing on four World ment of Cambodia and the World Bank an- second phase of the study consists of an Bankfinancedprojects: FloodEmergency; nounced today that the second phase of in-depth review of the pre-selected con- Rural Investment and Local Governance; the study, Reduction of Fiduciary Risks tracts as well as reviewing in detail every Road Rehabilitation; and Biodiversity and in Cambodia, was now starting. The first aspect of project implementation to verify Protected Areas. These projects were phase of the study was announced in June if funds made available for projects ac- selected based on the combination of the 2004 (see Cambodia Government, World tivities are being used for the intended following criteria: advanced stage of Bank announce today new initiative to purposes with due regard to economy, implementation; various sizes; diversi- reduce risk in Bank-funded projects, 4 efficiency and transparency. The study fied sectors; centralized and decentral- June, 2004). should result in a series of recommenda- ized management arrangements; and uti- The first phase of the study, completed tions on ways to tighten procedures, im- lization of a wide range of procurement in August 2004, focused on collecting in- prove monitoring, and increase the un- methods. The study team includes pro- formation on 625 contracts under four derstanding of how fraud and corruption curement, financial and project implemen- World Bank financed projects and pre-se- may happen continued on page 3 2 The World Bank Newsletter September 2004 Young people are the key to peace continued from page 1 them to travel very far. interlinked. problems won't work. Greater effort, in While we must address these The concerns of today's young terms of research and resources, needs to imbalances of globalization, we must also people are heartfelt and urgent. In the next be invested to better understand the take advantage of the opportunities it 25 years, 2 billion more people entering hopes and aspirations of young people. presents. There is a universal feeling that ourplanetwillliveinthedevelopingworld. After all, they are living in deeply more and more young people share­ We must set our priorities around their confusing times. They are more exposed through internet, music and culture. We concerns for more opportunities, jobs and to the rest of the world as a result of need to find ways to harness this, and let social justice. globalization. But most do not have access young people be conduits for peace and to it. They are part of a strange paradox harmony. which is ubiquitous in the developing The Sarajevo conference is a step in James D. Wolfensohn is President of the world: in villages inAfrica, young people the right direction. The conference deals World Bank Group; Eduardo Missoni is can buy Coca-Cola but they have no clean with education, conflict prevention and Secretary General of the World water. In small towns inAsia, youth enjoy resolution, risky behavior and youth Organization of the Scout Movement and internet access and the world is at their employment. The young representatives Giacomo Filibeck is President of the finger tips. Yet visa regimes will not allow understand these issues are manifestly European Youth Forum. Three Cambodians attendYouth Conference By Outh Renne Hap Omaly, vice president of the The Cambodian representatives Director,Youth for Peace Cambodian Islamic Youth Association agreed to establish a loose and informal (CIYA)andMeasChhinchakrya,women's network for dialogue, and regular As a follow-uptothe2003ParisYouth program coordinator of the KhmerYouth interaction to disseminate information and Conference, the World Bank hosted a Association (KYA). knowledge sharing. This will facilitate second Youth Conference in Sarajevo, The conference was divided into joint positions on selected issues, as well Bosnia and Herzegovina. The three-day several topics of discussion. The most as empower and strengthen youth conference,heldfromSeptember4to7,was significant­echoing the issues raised in organizations and youth networks. This aimed at encouraging youths to discuss Paris­were: education, employment, will also ensure inclusiveness. A process how their organizations and the World conflict prevention and resolution, at-risk for establishing proper institutional Bank can work together to eradicate behavior and HIV/AIDS. arrangements for these networks was poverty and promote development. For each topic discussed, a progress agreed on. This will involve coordinating Three Cambodians were among the report was given since the last institutions for youth volunteer work and 175 youth leaders and representatives conference, priorities were set for the youth development. invited from all over the world to join the future and recommendations were A system will be set up to monitor the conference. The three Cambodians were: prepared for president of the World Bank progress on the Sarajevo commitments. Outh Renne, Director ofYouth for Peace; Group Mr. James Wolfensohn. Holistic approaches in education, finding solutions to operate at community, national and sub-regional levels will be invested in. At the end of the conference, Mr. Wolfensohn welcomed recommendations from the participants. He stressed that, although the World Bank ought not recreate the work already done by youth organizations, it will fully cooperate with existing youth groups and NGOs. He said young people of the world have the potential to foster and advance global development. "We need to recognize that young people have a role to fulfill. We need to give responsibility and opportunity to young leaders so they can help to build a world they desire," said Mr. Wolfensohn. Cambodian youth representatives, Meas Chhinchakriya (left) Hap Omaly (center) and Outh Renne attend the Annual Youth Conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina September 2004 The World Bank Newsletter 3 World Bank team to work with Government on... President of theWorld Bank and is staffed by a multinational team of more than forty professionals, including investigators, le- gal specialists, forensic accountants, pro- curement specialists and experienced Bank project managers. Additional infor- mation can be found at: www.worldbank.org/integrity . Allegations of fraud and corruption related to World Bank-financed projects can be reported to 1-800-831-0463 24 hours a day and an international AT&T operator with international translation is available. Toreversecharges(collectcalls) dial704-556-7046. Reportsmaybeanony- mous, and can also be made in person or online at: investigations_hotline@ worldbank.org The sanctions process is an internal VONG SOKHENG Part of National Road No. 3, one of the World Bank's financed road projects administrative process within the World Bank. It provides for due process of all continued from page 1 parties involved in a dispute. For more tion into ongoing and future Cambodian information on procurement and sanc- tation specialists. projects. tions, see: http://www.worldbank.org/pro- "The review is not a one-off study and At this point in the study, the World cure other projects will be subject to similar re- Bank team is not investigating any spe- For more information on the World views in the future. This is part of the cific cases of alleged fraud or corruption. Bank's anti-corruption policies and activi- World Bank's overall strategy to However, if the study uncovers indica- ties, see: http://www.worldbank.org/anti- strengthen its supervision and fiduciary tions of corrupt or fraudulent practices, corruption. responsibilities to its shareholders. It is a as per our customary practice, the allega- key component of the World Bank's over- tions will be referred to the World Bank's all Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) Department of Institutional Integ- which will focus on improvement of the rity (INT), who would then carry governance environment" said Nisha out a separate investigation. The Agrawal, Country Manager for Cambodia. World Bank has established the Likewise, this study is also strongly sup- INT to respond directly to alle- ported by the Government of Cambodia. gations of corruption or misuse According to Dr.Aun Porn Moniroth, Sec- of funds in its portfolio. More retary of State for the Ministry for information is attached below. Economy and Finance "This study comes at the right time when the Royal Govern- WorldBankandCorruption ment of Cambodia is putting good gover- World Bank funds are pro- nance at the core of its new Rectangular vided to help developing coun- Strategy. As Prime Minister Hun Sen said tries reduce poverty. The Bank to the donors in his closing address at the has the responsibility to ensure pre-CG Meeting held on September 10, the that the loans and credits it ex- Government is striving to make sure that tends, and the trust funds that it donor assistance to Cambodia is well- administers, are used for their in- spent and reaches the intended target. The tended purposes. This policy is Prime Minister also stressed that the Gov- enforced through a comprehen- ernment should respond to donor gener- sive array of rules and procedures osity and support by delivering results and aimed at ensuring high standards ensuring accountability." of integrity, transparency, and ac- OTHY S Initial findings will be discussed with countability in Bank-supported the Government, and together a draft ac- projects. HHIN C tion plan will be developed to incorporate The World Bank Department the recommendations emerging from the of Institutional Integrity (INT) is ANG T study. The findings and plan will also be charged with investigating alle- Water supply workers laying a pipe in Phnom shared with other stakeholders, moving gations of fraud and corruption Penh, another of the World Bank's financed towards the ultimate goal of finalizing an in Bank-financed projects. The projects action plan and time frame for introduc- department reports directly to the September 2004 The World Bank Newsletter 4 Business Edge TV promotes successful business From showcasing a successful fried- banana vendor to trumpeting the benefits of recycling car tires, Cambodia's first business TV show is breaking fresh ground. Business Edge TV, a half-hour magazine-style show broadcast weekly, is catering to the growing number of small and medium-sized businesses in Cambodiaandhelpingtheeconomyrevive after decades of conflict that ended only in1998. The program, which kicked off a year- long series in September 2003 and is now in its second season, fills a gap on Cambodian TV, squeezed between glitzy ENG M variety shows, melodramatic soap operas and dry political commentary. OKS "This is the first and only program ever Under Secretary of State of Economy and Finance H.E. Ngy Tayi (left) and other showninCambodiatoprovidepeoplewith guest speakers discuss finances on the Business Edge TV program both basic and in-depth information on the Cambodian business situation," Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State drama series, game shows and so on as "Cambodian people here were just not Sok Siphana said. we mainly focus on only three elements: reading enough ... and there were no radio "More business people are turning to information, information and more channels professional enough to it for business advice and students too, information," he said. broadcast this kind of program," she said, for practical examples of the theory Chhim Vannak, the owner of a now adding that television was the obvious they've learned in school," he added. booming fried-banana shop in downtown next choice. The program explores challenges faced by Phnom Penh, that began as a humble Media giant CNBC was also called in businesses anywhere, but with a street stall in 1994, has starred on the show to provide advice on international angles Cambodian slant. and says he is picking up a few pointers for some segments of the program, which himself from tuning in. is broadcast across five of Cambodia's 24 "I have watched about 20 episodes provinces and municipalities to an "Cambodian people here so far. They teach and explain how to run estimated 15,000 viewers. By the end of were just not reading enough a successful business," he told AFP, 2004, broadcasting will be nationwide. adding that he had learned to focus more The Commerce Ministry's Sok Siphana ... and there were no radio on quality and service, while he has also hopes the show may help give Cambodian channels professional decided against raising prices. businesses an edge as they face up to enough to broadcast this kind The show is funded by the Mekong stiffer competition when the kingdom Private Sector Development Facility accedes to the World Trade Organization of program," said Lili (MPDF), an initiative of the World Bank within the next few months. Sisombat, MPDF's senior Group's International Finance "The WTO will open the international Corporation and backed by an array of market for Cambodia, but if Cambodian business development donors as a means of promoting small and people do not understand business it will officer. mediumenterprisesinCambodia,LaoPDR be very difficult," he warned. andVietnam. MPDF's senior business development This article was written and distributed Topics covered so far include securing officer Lili Sisombat said the show's idea to newspapers around the world by finances, pain-free office relocation, the was hatched in 2001 when they were Agence France-Presse (AFP) pluses of recycling­including car tires­ brainstorming how to spread business For more information on the Business and building loyalty among employees. news in Cambodia, where most people are Edge TV program please contact: Producer Dim Sovannarum said the show subsistence farmers and a third of the Lili Sisombat was blazing a unique trail in Cambodia. population survives on less than a dollar Sr. Business Development Officer "Our production is different from Chinese a day. Email: lsisombat@ifc.org We Welcome Your Opinions and Comments We welcome your opinions, comments and questions. Please send them to: Bou Saroeun, Communications Specialist, at 113 Norodom Blvd., Phnom Penh, email: sbou@worldbank.org. We very much appreciate your valuable assistance.