Lasting poverty reduction requires the cooperation of various groups, including affected communities, civil society organizations, government agencies, and donor institutions. Working with these groups, the World Bank provides technical expertise and funding for poverty-reduction programs in key areas, such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and basic infrastructure.
How are Priorities Selected?
Working with governments and civil society, the World Bank develops a Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), which is an action plan to reduce poverty and promote economic development. The strategy describes what type of support is needed and how much can be provided to a country during a three-year period. A Pacific Regional Strategy was considered appropriate for the Pacific countries (Fiji, Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu) given the size of the World Bank's operations in the Pacific and the shared nature of many of the problems facing countries in the region. The Pacific Regional Strategy does, however, lay the foundation for future individual Country Assistance Strategies for each of these countries if required. The strategy describes the World Bank’s planned operations in the Pacific Islands including lending, studies, and other technical assistance. More information:
 Pacific Regional Strategy: A detailed report on the projected lending and technical assistance provided by the World Bank.
Technical Studies and Reports
The World Bank also produces country-specific studies and reports to provide countries with additional perspectives on a range of specific development challenges. Topics of research and analysis are outlined in the Country Assistance Strategy or Regional Strategy in the case of the Pacific Islands. Additional studies include reviews of economic policies (Country Economic Memoranda), fiscal spending (Public Expenditure Review), and environmental reviews (Environmental Action Plan). The World Bank promotes discussion of development issues through workshops and other events. These events bring together groups such as government policymakers, media, and civil society organizations to discuss how best to move forward on a given issue. More information:
Pacific Islands Brief: An overview of progress, challenges, and assistance.
Pacific Islands Publications and Reports
Pacific Islands News and Events
Project Assistance Once a Country Assistance Strategy is drawn up, a country can begin to develop projects with World Bank financing and technical support. A project cycle is created to outline the process of financing, implementing, and evaluating a project. Various financing options are available based upon the type of assistance needed. Loans or credits for these projects are then submitted for approval to the executive directors, the World Bank's decision-making body representing all member countries. It is important to note that the implementation of projects is managed by the government itself. The government establishes an office that is responsible for aspects of implementation, such as procurement and selection of consultants. Operational policies set guidelines to ensure that projects meet the World Bank's criteria, including social and environmental standards. Project evaluations are also conducted to capture and share lessons for future work. More information:
World Bank Supported Projects and Programs in the Pacific Islands
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