Contact in BH: Goran Tinjić (+387-33) 251-518
gtinjic@worldbank.org SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina, October 30, 2008 – The authorities in BH initiated discussion with the World Bank about a systemic solution for a more effective targeting of social benefits. During her recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Kathy Lindert, the World Bank Sector Manager for Social Protection, has presented BH leaders and experts with experiences of other countries in developing effective social safety nets. These presentations are a part of an ongoing dialogue with the BH authorities on a comprehensive social sector reform, which would be aimed at better targeting of social benefits in the country. “The current global financial crisis will hit the poor the most” stated Ms. Lindert, who has worked in the area of safety nets in the World Bank for the past 16 years. “In such a situation, every government will be challenged to establish a system that would ensure adequate targeting of social benefits to the most vulnerable categories of population”. The main objective of Ms Lindert’s visit was to follow up on discussions that the World Bank team held with BH authorities, regarding possible options and approaches in setting up a system which would ensure adequate social assistance programs in BH. These programs would effectively cover those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance, and would support those who are able and working to improve their opportunities for employment and income generation. During her visit, Ms. Lindert met with officials in both entities and discussed possible actions that BH authorities could take to ensure that public resources indeed reach the most vulnerable categories of population. The World Bank reconfirmed its commitment to partner up with the government in addressing these challenges. |
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