The World Bank recognizes the importance of working closely with civil society to fight against poverty and ensure economic growth and a sustainable social development. It has learned through three decades of interaction that the participation of CSOs in government development projects and programs can enhance their operational performance by contributing local knowledge, providing technical expertise, and leveraging social capital. Further, CSOs can bring innovative ideas and solutions, as well as participatory approaches, to solving local problems. In the past ten years in particular, the Bank has been collaborating very closely with a number of organizations with the help of local coordinators based in country offices and in Washington.

In Italy, the External Relations Affairs office aims at promoting dialogue with local and international CSOs on development themes with a view to:

a) Improving understanding of today's global challenges and their impact on developing countries;
b) Sustaining partnerships in areas of common interest;
c) Increasing impact and effectiveness of development aid.

Activities pursued out of the World Bank office in Italy include, inter alia: Dissemination of World Bank reports and information in general on development issues; Joint thematic events and consultations; Training facilitation for local CSOs.