Discussion on PRSPs and Governance

World Bank and Civil Society Discussion on Poverty Reduction Strategies and Governance
December 12, 2003

Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSP) describe a country’s macroeconomic, structural, and social policies and programs to promote growth and reduce poverty. PRSPs are prepared by governments through a participatory process involving civil society and development partners, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

As part of the World Bank’s ongoing series of discussions with civil society on the effects of development and World Bank policies promoting development, two papers were discussed on country-level participation in the PRSPs. The first was "Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Development: Good Governance and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers" by Ann Hudock, Senior Advisor, World Learning. The second was “Assessment of Trade Union Participation in the PRSP Process” by Lawrence Egulu, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. Carolyn Reynolds, from the World Bank's Civil Society Team, chaired the event.

A video file from the discussion is available from the Bank's B-SPAN website as well as a short summary of the discussion.

Useful links:

"Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Development: Good Governance and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper" by Dr. Ann Hudock, World Learning

"Trade Unions and the PRSP Process", presentation by Lawrence Egulu, World Bank Social Protection Team and secondee from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).