 World Learning released in April 2008 a study titled "Strategies for Engaging Civil Society in World Bank Training Programs" which describes the Bank's internal and external training programs and whether there would be interest by civil society to participate in and collaborate with Bank training efforts. The report, which was carried out jointly with the Bank, drew its findings from a threefold methodology that included a global survey of over 1,350 CSO respondents; eight in-country focus groups with civil society; and interviews with headquarters staff in various World Bank units.
 The report describes in detail the various training programs for internal staff and external stakeholders, namely government officials. It also describes several pilot initiatives taken by the Bank to provide training on CSOs on the Bank, and to enlist the assistance of CSOs in providing training to Bank staff.
According to the study, civil society interest in knowledge-sharing and learning in collaboration with the WB is strong. Here is a sample of other findings: (a) efforts to promote tri-partite training involving the World Bank, governments, and CSOs, on regional issues and policies are of priority importance; (b) 72% of civil society survey respondents expressed “extensive interest” in participating in World Bank learning programs and 65% referred to this opportunity as a way to “learn about the Bank’s development policies and experience;” (c) CSOs recognize the technical expertise that the World Bank has to offer in such areas as education, social accountability, and the environment, and have found training courses to be useful. Inclusion of government and the private sector representatives in learning courses was also seen as desirable; and (d) there are also areas such as social accountability, participation, and gender where CSOs believe that they have expertise to share with the World Bank. This creates substantial opportunity to collaborate on a learning agenda of mutual experiences and knowledge.
 The study maintains that stronger civil society participation in learning programs will contribute to the Bank’s mission of poverty reduction by enhancing cross sector relationships, strengthening CSO and Bank capacities, and generating new knowledge. Realizing this potential requires a deeper understanding of the needs and interests of CSOs by the Bank and the effective adaptation of current Bank training and knowledge-sharing opportunities to reach out to the CSO sector.
At the conclusion of the report, World Learning makes a number of specific recommendations to promote greater participation of civil society in Bank training programs. These include adapting current course methodology and content to fit CSO interest, disseminate information about WB training opportunities more widely, and use Bank country staff more actively in this area.
More Resources:
Strategies for Engaging Civil Society in World Bank Training Programs - Full Report
World Bank training initiatives for and with CSOs - website
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