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Recent events have drawn the world’s attention to a crisis that has been building up for a long time—forced displacement. Beside five million Palestinians, over half of the refugees worldwide originate from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia – with Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Iraq, and Eritrea also accounting for large numbers. This joint paper aims to define a framework for collective action for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in response to the forced displacement crisis, within the context of the One Humanity agenda issued by the United Nations Secretary General in February 2016. The paper outlines an agenda for MDBs to further strengthen their contributions, complementing humanitarian, diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts in specific areas where stronger synergies are desirable and possible. This paper was jointly coordinated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank Group (WBG) and prepared by MDB staff. The paper has three main sections focusing on MDBs’ strategic agenda as they attempt to mitigate and or respond to the crisis (Section B); operational implications of this response in terms of financial instrument, organizational challenges (Section C); and, finally a framework for collective action (Section D). Annexes I to III provide additional definitions and numbers.

This joint report on MDB Climate Finance captures a particular context of activities that Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) carry out in developing and emerging economies. The context is built on the premise that development finance is being provided in a world shaped by climate change. This is the fourth edition of the Joint Report on MDB Climate Finance. The report covers financing for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects and activities, in developing and emerging economies, committed by this group of MDBs in 2014. The report contains the following new information, not presented in previous years: overview of MDB climate finance from 2011 to 2014; information about the financial instruments used by MDBs for climate finance; and additional thematic regional coverage, including small island states and least developed countries. This report has two main sections. Section 1 contains total MDB climate finance numbers for 2014, broken down by adaptation and mitigation and by sector and geographic region, as well as MDB climate finance since 2011. Section 2 provides explanations on the MDB joint approach: definitions, geographical coverage, and sectoral breakdown. It also contains a guidance section and provides case studies to illustrate the MDB adaptation and mitigation finance tracking approach. Annexes A to C provide additional information and numbers on A) Finance with dual, adaptation and mitigation, benefits; B) Financial instruments used by MDBs for climate finance; and C) MDB mitigation finance outside of the Joint Methodology. This report does not cover public or private capital mobilized by MDB climate finance. A parallel group is working on the development of a harmonized methodology to be used toward that end.

This paper focuses on two research problems. The first is to measure the direct impacts of innovation support measures in Brazil, and the second is to test the hypothesis of indirect effects of innovation policies on non-beneficiary firms through the labor mobility channel, whether resulting from direct support programs or indirect support via tax incentives. For this purpose, mobility is defined as the movement of workers in technical-scientific occupations, as identified by Araujo et al. (2009). It is found that, with the exception of a subvention program, direct support in the form of credit or cooperative projects fosters more innovative effort than tax incentives. Nonetheless, direct and tax- based incentives for innovation have different purposes, and sound innovation relies on both types of incentive.

経済学 / Economics, Unemployment benefit systems are non-existent in many developing economies. Introducing such programs in these economies poses many challenges, which is partly due to the high level of informality in their labor markets. In this paper we study the consequences on the labor market of implementing an unemployment benefit system in economies with large informal sectors and high flows of workers between formality and informality. We build a search and matching model with endogenous destruction, on-the-job search and inter-sectoral flows, where agents in the economy decide optimally whether or not to formalize jobs. We calibrate the model for Mexico and show that the introduction of an unemployment subsidy system, where workers contribute during formal employment and collect benefits when they lose the job, can deliver an increase in formality in the economy while also producing small increases in unemployment. The exact impact of incorporating such benefits depends on the relative strength of two opposing effects: the generosity of the benefits and the level of the contributions that finance those benefits. We also show important policy complementarities with other interventions in the labor market. In particular, combining the unemployment benefit program with policies that reduce the cost of formality, such as lower firing costs or taxes, can produce decreases in informality and lower impacts on unemployment than when the subsidy program is applied in isolation., JEL Classification Codes: J64, J65, H26, O17, http://www.grips.ac.jp/list/jp/facultyinfo/julen_esteban_pretel/

Presented the first paper on review of the need for a general capital increase of the ordinary capital and replenishment of the fund for special operations.

The 2005 Gleneagles G8 summit in July 2005 stimulated a concerted effort of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to broaden and accelerate programs on access to energy and climate change mitigation and adaptation through the Clean Energy Investment Framework (CEIF). At the Gleneagles summit, it was agreed that a report on the implementation of the CEIF would be prepared for the 2008 G8 (Group of Eight: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) summit hosted by Japan. This joint report of the MDBs to the G8 summit in Hokkaido is intended to provide information on the outcomes and lessons learned under the CEIF, describe the collective MDB objectives for addressing the energy access and climate change challenges, and outline how the MDBs plan to build on the CEIF experience to date to more fully achieve these objectives. The report builds upon the 'the MDBs and the climate change agenda' report that was presented at the December 2007 Bali climate change conference. This report describes actions taken by each MDB to develop climate change strategies and programs of actions tailored to their particular client needs, based on resources and funding mechanisms currently available. Under the CEIF, the MDBs have strengthened collaboration on analytical work and programming and committed to expand this collaboration to optimize the impact of their collective actions. In addition to reporting on the status of the CEIF, this report outlines the collective ambition of the MDBs with respect to assisting the developing countries in meeting the climate change challenge, summarizes their evolving strategies designed to meet these objectives and the mechanisms through which they intend to achieve the necessary collaboration to optimize the collective impact of their climate change interventions.

This document summarizes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) experience as one of the main sources of multilateral development financing in Latin America and the Caribbean. From 2000 to 2005, total financing for economic, social and institutional development projects amounted to US$38.7 billion. In addition, this paper discusses challenges facing the Latin America and the Caribbean region in the area of trade, lessons learned from past experiences, and highlights the gaps in the provision of trade-related assistance. The last section of this document offers recommendations on how the IDB could contribute to global efforts at delivering aid for trade more effectively.Abstract: Este documento discute la experiencia del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) como la principal fuente de financiamiento multilateral para el desarrollo en América Latina y el Caribe. Entre 2000 y 2005, el monto total de financiamiento destinado a proyectos de desarrollo económico, social e institucional ascendió a 38 mil setecientos millones de dólares. En este documento, se examinan los retos que enfrenta América Latina y el Caribe en el ámbito del comercio, incluye una reseña del apoyo que ofrece el BID y un análisis de los cambios ocurridos a nivel institucional, y las lecciones aprendidas. En la última sección se da una mirada al futuro y se ofrecen algunas recomendaciones sobre la forma en que el BID podría contribuir con las iniciativas globales dirigidas a la provisión más eficiente de la ayuda para el comercio.

This document summarizes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) experience as one of the main sources of multilateral development financing in Latin America and the Caribbean. From 2000 to 2005, total financing for economic, social and institutional development projects amounted to US$38.7 billion. In addition, this paper discusses challenges facing the Latin America and the Caribbean region in the area of trade, lessons learned from past experiences, and highlights the gaps in the provision of trade-related assistance. The last section of this document offers recommendations on how the IDB could contribute to global efforts at delivering aid for trade more effectively.

The Bank identified seven areas to be included on the Dialogue and created seven specialized networks in which government officials at the Vice-Minister level from Latin America and the Caribbean, who are responsible for decision-making and public policy design, participate.Abstract: Este informe fue comisionado para la 7a Reunión de la Red de Educación, del Dialogo Regional de Política, presentado en Washington, DC, en febrero de 2005. En este informe se incluyen estudios que representan una muestra muy acabada del estado de situación de la Educación para la ciudadanía y la democracia en Europa y en América Latina y el Caribe en la actualidad. En este estudio, los debates e interés por la educación ciudadana extrapolan límites convencionales para llegar a las escuelas, como proveedoras sistemáticas de conocimientos cívicos de los procesos fundamentales de la democracia y como vehículos de información y de participación para lograr un mayor impacto político, social y económico sobre las acciones públicas.

The Bank identified seven areas to be included on the Dialogue and created seven specialized networks in which government officials at the Vice-Minister level from Latin America and the Caribbean, who are responsible for decision-making and public policy design, participate.

The Ministers issued a joint statement at that meeting instructing their Vice Ministers to establish a working group and to issue a report and recommendations to them on efforts to enhance the implementation and enforcement of labor standards and strengthen the labor institutions in the countries of the region. This document contains that report.

Water systems in Latin America are inefficient in part because of very low relative investment and in part because of the lack of availability of necessary management tools. One way to address both of these issues at the same time is the performance financing of micro-metering by private sector companies. This case study is written to highlight the counter-intuitive fact that the great inefficiencies in Latin American water systems offer strong opportunities for public/private risk sharing. Specifically addressed is the case of the water company Sabesp in São Paulo and their affect on the market.

This document was commissioned by the Natural Disaster Network of the Regional Policy Dialogue for the IV Hemispheric Meeting celebrated on February 26th and 27th, 2004.

Working with public, private, and nonprofit sector partners, MIF has invested in the development of skills standards and certification systems with fifteen projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. The goal: to increase the competitiveness and productivity of workers and industries throughout the region.

This document is a synthesis of the region's most pertinent top priorities, of achievements undergone during recent years, and of the challenges and opportunities the region will face in the near future.

This publication takes a comprehensive view of all the action areas that need to be addressed in a coordinated and integrated manner to achieve sustainable development for all. The articles included herein deal with how to enhance the quality of life of the poor, how to enable all members of society to become productive economic agents, and how to include them in a more democratic society. The introductory article presents an overview of the current situation of poverty and inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean, and discusses ways in which the market can help reduce them. Part I presents a collection of articles that explain how to align the objectives of the private sector with those of development. Part II, Access to Services, discusses what is actually required to help provide access to markets and enhance the buying power of the poor. Part III looks at actual measures to enhance the process of access to markets and services through better use of social capital.

This book looks at the potential and the limits of policies to promote entrepreneurship as an important vehicle for social mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as steps to remove the constrains that hamper entrepreneurship. This volume assesses the relevant literature on entrepreneurship and connects it with new developments in the analysis of the middle class and social mobility.

The biggest pension policy challenge faced by most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) today is low coverage of formal pension systems, both in terms of the proportion of workers participating in pension schemes and the proportion of the elderly receiving some kind of pension income. Efforts to close the coverage gap, for example, through non-contributory pensions, are therefore at the heart of the pension policy debate in the region. However, these policies might pose significant fiscal challenges in the next decades as the population ages. Chapter 2 presents three main indicators describing the demographic conditions relevant for pension policy, namely fertility rates, life expectancy and old-age support ratios. This is followed by a systematic comparison, in Chapter 3, of system designs across countries using the standard OECD Pensions at a Glance typology and presenting several key indicators of adequacy, including gender-specific gross and net replacement rates and pension wealth at different income levels. Finally, Chapter 4 provides the profiles of each pension system in Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of their architecture, rules and parameters.

This document represents a contribution made by the Tripartite Committee comprising the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas Initiative, in Santo Domingo, on 5 October 2011. This initiative for promoting growth and prosperity provides a forum for countries to learn from each other's experience and for them to share lessons learned and best practices as they seek to put broader opportunities within the reach of everyone in the region. Against this backdrop, this document sets out lessons learned and success stories, both in the region and elsewhere, concerning the thematic areas identified as priorities for the initiative. These priorities include promoting the development of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises by supporting, among other things, their productive linkages and their access to credit and the global market; facilitating trade; training a modern labour force; and developing sustainable business practices.

The Bank has prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy (Competitiveness, Social Development, Regional Integration, and Modernization of the State). The four priority areas were defined, among other things, in view of the current challenges; the Bank's presence in the region; its experience in working in spheres that require capacity for diagnosis and dialogue; actions that require persistence over time; programs that depend on developing consensus; reforms to policies and institutions; and actions that demand technical and financial assistance. The strategies take on board the cross-cutting nature of the environmental dimension, which is developed in a new Environment Strategy that aims to adequately internalize environmental sustainability.

This publication reviews IDB activities and operations in Guatemala, providing an individual section for each major development initiative.

The Millennium Development Goals were formalized in the Millennium Declaration, which was endorsed by 189 Heads of State and Government at the United Nations Millennium Summit of 2000. Achieving these Goals through sustainable growth and advances in key areas such as education, health, environmental sustainability and gender equality, is recognized as a challenge for developing and developed countries alike. This report analyzes the progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Latin America and the Caribbean so far and assesses the scope of the challenges that remain. It presents some suggestions to adapt the MDG agenda to the realities and stages of development of the countries of the region, a summary of recent Bank activities to support the MDGs, and some reflections on priorities for the period to 2015 and beyond.

The Bank has prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy (Competitiveness, Social Development, Regional Integration, and Modernization of the State). The four priority areas were defined, among other things, in view of the current challenges; the Bank's presence in the region; its experience in working in spheres that require capacity for diagnosis and dialogue; actions that require persistence over time; programs that depend on developing consensus; reforms to policies and institutions; and actions that demand technical and financial assistance. The strategies take on board the cross-cutting nature of the environmental dimension, which is developed in a new Environment Strategy that aims to adequately internalize environmental sustainability.Abstract: El Banco ha preparado un nuevo conjunto de estrategias, que se presentan en este volumen, para sus dos objetivos fundamentales establecidos (Crecimiento Económico Sustentable y de Reducción de. la Pobreza y Promoción de la Equidad Social), y para cada una de las cuatro áreas prioritarias señaladas en la Estrategia Institucional (Competitividad, Desarrollo Social, Integración Regional y Modernización del Estado) como áreas de ventaja comparativa de acción del Banco en su apoyo a los países para avanzar en los dos objetivos fundamentales. Las cuatro áreas prioritarias fueron definidas, entre otros elementos, a luz de los retos actuales, de la presencia del Banco en la región y de su ventaja para operar en ámbitos que requieren capacidad de diagnóstico y diálogo, de acciones que requieren persistencia en el tiempo, de programas que requieren obtención de consensos, de reformas de políticas e instituciones, y de acciones que demandan asistencia técnica y financiera. Las estrategias toman en cuenta el carácter transversal de la dimensión ambiental, lo cual se desarrolla en una nueva Estrategia de medio ambiente que busca la adecuada internalización de la sostenibilidad ambiental.

Housing is more than just basic shelter - it can be a valuable monetary asset, both to households and nations. This book draws on research by experts at the Inter-American Development Bank and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to examine the economic, social and legal dimensions of housing markets in Latin America. Using lessons learned from the region, the book shows how a developing country can move its housing sector to function more efficiently as a market, with more available financing and a greater role for private developers. An assessment tool is presented to help researchers analyze the effect on national housing markets of economic and demographic variables, tax structures, risk management and other factors.

This book focuses in detail on the analysis of foreign direct investment flows to Latin America and the Caribbean from the vantage point and on the basis of statistical sources from the main investor countries.

Latin America loses about nine trillion cubic meters of water each year, or some 30 percent of the water collected and treated for public consumption. While it is impossible for water systems to deliver 100 percent of their water to the household tap, Latin America could cut those losses by more than three-quarters by applying international standards to the management and operation of water systems. Spilled Water shows that the problem is not a result of insufficient capital, or lack of technical or manpower capability, but rather related to the political economy of the sector. The nature of the sector, coupled with the nations' political institutions, create incentives for governments to behave opportunistically, for water companies to operate inefficiently, and for the public to withhold support from the sector.

In this occasion the IDB presents the latest edition of the IDB`s flagship publication, Development in the Americas (DIA): "Room for Development: Housing Markets in Latin America and the Caribbean" edited by César P. Bouillon. It takes an in-depth look at the opportunities countries have to improve urban housing markets and pave the way for solutions that involve the private sector. The executive summary is available in this brochure.Abstract: En esta ocasión el BID presenta la última edición de la publicación insignia del BID, Desarrollo en las Américas (DIA por sus siglas en inglés): "Un espacio para el desarrollo: Los mercados de la vivienda en América Latina y el Caribe" editado por César P. Bouillon. En ella se ofrece un análisis de fondo de las oportunidades que tienen los países para mejorar sus mercados inmobiliarios urbanos y facilitar la vía hacia soluciones que involucren al sector privado. En este folleto se le ofrece al lector el resumen ejecutivo de dicha publicación.

This executive summary describes the motivation behind this book, the methodologies used, and both the breadth and limits of the studies. The impact evaluations on which the book is based cover the use of ICT in finance, institutions, education, health, the environment, and labor, as evidenced in the table of contents of the report presented on the next page. Together, this summary and the table of contents provide just a taste of the rich information and innovative approach that distinguish this year's edition of the DIA.

The year 2008 represents an important historical milestone. For the first time, over half of the world's population 3.3 billion people live in urban areas. This significant increase in urban population has resulted from both natural population growth and rural to urban migration. It is important to emphasize that poverty tends to concentrate in cities. More than two-thirds of the urban population lives in developing countries and the increasing level of urbanization in those countries have been accompanied by an increase in urban poverty levels.Abstract: Las áreas centrales de una ciudad contienen una mezcla de problemas y oportunidades. Permiten a sus residentes y empresas la opción de vivir y producir cerca de sus trabajos y mercados, y ofrecen a los gobiernos la posibilidad de reducir los costos de transporte y promover un uso más intensivo de la infraestructura, los espacios públicos y los servicios urbanos existentes. También presentan complejos desafíos de política urbana, incluida la solución de los problemas sociales que afectan a los pobres en esas áreas. Muchas ciudades en el mundo están afrontando activamente estos problemas. En este libro se analizan estas oportunidades y estos retos desde la perspectiva de la práctica del urbanismo.

This publication reviews IDB activities and operations in Guatemala, providing an individual section for each major development initiative.

The year 2008 represents an important historical milestone. For the first time, over half of the world's population 3.3 billion people live in urban areas. This significant increase in urban population has resulted from both natural population growth and rural to urban migration. It is important to emphasize that poverty tends to concentrate in cities. More than two-thirds of the urban population lives in developing countries and the increasing level of urbanization in those countries have been accompanied by an increase in urban poverty levels.

This publication reviews IDB activities and operations in Guatemala, providing an individual section for each major development initiative.

This book focuses in detail on the analysis of foreign direct investment flows to Latin America and the Caribbean from the vantage point and on the basis of statistical sources from the main investor countries.

The Bank has prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy (Competitiveness, Social Development, Regional Integration, and Modernization of the State). The four priority areas were defined, among other things, in view of the current challenges; the Bank's presence in the region; its experience in working in spheres that require capacity for diagnosis and dialogue; actions that require persistence over time; programs that depend on developing consensus; reforms to policies and institutions; and actions that demand technical and financial assistance. The strategies take on board the cross-cutting nature of the environmental dimension, which is developed in a new Environment Strategy that aims to adequately internalize environmental sustainability.Abstract: El Banco ha preparado un nuevo conjunto de estrategias, que se presentan en este volumen, para sus dos objetivos fundamentales establecidos (Crecimiento Económico Sustentable y de Reducción de. la Pobreza y Promoción de la Equidad Social), y para cada una de las cuatro áreas prioritarias señaladas en la Estrategia Institucional (Competitividad, Desarrollo Social, Integración Regional y Modernización del Estado) como áreas de ventaja comparativa de acción del Banco en su apoyo a los países para avanzar en los dos objetivos fundamentales. Las cuatro áreas prioritarias fueron definidas, entre otros elementos, a luz de los retos actuales, de la presencia del Banco en la región y de su ventaja para operar en ámbitos que requieren capacidad de diagnóstico y diálogo, de acciones que requieren persistencia en el tiempo, de programas que requieren obtención de consensos, de reformas de políticas e instituciones, y de acciones que demandan asistencia técnica y financiera. Las estrategias toman en cuenta el carácter transversal de la dimensión ambiental, lo cual se desarrolla en una nueva Estrategia de medio ambiente que busca la adecuada internalización de la sostenibilidad ambiental.

This executive summary describes the motivation behind this book, the methodologies used, and both the breadth and limits of the studies. The impact evaluations on which the book is based cover the use of ICT in finance, institutions, education, health, the environment, and labor, as evidenced in the table of contents of the report presented on the next page. Together, this summary and the table of contents provide just a taste of the rich information and innovative approach that distinguish this year's edition of the DIA.Abstract: En este resumen ejecutivo se describen la motivación que alienta este libro, las metodologías empleadas y tanto la amplitud como los límites de los estudios. Las evaluaciones experimentales en las que se basa esta obra cubren el uso de las TIC en las áreas de finanzas, instituciones, educación, salud, medio ambiente y mano de obra, como se puede apreciar en la tabla de contenido del informe que se presenta en la página siguiente. Juntos, este resumen y el índice, sirven para formarse una idea de la riqueza informativa y del innovador enfoque que distingue la edición de este año del DIA.

In this occasion the IDB presents the latest edition of the IDB`s flagship publication, Development in the Americas (DIA): "Room for Development: Housing Markets in Latin America and the Caribbean" edited by César P. Bouillon. It takes an in-depth look at the opportunities countries have to improve urban housing markets and pave the way for solutions that involve the private sector. The executive summary is available in this brochure.

Research from the United States shows that gaps in early cognitive and noncognitive abilities appear early in the life cycle. Little is known about this important question for developing countries. This paper provides new evidence of sharp differences in cognitive development by socioeconomic status in early childhood for five Latin American countries. To help with comparability, the paper uses the same measure of receptive language ability for all five countries. It finds important differences in development in early childhood across countries, and steep socioeconomic gradients within every country. For the three countries where panel data to follow children over time exists, there are few substantive changes in scores once children enter school. These results are robust to different ways of defining socioeconomic status, to different ways of standardizing outcomes, and to selective non-response on the measure of cognitive development.

International audience

When potential beneficiaries share their knowledge and attitudes about a policy intervention, their decision to participate and the effectiveness of both the policy and its evaluation may be influenced. This matters most notably in integrated social policies with several components. In this article, spillover effects on take-up behaviors are investigated in the context of a conditional cash transfer program in rural Mexico. These effects are identified using exogenous variations in the local frequency of beneficiaries generated by the program's randomized evaluation. A higher treatment density in the areas surrounding the evaluation villages is found to increase the take-up of scholarships and enrollment at the lower-secondary level. These cross-village spillovers operate exclusively within households receiving another component of the program, and do not carry over larger distances. While several tests reject heterogeneities in impact due to spatial variations in program implementation, evidence is found suggesting that spillovers stem partly from the sharing of information about the program among eligible households.

A variety of theories of skill formation suggest that investments in schooling and other dimensions of human capital will have lower returns if children do not have adequate levels of cognitive and social skills at an early age. This paper analyzes the impact of a randomized cash transfer program on cognitive development in early childhood in rural Nicaragua. It shows that the program had significant effects on cognitive outcomes, especially language. Impacts are larger for older pre-school age children, who are also more likely to be delayed. The program increased intake of nutrient-rich foods, early stimulation, and use of preventive health care-all of which have been identified as risk factors for development in early childhood. Households increased expenditures on these inputs more than can be accounted for by the increases in cash income only, suggesting that the program changed parents'behavior. The findings suggest that gains in early childhood development outcomes should be taken into account when assessing the benefits of cash transfer programs in developing countries. More broadly, the paper illustrates that gains in early childhood development can result from interventions that facilitate investments made by parents to reduce risk factors for cognitive development.