The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository
The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository (OKR) is The World Bank’s official open access repository for its research outputs and knowledge products.
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Search tip: Use quotation marks around exact phrases Total publications: 39,625
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Publication FY 2025 Gabon Country Opinion Survey Report(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-12-05) World BankThe Country Opinion Survey in Gabon assists the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how stakeholders in Gabon perceive the WBG. It provides the WBG with systematic feedback from national and local governments, multilateral/bilateral agencies, media, academia, the private sector, and civil society in Gabon on 1) their views regarding the general environment in Gabon; 2) their overall attitudes toward the WBG in Gabon; 3) overall impressions of the WBG’s effectiveness and results, knowledge work and activities, and communication and information sharing in Gabon; and 4) their perceptions of the WBG’s future role in Gabon.Publication External Finance in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies: A Tale of Differences in Vulnerabilities(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-12-04) Kim, Dohan; Milesi-Ferretti, Gian MariaOver the past two decades, many emerging markets and developing economies have been viewed as increasingly resilient to external financial shocks. This paper assesses whether such resilience is broadly shared across emerging markets and developing economies by classifying them into three tiers based on economic size, income level, institutional strength, and financial integration. The analysis shows that first-tier emerging markets and developing economies have improved their external balance sheets and reduced dependence on official support. However, second- and third-tier emerging markets and developing economies have experienced growing external vulnerabilities since the global financial crisis, marked by rising external debt liabilities and declining foreign exchange reserves. Using a range of indicators, including sovereign defaults, arrears, partial defaults, and International Monetary Fund lending, the paper identifies episodes of external financial distress and shows that distress remains widespread among second- and third-tier emerging markets and developing economies. The empirical analysis confirms that key components of the net international investment position—especially external debt and foreign exchange reserves—predict the onset of external financial distress, with institutional quality shaping the impact. Weak institutions amplify risks, while strong institutions mitigate them. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing heterogeneity across emerging markets and developing economies, strengthening institutional quality alongside external balance-sheet management, and rebuilding buffers to safeguard against renewed global financial stress.Publication Supporting Aging Populations through Digital Financial Inclusion Policies: Lessons from the Republic of Korea(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-08-31) World BankFinancial inclusion refers to expanding access to and use of financial services among traditionally excluded groups including low-income households, microenterprises, the elderly, and women. Digital financial inclusion helps advance financial inclusion by deploying digital financial services (DFS) to reach financially marginalized and underserved populations with a range of formal financial services suited to their needs. This study aims to examine the efforts of Korea in promoting digital financial inclusion, with a particular focus on digital financial literacy and consumer protection in the context of its aging population. The study assesses both the successes and shortcomings of these initiatives as well as the impacts observed along the way. Through analysis of the Korean approach, it provides practical insights that other countries can adopt to better prepare for demographic shifts, ensuring that elderly populations are not left behind in the process of financial digitalization. Furthermore, this study provides an overview of the principles established by international organizations to ensure fair access to and use of DFS, emphasizing the case of Korea in supporting access for financially vulnerable groups. Specifically, it examines current regulations, policies, and supervisory measures and suggests improvements for enhancing access to financial services for digitally vulnerable populations. Additionally, this study assesses regulations in light of balancing the objectives of sustainable operations of financial institutions with meeting the needs of vulnerable consumers in the digital financial environment. The study is organized as follows: chapter 1 gives introduction. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive overview of global aging and trends in digital finance, highlighting the differences between developed and emerging economies. Chapter 3 explores the cases of Korea in the context of population aging and highlights efforts to enhance digital financial inclusion for the elderly. Chapter 4 provides lessons and policy implications for other countries.Publication Public Works That Provide Care Services: Enhancing Women's Economic Opportunities, Boosting Human Capital, and Building Skills for the Care Economy(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-11-30) Noy, Itay; Heinemann, AlessandraWomen around the world face a heavier care burden than men, restricting their participation in the labor force. At the same time, the shortage of quality, accessible, and affordable care services undermines human development and well-being. Limited investment in early childhood care and education reduces children’s learning and future earnings potential. Similarly, inadequate elderly care undermines health, independence, and well-being among older adults. Investing in care is, therefore, important not only for closing gender gaps but also for boosting human capital outcomes. It also makes a compelling economic case for investment, given the care economy’s potential to drive growth and create jobs in the context of ongoing demographic shifts. This note discusses how public works programs (PWPs) may reduce care burden, increase the provision of care services for those in need, and build skills for the care economy. Drawing on examples of World Bank-supported PWPs that provide childcare, the note explores how such programs can be designed and implemented, and what potential benefits and challenges early evidence reveals.Publication Innovations in Public Works: Rethinking Public Works for Jobs and Skills in a Changing World(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-11-30) Bucik, Marco; Weber, MichaelPublic works programs (PWPs) have long been a common choice to protect people in need by providing temporary jobs and income. They promise more than a paycheck: They offer dignity, visible community investments, and the prospect of long-term progress. But today’s world is changing fast. Climate, digital transformation, and shifting demographics are forcing us to rethink how economies can sustainably grow and create employment. Conventional PWPs, often centered on short-term, low-skilled infrastructure jobs are struggling to respond. They typically provide immediate relief but often do not generate sustained benefits. A new generation of PWPs is emerging to do more. These programs introduce innovations that improve how social policy is implemented, while supporting economic development that is inclusive, sustainable, and jobs-focused. This report examines new approaches that are reshaping PWPs, highlighting the opportunities and challenges they present.