FY 2024 Paraguay Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2024 Acknowledgements The Paraguay Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Paraguay country team and independent field agency, Debroca. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Darmy Karina Martinez Larroza (External Affairs Associate) and Telma Maria Alvarenga Capurro (Executive Assistant), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Asuncion, Paraguay. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Paraguay World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Paraguay Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Paraguay perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Paraguay’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Paraguay? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Paraguay? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 31% ▪ Fielded June – October 2024 ▪ 507 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Civil Society Organization 22% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper Private Sector 16% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Office of a Parliamentarian ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency (National Assembly, Legislative 7% body) ▪ 221 participants (44% response rate) Academia / Research Centers 6% ▪ 90% from the Capital and Central Department ▪ 18% currently collaborate with the WBG Media 5% ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Local Government Office or Staff 5% ▪ 283 participants (50% response rate) Office of the President, ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper Minister 4% ▪ 24% collaborated with the WBG Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 3% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=221) 5 6 Overall Context “… although the World Bank Group has excellent tools, the implementation in public policy is ineffective, but this is independent of the group itself. I also suggest that certain platforms for civil society participation seem very closed off. However, this, again, does not depend on the group itself. Therefore, I recommend that the World Bank Group improve the monitoring of its policy implementation by establishing more robust monitoring and evaluation systems, including independent audits and regular assessments. Additionally, it is essential that civil society participation platforms be more accessible and open. The World Bank Group could foster an inclusive environment that allows for greater participation from diverse social groups, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in policy formulation and evaluation. Thank you for the work you do in the country; I know it is challenging.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Familiarity with the World Bank ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly higher levels of All Respondents* 6.8 familiarity with the World Bank Group than the respondents in the FY21 Survey: Academia 7.8 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.8 Government Institutions 7.1 FY21 = 6.0 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated Office of a Parliamentarian 7.1 that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Private Sector 6.9 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.9 Do not collaborate = 6.6 Local government 6.6 Civil Society Organizations 6.1 Media 5.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Paraguay? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the IDB ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to Inter-American Development 7.3 indicate their familiarity with the work of several international Bank (IDB/BID)* 6.7 organizations in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Paraguay indicated the highest 7.1 United Nations levels of familiarity with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB/BID) work, followed by the United Nations (UN) and the European Union. 7.0 European Union 6.8 World Bank Group* 6.0 FY24 FY21 Spanish Agency for International 6.6 Development Cooperation (AECID) Latin American Development 6.6 Bank (CAF)* 5.7 Korea International Cooperation 6.5 Agency (KOICA) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Q How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 *Significant difference between years The WBG is the Most Trusted World Bank Group* 8.1 6.9 Institution 8.0 Bilateral organizations* 6.8 Respondents in Paraguay rated the WBG, bilateral organizations, regional development banks, and the UN as 7.9 Regional development banks* the most trustworthy institutions. 6.8 7.9 Despite significantly improved ratings compared to the FY21 United Nations* 6.5 survey, the faith-based institutions and media were among the least trusted institutions studied. International Monetary Fund* 7.7 6.3 7.7 Civil society* FY24 6.4 FY21 7.6 Academia / research centers 7.3 Private sector * 6.6 6.8 Faith-based institutions* 5.7 6.7 Traditional media* 5.1 6.7 Web-based media* 5.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Paraguay? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Being faster in approving loans” (Multilateral / Bilateral Agency Respondent) “The WBG should be more aware of our reality in terms of our procurement procedures; an openness in this regard would result in shorter procurement processes.” (Government Institutions Respondent) “Avoid double talk. Greater control of the credits granted in terms of their destination and execution.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Ratings for Key Performance Indicators Improved Significantly Effectiveness in helping Paraguay 7.9 achieve results*^ 6.9 In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in helping Paraguay achieve development results, which has significantly improved 7.7 compared to FY21 results. Relevant role in development* 7.0 The ratings for WBG’s relevance to development in Paraguay, its positive influence on shaping development policy, and its alignment with the country’s Positive influence on shaping 7.7 development priorities have also increased significantly development policy* FY24 7.0 compared to the previous survey. FY21 Alignment with development 7.5 priorities* 6.8 7.0 Helps end poverty in Paraguay 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How effective is the WBG in helping Paraguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY21: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development resu lts in 11 Paraguay? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 8.2 Stakeholders from 7.8 8.4 Trust the WBG to do what is Academia and Government right for Paraguay 7.1 8.2 8.9 Institutions Have Most 7.7 Office of a 8.0 Parliamentarian Positive Perceptions of the Effectiveness in helping 8.1 8.7 7.2 Government WBG Paraguay achieve results 8.2 8.4 Institutions 7.4 Local government Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 8.0 8.0 between stakeholder groups show that respondents 7.9 Civil Society Relevant role in Organizations from academia have the highest ratings for the WBG’s development 7.2 7.7 work across all KPIs. Respondents from government 8.1 Private Sector institutions are also very positive. 6.7 While respondents from civil society organizations 7.5 Academia 7.8 tended to be more critical of the WBG’s work, the 7.4 Alignment with development difference in ratings hasn’t reached a statistically priorities 6.9 Media 7.4 significant level. 8.2 8.3 7.5 8.0 7.9 Positive influence on 6.9 shaping development policy 8.0 8.0 7.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.9 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Trust the WBG to do what 7.8 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- is right for Paraguay* 5.6 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.6 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Effectiveness in helping Paraguay 7.6 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its achieve results* work are. 5.9 8.5 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Relevant role in development* 7.2 to increase positive perceptions. 6.1 8.3 Positive influence on shaping 7.3 development policy* 6.2 8.2 Alignment with development 7.0 priorities* 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Paraguay? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between Q How effective is the WBG in helping Paraguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Paraguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 13 Paraguay’s Key Performance Indicators are Higher than those of Other Latin America and the Caribbean Countries Surveyed in FY24 8.1 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.4 7.4 7.9 Effectiveness in helping achieve results 7.2 Paraguay 7.2 FY24 7.5 Other LAC Alignment with development priorities 7.1 FY24 7.1 Other IBRD 7.7 FY24 Positive influence on shaping 7.1 development policy 7.1 7.7 Relevant role in development 7.2 7.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY24 Other LAC countries included: Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Uruguay Q FY24 IBRD countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Gulf Cooperation Council, 14 Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Poland, Seychelles, Tunisia, and Uruguay Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions had the highest All Respondents* 7.5 mean rating across the aggregated responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions, whereas respondents from civil society organizations had significantly lower Government Institutions 8.0 ratings. Office of a Parliamentarian 7.8 Academia 7.7 Private Sector 7.7 Media 7.2 Local government 7.1 Civil Society Organizations 6.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions *Significant difference Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details on these Indicator Questions. between stakeholder groups 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “There are three pillars that Paraguay needs to improve quality, and these would be education, transparency, and citizen participation. The WBG should invest more in education.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) WBG: Focal Development Education and skills 41% Areas Transport infrastructure 35% Economic growth, trade, and investment 32% In FY24, stakeholders wanted the WBG to focus its resources Judicial reform and anticorruption 31% on education and skills, transport infrastructure, and economic growth, trade, and investment. Public sector governance 29% Respondents in this year's survey considered transport Urban development 26% infrastructure a much greater priority than in the FY21 Water / sanitation 25% survey (7%). Social protection (e.g., pensions, targeted social 25% assistance) Job creation / employment 24% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Agriculture / food security / rural development 24% Paraguay? Energy 20% “Continue to support the strengthening of institutions, both public and private. Strong institutions drive effective Digital infrastructure development 20% improvement processes.” Environment / natural resource management 19% (Government Institution Respondent) Crime and violence 16% “Greater technical and financial contribution to improve our capacity to produce real, tangible goods, especially Early childhood development 15% agro-industry, to generate full employment in the private Gender equity 13% sector. Cooperate in reducing public bureaucracy and corruption and achieving more efficient, timely, and rapid Climate change and pollution 13% services.” (Private Sector Respondent) Private sector development 11% Health / pandemic preparedness 9% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in 17 Q Paraguay? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=216) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in early childhood development received the highest Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth effectiveness ratings. Of note, the effectiveness of WBG’s support in many sectors has improved since FY21, significantly so for education and trade 7.2 and integration. Economic growth and stability 6.8 6.9 Human Development Fiscal policy and debt 7.4 6.9 Early Childhood Development Trade and integration* 6.3 FY24 7.0 FY21 Education* 6.3 6.9 Public sector governance 6.6 6.9 Health 6.5 6.8 FY24 Private sector development 6.6 6.6 Social inclusion 6.6 FY21 6.3 Job creation / employment 6.1 6.4 Social protection 6.3 6.3 Infrastructure Gender equity 6.8 7.0 Environmental Sustainability Digital development 6.8 6.9 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 6.6 Agriculture and food security 6.5 6.6 Urban development 6.3 Environment / natural resource 6.7 FY24 management 6.6 6.6 FY24 FY21 Energy / extractive 6.1 *Significant difference FY21 6.3 Climate change 6.6 between years Transport 6.6 6.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 18 High Ratings for the 'Paraguay Ahora' Platform's Relevance to Social Capital in Paraguay, Except Among Civil Society Stakeholders Although most respondents rated the relevance of Paraguay Ahora, the WBG-supported platform for 7.5 facilitating policy dialogue among young leaders in How relevant is Paraguay Ahora in FY24 terms of improvement of social Paraguay, favorably, civil society representatives capital in Paraguay? were notably more critical, assigning an average 7.3 FY21 score of 5.8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Paraguay Ahora (www.paraguayahora.com) is a WBG-supported platform that facilitates policy dialogue among young leaders with the goal to help Q address the country’s challenges and shape development policies. How relevant do you believe the platform is in terms of impr ovement of social capital in Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not relevant at all – 10 Very relevant 19 20 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Paraguay “Establish a specific team in Paraguay with knowledge of the local reality and provide a quicker response to needs.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) The WBG Increasingly Seen as an Effective Partner In FY24, respondents continue to perceive the WBG as a long-term partner with significantly improved Being a long-term partner to 8.1 responsiveness, accessibility, and flexibility ratings. Paraguay 7.7 Responsiveness to needs in 7.7 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Paraguay* could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? 6.7 “To coordinate joint work, it should reach further into the interior of the country.” (Local Government Respondent) Access to WBG staff and 7.4 “It is important to align the interests of the parties involved (public experts* FY24 6.4 sector, finance, private sector, civil society) to ensure the impact of FY21 the projects. The WBG has logically given much weight to working with the public and private sectors, but other similar organizations Openness (sharing data and 7.3 (CAF and IDB) have good experiences in multisectoral work that could be replicated by the WBG. In addition, the IDB has good other information) 6.9 experiences in supporting science and research that could be replicated.” (Private Sector Respondent) Flexibility when circumstances 7.1 change in the country*^ 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY21. between years 21 The WBG Collaborates Effectively with Government In FY24, perceptions of the effectiveness of the WBG’s 8.4 The Government* collaboration with various stakeholder groups have improved 7.4 significantly. Respondents believed that the WBG effectively collaborates with the national and local governments. 7.9 Local government However, respondents gave relatively lower ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with the media. In addition, despite the overall increase, respondents from civil society gave Other donors and 7.8 significantly lower ratings for the Bank’s collaboration with development partners* 6.7 their group (mean=6.3) Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 7.7 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the CBOs)* 6.4 WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in FY24 Paraguay? Parliament / legislative 7.4 FY21 branch “Work in coordination with the academic sector and other international organizations.” (Academia Respondent) 7.1 “In my opinion, it should be closer to the private sector and Private sector* 6.4 civil society... to coordinate joint actions with the government.” (Government Principal Respondent) 7.0 Academia / research centers “Improve supply, generate partnerships with other cooperation agencies to unify efforts and achieve greater results for the country's development.” 6.9 Media (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Paraguay, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant differences between years 22 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Civil Society and Local Government Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with civil society and local Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 39% government and its partnership with the national government. CBOs) A quarter of the respondents welcomed more collaboration with the private sector and academia. Local government 37% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Private sector 27% WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? “It should have a better link with civil society organizations Academia / research 25% that are closer to the target populations to improve its centers diagnosis and facilitate the implementation of its social projects. Currently, its management is very focused on the Other donors and 15% government that develops projects within a welfare model - development partners clientelist and very distant from the reality of the context.” (Civil Society Respondent) Youth groups 15% “Work with everyone in the private sector, not just the same old allies.” (Private Sector Respondent) Media 15% Parliament / legislative 13% branch In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Faith-based groups 1% Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Paraguay? 23 (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=209) 24 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Increase technical and financial assistance in the management of policies and projects of national interest so that Paraguay can improve the quality and level of public spending on infrastructure and human capital to accelerate growth and poverty reduction.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Knowledge of best practices in other countries and financing on better conditions than the market.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Financial Resources Considered the Bank’s Financial resources 47% Greatest Value Technical assistance 34% Of more value to the academia Implementation support (incl. (46%) 25% project design and implementation) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? Data and statistics 24% “Greater technical and financial contribution to improve our capacity to produce real, tangible goods, especially agro- Mobilizing third party financial industry to generate full employment in the private sector. 11% resources Cooperate in reducing public bureaucracy, corruption, and in achieving more efficient, timely and rapid services.” (Private Sector Respondent) Promoting knowledge sharing 10% Of more value to the private sector (28%) “Support in the management of financing, including alternative models to promote the execution of public works in Paraguay.” Development partner coordination 10% (Government Institution Respondent) Convening / bringing together Of more value “Shortening project financing processes (No objection in 9% different groups of stakeholders to the local general, procurement issues) government (45%) (Government Institution Respondent) Informal advice that WBG’s staff 5% provides Reimbursable Advisory Services 2% (RAS) Other 1% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Paraguay? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=211) 25 WBG Provides Timely Financial Support Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents reported a significantly higher level of agreement that the WBG The WBG provides financial 7.6 provides financial support in a timely manner and that its support in a timely manner*^ 6.3 financial instruments meet Paraguay’s needs compared to FY21. The ratings for other statements on the WBG’s financial support The WBG insists on accountability through its lending (e.g., 7.5 and instruments remained positive as in FY21. performance-based financing, resources tied to results) Of note, media respondents gave significantly lower ratings for the WBG’s financial instruments meeting the country’s needs The WBG effectively monitors and 7.5 evaluates the projects it supports in (mean = 5.7), and respondents from civil society organizations Paraguay 7.2 reported significantly lower ratings for WBG’s financial support being timely (mean = 6.3). The conditions of the WBG’s 7.4 financing are competitive compared to markets In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? The WBG’s Environmental and 7.4 Social Framework requirements “Work with the private sector seeking to reduce poverty gaps are reasonable 7.3 through investments that can generate sources of employment, tending to improve the socio-economic conditions of the affected The WBG’s financial instruments 7.3 FY24 population and collaterally contribute to reduce crime.” (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, (Government Institution Respondent) trust funds) meet the needs of 6.7 FY21 Paraguay* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY21 *Significant differences between years 26 33% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; WBG Knowledge is Perceived to Increase Institutional Capacity Working with the WBG increases Paraguay’s 8.0 institutional capacity* 7.1 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.9 knowledge work in Paraguay Yes When I need to consult the WBG’s 7.8 33% knowledge work, I know how to find it Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge 7.8 The WBG brings global expertise to work, including Paraguay as part of its knowledge work^ 7.6 participating in workshops or training programs? Significance of contribution to development 7.8 No results in Paraguay* 7.0 67% How relevant is Paraguay Ahora in terms of 7.5 improvement of social capital in Paraguay? 7.3 FY24 The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.4 FY21 Paraguay’s context 7.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=210) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Paraguay? *Significant differences between years 27 Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. 28 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Paraguay “The World Bank should better socialize and make available information on the opportunities and linkage mechanisms that the bank has with the different sectors (private sector, local governments, civil society organizations, academia, etc.).Socialize through the different means of communication available, the different projects it finances and supports in Paraguay.” (Media Respondent) “Improve the capacity of public institutions to plan, execute, and monitor policies and projects. This includes fighting corruption and promoting transparency.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Actively engage with various stakeholders, adapt projects to local context, and greater dissemination of work. • Education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure Focus Area • Anti-corruption and public sector management 22%* • Strengthen civil society Engagement, Focus Area, 20% 23% • Active collaboration with civil society, private sector, Engagement academia, youth groups, and media • Support community organizations and civil society 20% actors Results, 5% Operational • Establish mechanisms that involve all stakeholders in Effectiveness, the consultation Financial 16% Support, 9% Operational • Adapt projects to the Paraguay needs Communication, Knowledge, • Improved communication 13% 15% Effectiveness • Continued implementation support 16% • Better understanding of the processes in the country In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 29 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Actively engage with various stakeholders, adapt projects to local context, and greater dissemination of work. Knowledge • More capacity building and technical assistance • Rely more on local expertise and provide quicker response 15% • Proactively disseminate the WBG’s knowledge work Engagement, Focus Area, 20% 23% Communication • Engage with the media to promote WBG’s success stories and upcoming projects 13% • Increasing the Bank’s visibility in Paraguay • More channels of communication Results, 5% Operational Effectiveness, Financial 16% Support, Financial support • Objectives-oriented financial support 9% • Financial support on favorable and competitive terms 9% Communication, Knowledge, 13% 15% Results • Active supervision of project/policy implementation and M&E 5% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 30 31 Communication and Outreach “Greater outreach to the private sector: Producers, Trade, Logistics, and services to learn about the realities and the transfer of best practices to improve their effectiveness and contribution to development.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Provide data and actions based on the same. Disseminate success stories and upcoming projects through the media. Closeness to the people, WBG, seems unreachable (my perception)." (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Paraguay? (N=104) Social Media and Events were the Most Preferred Ways for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through social media and events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), followed by e-newsletters. Preferred WBG Channel All Office of a Government Local Civil Society Respondents Parliamentarian Institutions government Organizations Private Sector Academia Media Social media (e.g., Facebook, 39.2% 25.0% 21.3% 50.0% 51.1% 46.7% 45.5% 63.6% Twitter) Event / conference / seminar / 38.1% 16.7% 47.5% 20.0% 35.6% 23.3% 45.5% 45.5% workshop (in person or online) e-Newsletters 33.0% 50.0% 47.5% 10.0% 17.8% 36.7% 27.3% 27.3% Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 27.3% 33.3% 31.1% 0.0% 31.1% 20.0% 27.3% 9.1% person, virtually, phone, email) Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp) 12.9% 25.0% 13.1% 10.0% 11.1% 10.0% 18.2% 18.2% Other 6.7% 16.7% 4.9% 10.0% 0.0% 23.3% 0.0% 0.0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=194) 32 45% of Respondents Recalled Information about the WBG Recently, Most Often Through Social Media and Events 45% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through social media, event/conference/seminar (in person or online), and direct contact with WBG staff. Social media 41% Event / conference / seminar (in 35% person or online) Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., 35% in person, virtually, phone, email) WBG websites 31% Do you recall seeing or hearing Yes Newspapers (print or online) 27% 45% anything about No e-Newsletters 23% 55% the WBG recently? Television (TV) 13% Radio 12% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp) 8% Blogs 4% Other 2% Podcasts 1% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=207) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=93) 33 WBG’s Work on Ending Poverty and Human Capital were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Respondents most frequently recalled WBG’s work or Ending poverty in developing 42% countries research on ending poverty in developing countries and human education, followed by WBG’s economic Human capital (education, health) 42% forecasts and climate change. Economic growth and forecasts 39% ▪ All respondents from academia recalled WBG’s work Climate change 37% on climate change. Food security 25% Women empowerment / gender 19% equality Youth development 18% Digital economy 15% Debt relief for developing countries 15% Other 10% Job creation / employment 9% Pandemic preparedness 8% Changes to the WBG financial and 3% operational model If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=93) 34 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concern: Increased Poverty and Inequality Over two-thirds of the respondents were very concerned about the increased poverty/inequality regarding the potential impacts of climate change in Paraguay. More frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all Increased poverty / inequality 70% More frequent and severe droughts 61% More frequent and severe heatwaves 60% More frequent and intense wildfires 60% Decreased water availability / quality 56% Loss of jobs 52% Land and forest degradation 51% More frequent and severe floods 49% Extinction of plant / animal species 48% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 45% Air pollution 42% Climate-driven migration 31% Increased erosion of shoreline 17% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Paraguay? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~182) 35 36 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you Yes of your work? (N=205) collaborate/work 18% with the World Bank Public sector governance 15% Group (WBG) Social protection 10% in Paraguay? (N=221) Other 9% Private sector development / trade 9% No Social development 9% 82% Education 8% Communications, public affairs 6% Agriculture and food security 4% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt 3% World Bank (IBRD) 98% management Environment / natural resource management 3% Which of the Generalist (specialize in multiple following WBG International Finance 20% 3% Corporation (IFC) sectors) agencies do you Health / pandemic preparedness 3% collaborate/work Multilateral Investment 10% with in Paraguay? Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Transport 2% (N=40) International Centre for Digital development 2% Settlement of Investment 5% Disputes (ICSID) Energy 2% Legal / human rights 2% 37 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=198) 46-55 29% What is your gender? (N=211) Prefer not to specify 22% Other, 1% 36-45 21% Prefer not to specify, 8% 56 and above 19% 26-35 8% 25 or younger 2% Female 34% Which best represents your Male geographic location? (N=192) 57% Capital and Central 90% Department Eastern Region 8% Western Region 3% 38 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From June to October 2024, a total of 507 stakeholders in Paraguay were invited to Government Principals: Office of the 12% 11% provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). President, Minister, Parliamentarian A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, and Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the Unit, Independent Government Institution, 25% 31% private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 221 participated in the survey (44% response rate). Respondents Local Government 8% 5% completed the questionnaire via an online platform or on paper. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response Development Organization, Development 5% 3% rate of 50% (N=283). Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time Civil Society Organization: Local and as changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 12% 22% instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Professional/Trade Association, response scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw a greater outreach to and/or Faith-Based Group, Youth Group response from civil society organizations and government institutions but a slight decrease from the private sector and academia. These differences in stakeholder composition between Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 20% 16% Sector Organization, Private Bank the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 11% 6% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 7% 5% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Paraguay Total Number of Respondents 283 221 COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Q What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 39 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_1. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Paraguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Paraguay? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Paraguay. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Paraguay. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Paraguay. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Paraguay To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Paraguay C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Paraguay C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Paraguay To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Paraguay, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. The Government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Paraguay C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Paraguay. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Paraguay’s context. 40 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org