FY 2024 Solomon Islands Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | December 2024 Acknowledgements The Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands country team and independent field agency Xtra Solutions. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Alison Ofotalau (Operations Officer) and Hamish Wyatt (Senior External Affairs Officer) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Honiara, Solomon Islands, and Sydney, Australia. 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 the Solomon Islands World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in the Solomon Islands 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 the Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands’ 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 the Solomon Islands? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in the Solomon Islands? 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? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 23% ▪ Fielded December 2023 – May 2024 ▪ 251 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Civil Society Organization 22% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper Private Sector 12% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Local / Provincial Government 11% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency ▪ 134 participants (53% response rate) Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 8% ▪ 69% from Honiara Office of the Prime Minister, Minister 7% ▪ 44% currently collaborate with the WBG ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Office of a Parliamentarian 6% ▪ 84 participants (70% response rate) Media 5% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper ▪ 49% collaborated with the WBG Academia / Research Centers 4% 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=132) 5 6 Overall Context “It will be more unbiased and effective for some research to be done on this to really examine how the WBG has been working in Solomon, see what has worked well and what has not, and go from there. The government (SIG), as WB's partner, has to be precise on what, how, and where they want the WBG to help the country progress its development plans. More dialogue with key people in government must continue. Relationships matter. Then, find the modalities of implementation that will deliver the desired outcomes and ensure that all parties are satisfied with the results.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY21 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s All Respondents* 6.4 Country Survey reported familiarity with the World Bank Group at comparable levels reported in the FY21 Survey. Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.4 Government Institutions 7.9 FY21 = 6.3 Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 6.6 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Local Government 6.2 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.1 Do not collaborate = 5.1 Broader Civil Society 5.7 Private Sector 4.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Note: Broader Civil Society includes civil society How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Solomon organizations, academia/research centers, and the media. Q Islands? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar The sample size from the Office of a Parliamentarian was insufficient for inclusion in the stakeholder analysis. 7 *Significant difference between stakeholder groups Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to World Bank Group 6.4 indicate their familiarity with the work of several international 6.3 organizations in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in the Solomon Islands indicated 6.2 United Nations the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG, followed by the United Nations (UN) and Asian Development Bank (ADB). They were least familiar with the work of the 6.1 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Asian Development Bank (ADB) 5.6 European Union 5.2 International Monetary Fund Australian Infrastructure 4.7 Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) FY24 3.7 FY21 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) 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 Solomon Islands? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 The WBG is among the Other donors and development partners* 7.3 8.0 Most Trusted Institutions Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)* 6.9 7.9 7.4 World Bank Group Respondents in the Solomon Islands rated other donors and 7.0 development partners (primarily bilateral agencies, including 7.3 Faith-based institutions* the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 6.5 (DFAT), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT), United Nations 7.3 6.8 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and China Development Bank (CDB)), the Central Bank of Solomon Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs)* 7.2 6.1 Islands (CBSI), and the WBG as the most trustworthy institutions. 7.1 Private sector* 6.2 FY24 Trust in many institutions significantly increased in FY24 International Monetary Fund 7.0 6.9 FY21 compared to FY21, including other donors and development partners, CBSI, faith-based institutions, civil society, and the Regional development banks 7.0 (Asian Development Bank (ADB)) 7.0 private sector. 6.9 Academia / research centers While trust ratings for the national government and media have significantly improved compared to the FY21 survey, Local government 6.7 they remain among the least trusted institutions studied. 6.7 Parliament / legislative branch 6.6 National government* 5.1 6.4 Media* 5.8 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 Solomon Islands? 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 “World Bank has been a long-time partner of Solomon Islands. It is often difficult to see what the mandate of the World Bank is. Often, there is confusion with ADB; hence, even with the good work the World Bank has done, it is still not too clear that there is one specific area they focus on. More visibility and interaction with the different thematic areas. There is probably more focus on Government, but a strong partnership with development partners can increase its effectiveness as well.” (Bilateral /Multilateral Agency Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) Ratings for Key Performance Indicators 7.4 Relevant role in development As in FY21, respondents gave the highest ratings for the 7.4 WBG’s relevance to development in the Solomon Islands. The ratings for WBG’s positive influence on shaping Alignment with development 7.0 development policy, its effectiveness in helping the priorities 7.3 Solomon Islands achieve results, and its alignment with the country’s development priorities remain consistent with the previous survey and are rather positive. Positive influence on shaping 7.0 development policy FY24 6.8 FY21 Effectiveness in helping Solomon 7.0 Islands achieve results^ 7.1 Helps end poverty in Solomon 6.7 Islands The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly Mean Rating agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Solomon Islands achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Solomon Islands. 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 Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve developme nt 11 results in Solomon Islands? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 8.2 Stakeholders from Trust the WBG to do what is right for Solomon Islands 7.0 7.1 7.4 Government Institutions 6.5 Have Most Positive 8.1 Government Institutions 6.7 Perceptions of the WBG Relevant role in development* 7.9 7.5 Local Government 6.4 Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 7.6 Bilateral / between stakeholder groups show that respondents 6.6 Multilateral Alignment with development Agency from government institutions have the highest ratings priorities* 8.1 for the WBG’s work across most KPIs. Respondents 7.2 from bilateral/multilateral agencies are also very 5.3 Broader Civil Society positive. Meanwhile, respondents from the private 7.6 sector tended to be more critical of WBG’s work. Effectiveness in helping 7.2 Private Sector Solomon Islands achieve 7.1 results 6.9 5.8 7.5 6.6 Positive influence on 7.8 shaping development policy 7.1 5.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 *Significant difference Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. between stakeholder groups Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.4 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Trust the WBG to do what 6.9 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- is right for Solomon Islands* 6.4 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.1 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Relevant role in development* 7.3 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its work are. 6.3 7.8 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Alignment with development 7.0 to increase positive perceptions. priorities* 5.6 7.7 Positive influence on shaping 7.1 development policy* 5.5 7.6 Effectiveness in helping Solomon 6.7 Islands achieve results* 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Solomon Islands? 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 Solomon Islands? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree familiarity levels The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Solomon Islands. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Solomon Islands achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 13 Solomon Islands’ Key Performance Indicators are Similar to those of IDA countries Surveyed in FY24 7.4 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.9 7.0 7.4 Alignment with development priorities 7.8 Solomon 7.1 Islands FY24 7.0 Other EAP Positive influence on shaping 7.7 FY24 development policy 6.8 Other IDA 7.0 FY24 Relevant role in development 7.6 6.9 7.0 Effectiveness in helping achieve results 7.6 7.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY24 Other EAP countries included: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam Q FY24 Other IDA countries: Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritania, Paraguay, Senegal, 14 Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Zambia Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions had the highest All Respondents* 6.8 mean rating across the aggregated responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions, whereas respondents from the private sector had significantly lower ratings. Government Institutions 7.5 Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 7.1 Broader Civil Society 6.9 Local Government 6.5 Private Sector 5.7 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 “The WBG must work and support the local/provincial government directly. The key areas of support should focus on infrastructure & communication, water/sanitation, and encouraging the private sector via Agriculture and Fisheries to encourage entrepreneurs, job creation, and elevation poverty.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) WBG: Focal Development Transport infrastructure 52% Areas Agriculture / food security 47% Water / sanitation 39% Similar to FY21, stakeholders in this year’s survey wanted the Private sector development 33% WBG to focus its resources on transport infrastructure and Education 33% agriculture/food security. Water/sanitation and climate Energy 30% change have gained significant prominence, increasing from 3% in FY21 to 39% in FY24 and from 4% in FY21 to 24% in Health / pandemic preparedness 26% FY24, respectively. Climate change 24% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Environment / natural resource management 23% WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Social protection (e.g., Community Access and 23% Solomon Islands? Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE)) Public sector governance 23% “The World Bank needs to invest in education in the country like developing the Early Childhood Education up Debt management 19% to Year 12.” (Media Respondent) Gender equity 18% “Transportation infrastructure and private sector support, Jobs 15% especially in Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, and Forestry are crucial for the growth of Solomon Islands.” Urban development 15% (Government Principal Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 13% “Providing funding support to critical infrastructures such Tourism development 12% as airports.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Justice / judiciary reform 10% “Increase its grants for natural resource management Disaster risk management 9% such as the Tuna industry.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Crime and violence 6% Other 1% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Solomon 17 Q Islands? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=130) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in debt sustainability received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, the effectiveness of WBG’s support in many sectors has decreased since FY21, with Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth significant decreases observed in agriculture and food security, public sector governance, and energy/extractives. Among these sectors, private sector respondents provided the 6.6 Debt sustainability lowest ratings while being the least familiar with the WBG’s work. 6.4 Macroeconomic stability Human Development 6.4 6.4 Public sector governance* 7.4 FY24 Health 6.6 6.2 FY21 Regional integration 6.3 Gender equity 6.0 6.7 Trade FY24 6.1 FY21 5.8 Social inclusion Private sector development* 6.7 Social protection 6.1 Infrastructure 6.7 Environmental Sustainability Transport 7.3 Environment / natural resource 6.4 6.4 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure management 6.2 6.7 6.0 6.4 Climate change 6.7 FY24 Urban development 6.9 FY24 FY21 *Significant difference FY21 6.0 6.3 Agriculture and food security* 7.3 between years Energy / extractives* 7.6 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 Solomon Islands? 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 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in the Solomon Islands “The most important thing the World Bank could do is to involve and engage a lot more with other non-government organizations, agencies, and partners for effective execution of their work priorities.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) The WBG Increasingly Seen as a Flexible Partner In FY24, respondents continue to perceive the WBG as a long- term partner to the Solomon Islands, and perceptions of the Being a long-term partner to 7.5 Bank’s flexibility have improved significantly. Perceptions of Solomon Islands 7.8 the institution’s responsiveness, openness, and staff accessibility remain moderately positive. Responsiveness to needs in 6.6 Solomon Islands 6.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? “The bank is to be open to working with both the national Openness (sharing data and 6.4 government and civil society organizations.” other information) FY24 6.6 (Civil Society Organization Respondent) FY21 “WB projects should have fewer components in their projects to Flexibility when circumstances 6.2 achieve maximum benefit in their areas of implementation. change in Solomon Islands*^ 5.5 Having many components and a complex project design stretches the resources thin and does not achieve value for money spending.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Access to WBG staff and 5.9 experts 6.4 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 20 The WBG Collaborates Effectively with the National Government and Other Donors 7.8 In FY24, respondents believed that the WBG effectively National government 7.3 collaborates with the national government and other donors and development partners. They gave relatively lower ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with academia and civil society. Other donors and 7.5 development partners 7.2 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Parliament / legislative 6.6 could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? branch “Collaborating with the other donors for avoiding overlapping support.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) 6.5 Local government “While the World Bank understandably only directly links FY24 through government, I feel if it can work closely with local FY21 governments and local institutions, including faith-based 6.3 groups, it will have a more direct impact on the rural populace Private sector in the country.” 6.3 (Local Government Respondent) Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 6.1 “The most important thing the WBG could do is involve all stakeholders in social security consultation, especially women CBOs) 6.2 and people with different impairments.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) 6.0 Academia / research centers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Solomon Islands, in terms of collaborating with the Q following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Local Government and Private Sector Local government 49% Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with local government and the private sector, in addition to its partnership with the national Private sector 42% government. Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 31% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Other donors and development 16% WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon partners Islands? Central Bank of Solomon Islands 13% “Work closely with local governments. Use local, private (CBSI) consultancy to advance WB programs and activities in the Australia (DFAT), New Zealand country.” 13% (MFAT), Japan (JICA), China (CDB) (Private Sector Respondent) “1. Use more local expertise. 2. Engage more at all levels”. Parliament / legislative branch 12% (Academia Respondent) Academia / research centers 10% UNICEF/UNDP 5% Other 2% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Solomon Pacific Islands Forum 2% 22 Islands? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=131) 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “World Bank is a key institution in fighting poverty across the globe, including the Solomon Islands. In this regard, the WBG should provide more grant financing to the private sector and finance key Government projects. In addition, the WBG should invest more financial resources to help the productive sector and resource sector in the Solomon Islands. By doing this, I believe the WBG works in the Country will elevate the socio-economic development, leading to an overall increase in livelihood & standard of living.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) Financial Resources Considered the Bank’s Financial resources 66% Greatest Value Technical assistance and 41% implementation support In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? “1. Provide technical support during the development, procurement, Knowledge and analytical products 22% and implementation of projects. 2. Provide timely responses on submissions for assessments and or approvals.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Capacity development and training 21% “Increase development partnerships and development financing for critical development sectors in Solomon Islands. Critical sectors would be Economic Infrastructures and Education (investments in services-quality/infrastructure).” Mobilizing third party financial 17% (Government Institutions Respondent) resources “Provide grants to de-risk projects and provide an equal platform for local businesses to participate and or engage meaningfully.” Convening / bringing together (Civil Society Organization Respondent) 13% different groups of stakeholders Donor coordination 13% Q Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Solomon Islands? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=131) 24 WBG Insists on Its Accountability Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents reported the highest level of agreement that the WBG insists on The WBG insists on accountability 7.5 through its lending 7.9 accountability through its lending. They also rated positively how effectively the WBG monitors and evaluates the projects. The WBG effectively monitors and 7.2 The timeliness ratings of the WBG’s financial support also evaluates the projects it supports in improved slightly. Solomon Islands 7.4 Of note, private sector respondents gave significantly lower The WBG’s conditions on its 6.8 ratings for the WBG’s financial instruments meeting the country’s lending are reasonable 7.0 needs (mean = 4.8), the conditions of WBG ‘s financing being competitive, the WBG’s financial support being timely, and the The WBG provides financial 6.8 WBG’s conditions on its lending being reasonable (means = 5.0). support in a timely manner 6.5 The conditions of the WBG’s 6.7 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG financing are competitive FY24 could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? compared to markets FY21 The WBG’s financial instruments 6.6 “Employ full-time experts within the country office to advise and meet the needs of Solomon Islands 6.4 provide assistance to Ministries when needed rather than procurement of consultants that takes long time to engage them. It's better to employ more national experts rather than expatriates The WBG’s Environmental and 6.6 Social Framework requirements who are less familiar with the dynamism within the local context.” 6.6 are reasonable (Government Institutions Respondent) 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 25 38% of Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; WBG’s Knowledge Continued to be Perceived as Bringing Global Expertise to the Solomon Islands The WBG brings global expertise to Solomon 7.4 Islands as part of its knowledge work 7.7 I anticipate using the WBG’s knowledge work in 7.3 the future Working with the WBG increases Solomon 7.2 Islands’ institutional capacity 7.4 Yes 38% Have you ever used The WBG’s knowledge work makes a significant 7.1 the WBG’s knowledge contribution to development results in Solomon 7.0 work, including Islands participating in I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 6.9 workshops or training No knowledge work in Solomon Islands programs? 62% FY24 The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.2 Solomon Islands’ context 6.6 FY21 The WBG’s publications are adequately 6.1 disseminated 6.4 When I need to consult the WBG’s knowledge 6.0 work, I know how to find it 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=131) 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 Solomon Islands? 26 Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in the Solomon Islands “Many of the development assumptions, whether from new work or from empirical records, are flawed and in error. It causes intervention designs to be less practical than they should be. I would prefer the independent evaluation office (WB) to be a stronger participant. They can allow the historical evidence to inform the design options by being the accurate devil's advocate.” (Government Institutions Respondent) “Understand the cultural context, ethnic historical issues with land ownership.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Engage closely with local government and experts, focus on infrastructure, and adapt projects to the local context. • Collaborate closely with local/provincial government Engagement and local experts • Establish mechanisms that involve all stakeholders in 29%* the consultation Engagement, 29% • Meaningful engagement with other development partners and civil society actors, including NGOs, faith-based groups, women groups, etc. Focus areas, 28% • Transport and digital infrastructure, improve connectivity Results, 5% Focus Area • Government and Institution capacity 28% • Deliver essential services and create more job opportunities Communica • Private sector development, such as tourism and fisheries tion, 6% Financial Support, • Adapt projects to the Solomon Islands’ local context 7% Operational Operational • Better understanding of the cultural context and ethnic Knowledge, Effectiveness, 8% 15% Effectiveness historical issues with land ownership 15% • Long-term partnership and sustainable development model • Provide timely assistant In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) 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. 28 How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Engage closely with local government and experts, focus on infrastructure, and adapt projects to the local context. Knowledge • More local capacity building • Rely more on local expertise and provide quicker response 8% Engagement, • Facilitate sharing the WBG’s knowledge work 29% Financial support • Increase financial support for critical development sectors and Focus areas, 7% structures 28% Results, 5% Communication, 6% Communication • Engage with the media to increase the exposure of WBG’s work • Raise the Bank’s visibility in the Solomon Islands Financial Support, 6% 7% Operational Knowledge, Effectiveness, 8% 15% Results • Independent evaluation 5% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) 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 30 Communication and Outreach “Have more exposure of their services through public media.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) “Carry out nationwide awareness and run educational programs, live talk -back shows, panel discussions, and radio spots on various media platforms in the country. Hold training or workshops for media personnel to understand the roles of WBG.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Solomon Islands? (N=61) Direct Contact and Events were the Most Preferred Ways for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive the WBG’s communications through direct contact with staff and events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online). There is a significant difference in stakeholders’ preferences for e-newsletters, with respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies and the private sector favoring it more than other groups. Preferred WBG Channel All Government Bilateral/Multilateral Broader Civil Respondents Institutions Local Government Agencies Society Private Sector Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, 56% 56.8% 71.4% 60.0% 53.8% 42.9% virtually, phone, email) Event / conference / seminar / workshop (in 53% 48.6% 57.1% 40.0% 61.5% 42.9% person or online) e-Newsletters* 34% 40.5% 21.4% 60.0% 17.9% 57.1% Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) 28% 35.1% 14.3% 10.0% 38.5% 7.1% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, 10% 2.7% 21.4% 0.0% 12.8% 14.3% Viber) Other 2% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 2.6% 0.0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=126) *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 31 57% of Respondents Recalled Information about the WBG Recently, Most Often Through Newspapers 57% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through newspapers, social media, and direct contact with WBG staff. Significantly more respondents from local government recalled through WBG websites (56%). Newspapers (print or online) 51% Social media 42% Direct contact with WBG staff 42% Event / conference / seminar (in 38% person or online) WBG websites 33% No Do you recall 43% seeing or hearing Radio 18% anything about the WBG Yes Television (TV) 14% recently? 57% e-Newsletters 12% Direct messaging 5% Blogs 5% Other 4% Podcasts 4% Q Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=128) Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=73) 32 WBG’s Work on Climate Change was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled WBG’s work or Climate change 58% research on climate change, followed by WBG’s work on women empowerment and ending poverty in Women empowerment 44% developing countries. Ending poverty in developing 38% countries ▪ Local government respondents were likelier to recall Job creation / employment 38% pandemic preparedness, food security, and youth Food security 36% development topics. Human capital (education, health) 25% Youth development 24% WBG economic forecasts 21% Pandemic preparedness 21% Debt relief for developing countries 21% Digital economy 17% Other 15% Changes to the WBG financial and 8% 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=72) 33 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: More Frequent Tropical Cyclones and Floods Most respondents were very concerned about more frequent tropical cyclones regarding the potential impacts of climate change in the Solomon Islands. More frequent and severe floods followed closely. Land and forest degradation was 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 More frequent tropical cyclones 85% More frequent and severe floods 82% Land and forest degradation 81% Decreased water availability / quality 80% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 80% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 79% Increased erosion of shoreline 79% Loss of jobs 71% More frequent and severe droughts 65% More frequent and severe landslides 63% More frequent and severe earthquakes 63% Climate-driven migration 62% More frequent and severe heatwaves 54% Extinction of plant / animal species 53% Air pollution 52% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Solomon Islands? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~101) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=125) collaborate/work Generalist (specialize in multiple 13% with the World Bank sectors) Group (WBG) Yes Public sector governance 11% in Solomon Islands? 44% (N=134) No Private sector development / trade 10% 56% Other 10% Agriculture and food security 9% Education 8% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt 7% management Environment / natural resource 6% management Gender equity 6% Social protection 4% World Bank (IDA) 95% Which of the Energy 4% following WBG Climate change 2% agencies do you International Finance 41% Corporation (IFC) collaborate/work Urban development 2% with in Solomon Transport 2% Islands? Multilateral Investment (N=58) 9% Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Water / sanitation 2% Legal / human rights 2% Health / pandemic preparedness 2% 36 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=126) 25 or younger 1% What is your gender? 26-35 9% (N=126) 36-45 27% 46-55 36% Female 26% 56 and above 27% Prefer not to specify 1% Which best represents your geographic location? (N=124) Male Honiara 69% 74% Provincial capital 14% Rural area 12% Area outside 6% Honiara 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From December 2023 to May 2024, a total of 251 stakeholders in the Solomon Islands Government Principals: Office of the Prime 6% 13% were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Minister, Minister, Parliamentarian Survey (COS). A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the Government Institutions: Employee of a field agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the Prime Minister, Minister, and Ministry, Department, Project Parliament, government institutions, local / provincial governments, bilateral or multilateral Implementation Unit, Independent 36% 23% Government Institution, Judiciary, State- agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 134 participated in the survey (53% response rate). Respondents Local / Provincial Government 7% 11% completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, This year’s survey results were compared to the FY21 Survey, which had a response Development Organization, Development 7% 8% rate of 70% (N=84). Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as Civil Society Organization: Local and well as changes in respondent samples, methodology, and the survey instrument itself. To regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 22% 22% reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response Professional/Trade Association, scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw greater outreach to and/or response Faith-Based Group, Youth Group from government principals but a slight decrease from government institutions. These differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be considered when Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 11% 12% interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Sector Organization, Private Bank Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Academia / Research Center 4% 4% throughout the report. Media 1% 5% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Solomon Islands COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Other 5% 3% Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents* 81 132 What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 38 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_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Solomon Islands? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands? 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 Solomon Islands. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Solomon Islands. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Solomon Islands. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Solomon Islands C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Solomon Islands To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Solomon Islands, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National 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 Solomon Islands C4_6. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Solomon Islands. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Solomon Islands’ context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org