FY 2024 Kuwait Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | May 2025 Acknowledgements The Kuwait Country Opinion Survey is part of the Country 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 Kuwait country team and the independent field agency, ARA International for Research and Consultancy Co. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Saleh Alobaidi (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Kuwait City, Kuwait. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Kuwait World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Kuwait 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 Kuwait perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Key Indicators: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? What are the key stakeholders’ opinions of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Kuwait’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 2. 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? 3. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Kuwait? Are opinions improving or declining? 4. WBG Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Kuwait? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 5. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? 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 34% ▪ Fielded June – September 2024 ▪ 264 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Private Sector 27% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online or on paper Academia / Universities / ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and Research Centers / Think 11% supplemented by the field agency Tanks ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Civil Society Organization 8% ▪ 73 participants (28% response rate) Local Government Office or 5% ▪ 33% currently collaborate with the WBG Staff ▪ Compared to FY18 Country Survey Media 5% ▪ 119 participants (44% response rate) ▪ 60% collaborated with the WBG Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 4% ▪ Note: Care should be taken when interpreting past-year comparisons, given the amount of time that has passed and the Other 3% differences in stakeholder composition between survey samples. Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Office of Minister 1% What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=73) 5 6 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Provide the state with experts specialized in the local context. Commit to implementing projects according to their timetable. Not submitting projects that the state does not need and imposing them on the authorities. Coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning, so that the consulting projects are consistent with the national development plan. Reviewing the mechanism of IFC’s dealings with Kuwait.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) Key Performance Indicators Familiarity with the WBG: Stakeholders’ familiarity with 6.5 the Bank has slightly improved since FY18, but this Familiarity with the Bank 6.2 improvement did not reach statistical significance. Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG; however, reported significantly higher levels of Alignment with development 6.0 familiarity with the institution’s work than those who priorities 6.1 reported that they do not collaborate with the WBG: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.2 Positive influence on shaping 5.7 development policy FY24 Do not collaborate = 5.6 FY18 Effectiveness in helping Kuwait 5.6 In FY24, respondents rated the WBG’s alignment with achieve results^ 6.0 development priorities, effectiveness in achieving results, and relevance to development similarly to respondents in the FY18 survey. 5.6 Relevant role in development 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group (WBG) in Kuwait?(1-Not familiar at all, 10-Very familiar) Q How effective is the WBG in helping Kuwait achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY18: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectiveness in Kuwait. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; and To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Kuwait? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Kuwait. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Kuwait. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 7 The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Kuwait. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Respondents in Kuwait Rated the WBG’s Key Performance Indicators Lower than Other GCC Countries Surveyed in FY24 6.5 Familiarity with the WBG 6.0 7.0 6.0 Alignment with development priorities 6.7 6.9 Kuwait FY24 5.7 Positive influence on shaping Saudi Arabia FY24 6.3 development policy 7.0 UAE FY24 5.6 Effectiveness in helping country 6.4 achieve results 7.9 5.6 Relevant role in development 6.2 6.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating 8 9 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “1- The Bank is still playing a role in providing technical assistance and consultations, so the concept of consultations must be expanded to carry out the implementation process. 2- Capacity development is limited to visits and practical workshops, but from my point of view, we need theoretical and practical training in a system of courses for the broader and more comprehensive benefit.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) Development Areas for Education 52% the WBG to Prioritize Public sector governance Private sector development 45% 42% In FY24, stakeholders wanted the WBG to focus its Skills development 34% resources on education, governance, private sector Digital infrastructure development 26% development, and skills development. Transport infrastructure 21% Of note, compared to FY18, digital infrastructure Energy 19% development has become much more of a priority, with more than 10 times as many respondents selecting it in Tourism 19% FY24 compared to FY18. Similarly, transport and Environment / natural resource management 18% energy have grown in priority, with more than twice as Trade 18% many respondents selecting them as priorities this year. Climate change 16% Jobs 15% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Urban development 14% could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? Debt management 12% “Provide support in implementation on recommendations Financial sector 12% provided - capacity building, implementation support, etc. to make sure that the recommendations are followed through and Gender equity 11% actually implemented. Although I understand and appreciate that in the past there was no leadership continuity and high Water / sanitation 11% turnover.” (Private Sector Respondent) Agriculture / food security 10% Social protection 7% Health / pandemic preparedness 4% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Kuwait? 10 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=73) Effectiveness of the WBG’s Gender equity 5.2 6.0 Sectoral Support Public sector governance 5.9 6.4 5.7 The WBG’s work in gender equity, public sector Digital development 6.1 governance, and digital development received the 5.6 Social protection 5.6 highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, nearly all areas comparable to FY18 received lower effectiveness ratings Macroeconomic stability 5.6 in FY24, significantly so for education. 5.6 Private sector development 6.4 Respondents gave the lowest ratings of effectiveness for Water supply and sanitation 5.4 infrastructure 5.7 the Bank’s support on transport. Importantly, transport is 5.3 among the top 10 stakeholder priorities for Bank support Energy / extractives 6.1 in FY24, and its importance has increased over the past Health 5.3 5.4 four years. 5.2 FY24 Climate change 5.6 FY18 5.1 Urban development 5.7 5.1 Job creation / employment 5.7 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? Environment / natural resource 5.0 management 5.6 “Workshops on collecting statistics. Training programs. Digital 4.8 Agriculture and food security development. Providing experts for the Ministry of Finance for 5.5 consultations. Providing expertise in education.” 4.7 Social inclusion 5.4 (Academia Respondent) 4.7 Education* 6.5 4.6 Transport 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Kuwait? Q Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in Mean Rating 11 any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) *Significant difference between years 12 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Kuwait “Supporting the private sector and non-profit sector to enable these sectors to contribute more effectively to the economy. Providing a study focusing on redirecting subsidies as a means of directing society (an alternative to taxes).” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) Perceptions of the WBG as a Long-Term, Responsive Partner Have Declined In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for the Bank’s flexibility, staff accessibility, and being a long- Flexibility when circumstances 6.7 term partner. Compared to the FY18 survey, however, change in Kuwait 6.5 ratings for the WBG as a long-term partner and the Bank’s responsiveness to Kuwait’s needs were significantly lower in this year’s survey. Access to WBG staff and 6.6 experts 6.9 Being a long-term partner to 6.6 Kuwait* FY24 7.6 FY18 Openness (sharing data and 6.5 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the other information) 6.9 WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? “Help Kuwait (especially the government) improve its data openness to lay the groundwork for better, evidence-based Responsiveness to needs in 5.9 policymaking and empower local researchers, advocates, Kuwait* 6.7 and entrepreneurs.” (Academia Respondent) 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? *Significant difference Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree between years 13 Despite Declining Perceptions, the WBG was Rated as Most Effectively Collaborating with the Government This year, respondents rated the effectiveness of the WBG’s 6.7 collaboration with the national government as the highest, National government* 7.5 despite being significantly lower than in the FY18 survey. 6.0 Although the WBG’s effectiveness in collaboration with civil Academia / research centers society has improved, this difference did not reach statistical significance. 5.9 Private sector 6.1 FY24 Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 5.9 FY18 CBOs) 5.5 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? 5.8 Local government “Engagement with Civil Society will not only give a voice to community or end user but also help in tailoring the various financial instruments and programs for wider impact.” 5.5 (Civil Society Respondent) Media 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Kuwait, 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 14 The Majority of Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with the Private Sector in Kuwait More than half of the respondents indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with the private sector, in Private sector 52% addition to its partnership with the national government. Respondents also welcomed more Bank collaboration with civil society and academia. Civil society (e.g., 37% NGOs, CBOs) Academia / research 37% centers Local government 27% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? “There is not enough development projects across all Media 9% industries taking place in Kuwait which reflects not enough collaboration with WBG is taking place” (Private Sector Respondent) Other donors and 6% development partners 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 Kuwait? (Select 15 up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=67) 16 World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work “The World Bank should provide realistic and implementable action plans. Capacity development should have a real impact and training should be real, not theoretical. Focus on supporting the State of Kuwait in priority issues that have not been previously supported.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) Advisory Services Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value to Kuwait Advisory services (including Nearly half of the respondents indicated that the WBG’s reimbursable advisory services 48% greatest value to Kuwait was its advisory services. (RAS)) Respondents also found the Bank’s knowledge and analytical products, technical assistance and Knowledge and analytical products 34% implementation support, and capacity development (e.g., data, reports, policy notes) and training to be highly valuable. Technical assistance and 29% implementation support Capacity development and training 26% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? Convening / bringing together “More workshops will include specialists from the private 21% different groups of stakeholders sector, financial institutions, the Central Bank, professors from Kuwait University in specializations appropriate to the workshop titles, and some master’s and doctoral students Mobilizing third party financial in related colleges.” (Academia Respondent) resources (incl. both public and 10% private) Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Kuwait? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=73) 17 2 in 5 Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work and 3 in 5 Think the WBG Should Do More in the Future The WBG should increase availability of 7.4 When asked if they had ever used the WBG’s advisory services in Kuwait in the future knowledge work, 40% of respondents said that they had. The WBG brings global expertise to 7.0 Kuwait as part of its knowledge work 7.5 Respondents had the highest levels of Significance of contribution to 6.9 development results in Kuwait 6.4 agreement that the WBG should increase the availability of advisory services in Kuwait in Working with the WBG increases Kuwait’s 6.9 the future, with 61% giving it a rating between institutional capacity 6.9 8-10 (22% gave it a 10-strongly agree). The WBG’s advisory services meet the 6.6 needs of Kuwait FY24 However, respondents had the lowest levels of FY18 agreement that they are satisfied with the The WBG provides advisory services in a 6.4 timely manner 6.5 quality of the advisory services in Kuwait. When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.4 knowledge work, I know how to find it The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.2 Kuwait’s context 6.5 I am satisfied with the quality of the 5.8 WBG’s advisory services in Kuwait 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=67) 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 Kuwait? 18 Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant 19 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Kuwait “Dealing with the State of Kuwait as a strategic partner, not a contractual partner.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) How Can the WBG Increase its Effectiveness in Kuwait? Open Ended Responses When asked the most important thing the WBG could do to improve its effectiveness in Kuwait, respondents discussed a number of areas: Focus Areas: A plurality of respondents mentioned focus areas, highlighting the importance of WBG work being aligned with the development priorities of the country, including education, public sector governance, economic policies, and digital development. Knowledge: Respondents expressed the need for more tailored knowledge work adapted to the Kuwaiti context, with more realistic outcomes proposed. Respondents also highlighted the importance of the Bank’s support in capacity building and its technical s upport. Operational Effectiveness: Respondents discussed the need for policy advice to be more action-oriented to ease implementation and for the WBG to better adapt its advice to the Kuwaiti context rather than provide international best practices that will not work in Kuwait. Engagement: Respondents wanted the WBG to be a more strategic partner to Kuwait, increasing its engagement with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders. Communication: Respondents expressed the need to raise awareness about the WBG’s work and its presence in Kuwait through more coordinated communication strategies and increased engagement with the media. Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) 20 21 Communication and Outreach “[The WBG should] increased communication with civil society and the media.” (Academia Respondent) “Increase awareness brochures that make people feel more aware of it by publishing them on social media because it is more widespread in Kuwait.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? (N=42) Direct Contact with Staff and Events were the Most Preferred Ways for Receiving WBG Communications Respondents indicated that they preferred to receive Direct contact with staff (e.g., in communications from the WBG through direct contact 47% person, virtually, phone, email) with staff, events/conference/seminars/workshops (in person or online), and e-Newsletters. Less than 1 in 5 said that they preferred social media or direct messaging. Event / conference / seminar / 41% workshop (in person or online) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Kuwait? e-Newsletters 32% “Increase public awareness of its initiatives and make different stakeholders accountable for their results.” (Private Sector Respondent) Social media (e.g., Facebook, “Raising awareness among the community in general 18% Twitter) about the role of the World Bank and focusing on clarifying that its role is advisory and not executive, and that everything it presents in its report and study are merely suggestions based on the extensive and varied Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, experiences possessed by its work team.” 14% Telegram, Viber) (Media Respondent) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=66) 22 Half of all Respondents Have Heard About the Bank Recently (50%), Most Often Through Social Media and Most Often about WBG Economic Forecasts Where do you recall seeing or hearing this What topics were included in what you saw or heard about information? (N=33) WBG’s work or research? (N=32) Social media 39% WBG economic forecasts 59% Event / conference / seminar Climate change 28% (in person or online) 30% Women empowerment 28% Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, email) 30% Debt relief for developing countries 25% Newspapers (print or online) 21% Other 22% WBG websites 21% Human capital (education, health) 22% Ending poverty in developing countries 19% e-Newsletters 18% Changes to the WBG financial and operational model 13% Television (TV) 15% Food security 13% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) 6% Youth development 13% Job creation / employment 9% Podcasts 3% Digital economy 9% *Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (Percentage of Respondents, N=66) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select ALL that apply) (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=33) 23 What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select ALL that apply) (N=32) Climate Change Communications Can be More Impactful When Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Air Pollution, More Heatwaves, and Water Availability Nearly two-thirds of respondents were very concerned about air pollution as a potential impact of climate change in Kuwait. More frequent and severe heatwaves and water availability were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned Air pollution 64% More frequent and severe heatwaves 58% Decreased water availability / quality 49% Extinction of plant / animal species 33% Loss of jobs 30% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 30% Increased erosion of shoreline 26% Land and forest degradation 25% More frequent and severe droughts 25% Climate-driven migration 16% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 13% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Kuwait? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~63) 24 25 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=66) collaborate/work with the World Bank Yes Other 26% 33% Group (WBG) Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 18% in Kuwait? Generalist (specialize in multiple (N=73) 12% sectors) No Education 8% 67% Private sector development / trade 8% Public sector governance 8% Energy 6% Legal / human rights 5% World Bank / International Urban development 3% Bank for Reconstruction 88% Which of the and Development (IBRD) Climate change 2% following WBG International Finance 21% agencies do you Corporation (IFC) Health / pandemic preparedness 2% collaborate/work International Centre for Social protection 2% with in Kuwait? Settlement of Investment 13% (N=24) Disputes (ICSID) Water / sanitation 2% Multilateral Investment 8% Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Digital development 2% 26 Sample Demographics (continued) What is your gender? What’s your age? (N=66) (N=66) 26-35 11% Prefer not to specify, 2% 36-45 29% 46-55 38% Female 32% 56 and above 20% Prefer not to specify 3% Male 67% 27 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2018 FY 2024 From June to September 2024, a total of 264 stakeholders in Kuwait were invited to Government Principals: Office of Minister 5% 1% provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of Minister, government institutions, local Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and Unit, Independent Government Institution, 46% 34% the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 73 participated in the survey (28% response rate). Respondents Local Government 0% 5% completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, This year’s survey results were compared to the FY18 Survey, which had a response Development Organization, Development 5% 4% rate of 44% (N=119). 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, 7% 8% 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 local government, academia, and the private sector, but fewer responses from government institutions and government principals. These differences in stakeholder Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 23% 27% Sector Organization, Private Bank composition between the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 6% 11% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 4% 5% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Kuwait COS Other 5% 3% FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 119 73 Q What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 28 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org