The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository
The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository (OKR) is The World Bank’s official open access repository for its research outputs and knowledge products.
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Total publications: 38,930
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Publication Where and How is Money Spent on International Migration and Refugees by World Bank Operational Projects?(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-06-10) McKenzie, David; Müller, Charlotte; Acosta, Pablo ArielA strong evidence base has documented the many ways in which international migration can bring large development benefits for individuals and communities. Flagship reports and analytical work from international organizations like the World Bank have long argued for the need for countries to actively manage migration for development. How much is this evidence and rhetoric reflected in what money actually gets spent on? This paper analyzes the World Bank portfolio of projects financed between 2014 and 2024 to see how much money is being spent on activities related to international migration and refugees in developing countries, where it is being spent, and what it is being used for. It identifies 160 operational projects, totaling $15 billion for components related to migration, refugees and forced displacement. However, this funding is highly concentrated in a small number of countries, and over 70 percent of World Bank clients have not received a single dollar in financing for migration in a decade. Financing is almost entirely driven by projects to support refugees and displaced populations, with funding for facilitating or increasing benefits from economic (labor) migration averaging only $11 million per year. Funding on refugees goes well beyond immediate humanitarian support, with much of the focus on how to improve development outcomes for them through education, housing, and labor market inclusion. Examination of the small number of projects that do relate to economic migration show efforts to develop new migration corridors, reintegrate returnees, as well as a role for improving the technical and vocational training systems of sending countries to better align and certify skills with overseas demand. These cases also provide a demonstration effect of how money can be spent proactively to enhance the benefits of international mobility. The paper concludes by discussing the barriers to more project lending and potential opportunities.Publication State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-06-10) World BankThis report provides an up-to-date overview of existing and emerging carbon pricing instruments around the world, including international, national and subnational initiatives. It also investigates trends surrounding the development and implementation of carbon pricing instruments. Specifically, this includes the use of carbon taxes, emissions trading systems and crediting mechanisms.Publication Using Demand-Driven Market Analysis to Improve Livelihoods: Supporting Gender Based Violence Survivors and Vulnerable Women in the DRC(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-06-10) Hwang, Helena; Phipps, VerenaWhile the importance of demand driven market analysis to improve livelihoods for the poor is widely recognized in the literature, there is a lack of practical examples on how to operationalize this approach. This paper illustrates findings and lessons learned from the design and implementation of a market analysis in conflict-affected areas in three Provinces in eastern DRC during the COVID-19 pandemic.Publication FY 2024 Equatorial Guinea Country Opinion Survey Report(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-06-10) World BankThe Country Opinion Survey in Equatorial Guinea assists the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how stakeholders in Equatorial Guinea perceive the WBG. It provides the WBG with systematic feedback from national and local governments, multilateral/bilateral agencies, media, academia, the private sector, and civil society in Equatorial Guineaon 1) their views regarding the general environment in Equatorial Guinea; 2) their overall attitudes toward the WBG in Equatorial Guinea; 3) overall impressions of the WBG’s effectiveness and results, knowledge work and activities, and communication and information sharing in Equatorial Guinea; and 4) their perceptions of the WBG’s future role in Equatorial Guinea.Publication Global Economic Prospects, June 2025(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-06-10) World BankThe global economy is facing another substantial headwind, emanating largely from an increase in trade tensions and heightened global policy uncertainty. For emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), the ability to boost job creation and reduce extreme poverty has declined. Key downside risks include a further escalation of trade barriers and continued policy uncertainty. These challenges are exacerbated by subdued foreign direct investment into EMDEs. Global cooperation is needed to restore a more stable international trade environment and scale up support for vulnerable countries grappling with conflict, debt burdens, and climate change. Domestic policy action is also critical to contain inflation risks and strengthen fiscal resilience. To accelerate job creation and long-term growth, structural reforms must focus on raising institutional quality, attracting private investment, and strengthening human capital and labor markets. Countries in fragile and conflict situations face daunting development challenges that will require tailored domestic policy reforms and well-coordinated multilateral support.