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151. Climate Finance Unchecked: How much does the World Bank know about the climate actions it claims?

Author:
Christian Donaldson, James Morrissey, and Jason Farr
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
Oxfam finds that for World Bank projects, many things can change during implementation. On average, actual expenditures on the Bank’s projects differ from budgeted amounts by 26–43% above or below the claimed climate finance. Across the entire climate finance portfolio, between 2017 and 2023, this difference amounts to US$24.28–US$41.32 billion. No information is available about what new climate actions were supported and which planned actions were cut. Now that the Bank has touted its focus on understanding and reporting on the impacts of its climate finance, it is critical to stress that without a full understanding of how much of what the Bank claims as climate finance at the project approval stage becomes actual expenditure, it is impossible to track and measure the impacts of the Bank's climate co-benefits in practice. The Bank should improve its reporting practices, undertake a climate finance assessment on closed projects, standardize how it reports on climate finance in projects and create a public climate finance database.
Topic:
Development, Climate Finance, Accountability, Transparency, and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)
Political Geography:
Global Focus

152. Managing Investments in Urban Areas: The Case of Azerbaijani Cities

Author:
Shahnaz Badalova
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Baku Dialogues
Institution:
ADA University
Abstract:
Urban areas in Azerbaijan are experiencing rapid growth and development, fueled by a combination of natural resource wealth, strategic geographic location, and economic reforms. In cities such as Baku, Ganja, and Sumgayit, significant investments have been made in infrastructure, housing construction, and industry. However, effectively managing these investments to achieve sustainable urban development remains a critical challenge. This article examines the policies and strategies for investment management in Azerbaijani cities, learning from both successes and ongoing challenges.
Topic:
Development, Natural Resources, Investment, Urban, and Cities
Political Geography:
Eurasia, Azerbaijan, and South Caucasus

153. The Impacts of Earned Wage Access on Low-Income Women Workers

Author:
Achyuta Adhvaryu, Sowmya Dhanaraj, Anant Nyshadham, Smit Gade, and Apoorv Somanchi
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), Brac University
Abstract:
This study examines the effects of employer-provided Earned Wage Access (EWA) on financial resilience, workplace retention, and productivity among low-income women workers in a South Indian garment factory. Through a 12-month randomized controlled trial, researchers found that access to EWA reduced reliance on informal loans by 30%, improved liquidity, and enhanced worker retention by 4.2%. Women in the intervention group also experienced an 8% increase in daily productivity, particularly those facing high financial stress. While the intervention improved financial confidence, it did not significantly impact savings behavior or intra-household bargaining power. The findings highlight the potential of workplace-based digital financial solutions in promoting financial well-being and economic empowerment for women in developing countries.
Topic:
Development, Women, Income Inequality, Resilience, Productivity, Wages, and Garment Industry
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

154. Global Dynamics in a Year of Domestic Contestations and Political Shifts

Author:
Karim El Aynaoui, Paola Magri, Samir Saran, Harsh V. Pant, and Vivek Mishra
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)
Abstract:
2024 marked the largest election year in history, with millions of people across the world going to the polls to elect their representatives and leaders. However, in the Global North, Donald Trump’s decisive election victory in the United States threatens to undermine multilateral governance structures that are already under strain. In the Global South, emerging economies from the expanded BRICS group and beyond strive to speak with a single voice, and their actions continue to be shaped by national dynamics. How will domestic shifts impact international collaboration across the globe? Will we experience new trade wars? Will efforts to tackle climate change slow down? And how to restore hope and support a newfound impetus in multilateral governance? Seeking to answer these questions, the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in India and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) in Morocco, are delighted to announce the launch of the 2nd Annual Trends Report, involving experts from the three think tanks.
Topic:
Security, Climate Change, Development, Science and Technology, Governance, Economy, Global South, Multilateralism, Donald Trump, Energy, Geoeconomics, and Digital Transition
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa

155. The case for an Indo-Pacific Economic Resilience Bank

Author:
Michelle Lyons, Roland Rajah, and Grace Stanhope
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Lowy Institute for International Policy
Abstract:
The world faces a triple crisis of economic insecurity, climate change, and stalled development, but there are deep tensions between the policy agendas being deployed to address them. We propose a new Indo-Pacific multilateral bank that can turn these tensions into complementarities. The bank can accelerate clean energy funding by mobilising new public and private capital investments, primarily for projects in the Indo-Pacific’s developing economies. And it can create multilateral economic security by diversifying green supply chains to dilute the current excessive dependence on China. The bank would create benefits for both developing and advanced economies, fostering new industries and diversified, resilient markets while helping build the multilateral cooperation and capabilities needed to construct a more secure and sustainable world.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Banking, Supply Chains, Economic Security, Energy, and Green Transition
Political Geography:
Indo-Pacific

156. Practical Guide for Formulating Public Policies to Prevent Violence Against Women

Author:
Igarapé Institute
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Igarapé Institute
Abstract:
Violence against women is a complex and devastating reality, manifesting in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Within this context, this guide presents programs and initiatives evaluated by renowned organizations such as the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL), the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and UN Women, highlighting approaches that have shown high effectiveness and efficiency in preventing violence against women. The goal is to use these practical experiences as a foundation for evidence-based public policy formulation to prevent violence against women. We begin by analyzing the risk and protective factors associated with violence against women. Using the “Pyramid of Gender-based Violence” by the Institute for Studies on State and Participation – Health as a framework, we explore the different forms in which these factors operate, from individual to structural. We also provide context for the legal landscape related to violence against women, emphasizing the role of the Maria da Penha Law as a regulatory milestone in Brazil. Based on examples of programs already implemented and evaluated worldwide, the guide underscores the importance of initiatives that promote women’s financial autonomy through access to employment opportunities, professional training, and entrepreneurship. It also emphasizes efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and foster relationships based on mutual respect and equal rights. The guide reaffirms the need for public policies focused on preventing intrafamilial and domestic violence, including strengthening the protection network for women with specialized support services and effective security measures. It suggests implementing educational and awareness programs on gender violence to transform environments where violence against women occurs, such as schools and homes. Additionally, it advocates for promoting safe and inclusive spaces. Finally, the guide highlights the importance of involving all sectors of society in implementing these policies, including the government, civil society, the private sector, and the community at large. Only through coordinated, long-term efforts can we create an environment where all women can live free from violence and with dignity.
Topic:
Development, Public Policy, Domestic Violence, Gender, Protection, and Violence Against Women (VAW)
Political Geography:
Global Focus