This report evaluates the extent to which the dual objectives of the World Bank's matrix system - enhancing client responsiveness and the technical quality of its operations and knowledge services - have been achieved and enhanced the Bank’s development effectiveness. The evaluation looks into the implementation of the matrix system and its relevance and effectiveness from 1997-2010.

The global economic crisis of 2008-2009 led to a sharp reduction of growth worldwide with an increase in millions of poor persons. The World Bank Group responded with an unprecedented expansion of support, especially to middle income countries. This new study, the second part of a two-phase evaluation of the institution’s response to the global economic crisis, reaffirms and extends many findings of the first phase of the report.

In the spirit of International Women's Day, we took a closer look at what we have recently done to mainstream gender in our own work as well as to address gender and inclusiveness issues in the our work environment. There are quite a few initiatives underway to make inclusion and gender mainstreaming in our evaluative work go hand in hand with the overall goal of making the work environment respectful to everyone.

IEG is currently evaluating the World Bank Group's work on Managing Forest Resources for Sustainable Development. One of the innovative approaches taken in this evaluation was integrating social media outreach in its workplan from the onset. We invite you to follow the progress of the evaluation on our Facebook page, provide your feedback and be part of our study.

This new IEG report, Review of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the World Bank's Engagement with the Global Fund, is based on the Five-Year Evaluation of the Global Fund that was commissioned by the Global Fund and completed in May 2009.  The review assesses the independence and quality of that evaluation, validates its major findings, and reviews the extent and nature of the World Bank's engagement with the Global Fund.

In the complex environment of international development, it is important to look into what interventions work best and areas of improvement. This video outlines the need for the development community to discuss how to integrate new development players; better coordinate work on the ground; and establish stronger accountability lines among donors, governments, donor constituents, and citizens of recipient countries.

An Evaluation of World Bank Group Activities in Information and Communication Technologies

The World Bank Group played a catalytic role in spreading ICT in developing markets. During fiscal years 2003–2010, the Bank Group provided $4.2 billion in support of the ICT sector, of which $2.9 billion was to the poorest countries.

This report aims to to inform the design and the implementation of MIGA’s new Strategic Directions FY12–14 by drawing lessons from recent experience with one of MIGA’s main pillars, financial sector guarantees, the fastest growing business area for MIGA.

For nearly two decades, the World Bank has sought to support country efforts to develop accountable and effective states.  In 2007, the Bank’s governance and anticorruption strategy reaffirmed its commitment to this agenda. IEG assessed the relevance and effectiveness of the strategy and its first phase of implementation efforts over fiscal years 2008-10 by focusing on the country operational aspects of the GAC agenda.