The Committee on Development Effectiveness met to consider the Independent Evaluation Group report entitled An Evaluation of the World Bank Group Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence, 2020–25 and draft management response.

The committee welcomed the Independent Evaluation Group’s findings and recommendations, recognizing the report’s timeliness, depth, and relevance. Members emphasized the importance of fully integrating the findings and the evaluation’s three key recommendations into the refreshed fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) strategy and tracking progress through the Management Action Record. Members acknowledged the World Bank Group’s progress in strengthening research, partnerships, and tailored strategies and programming, and in sustaining engagement in FCV contexts through people-centered service delivery. In addition, they noted critical gaps in implementation, the use and application of diagnostics and monitoring tools to inform operations, private sector engagement and the nonachievement of related International Finance Corporation corporate targets in FCV contexts, and staffing.

Members and nonmembers alike raised several key points of concern, including the need for improved data transparency, particularly regarding staffing figures and budget allocations, and better support and incentives for staff working in FCV settings. They called for clearer institutional guidance on the use of third-party implementation to ensure that it complements long-term development goals rather than serving as a default operational model. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of remaining engaged in FCV contexts with a focus on development impact, integration of gender and vulnerability considerations, and alignment with the International Development Association policy framework. Members also called for a One World Bank Group approach and encouraged better coordination across the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. In addition, they highlighted the need for deeper coordination with the United Nations and regional actors and a tailored, differentiated approach to the Bank Group’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.