World Bank Engagement in Situations of Conflict

An Evaluation of FY10–20 Experience

This evaluation surfaces lessons for implementing the World Bank Group Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence 2020–2025.

Artwork by: Segun Bamidele Aiyesan Segun Bamidele Aiyesan is a Nigerian painter, born in Benin City. His painting Scarface asks deep questions of its viewers. The tightly cropped perspective of the face forces a sense of intimacy, encouraging the viewer to get to know this person. Yet, the person is unknowable in many respects – casting his or her eyes downwards, missing one eye, and lacking any particularly unique features. The person depicted seems to ask the viewer: Can you see me? Can you empathize with
Published:
DOI
10.1596/IEG164206

Globally, conflict is becoming more complex and intense. The World Bank’s contributions to reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity increasingly rely on its ability to engage effectively in situations fraught by conflict.

This report seeks to surface lessons to inform early implementation of the World Bank Group’s Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence 20202025 (FCV Strategy).

The evaluation analyzes how the World Bank works differently in conflict-affected situations by assessing four key aspects of engagement:

  • the extent to which the World Bank identified and addressed conflict drivers and risks at the strategy and country level,
  • how these drivers and risks are integrated into operations,
  • the ways in which the World Bank has adapted its engagement by working with clients and partners during situations of political instability, and
  • how the World Bank has contributed to project-level results and higher-level outcomes related to peace and stability.