Social Protection and Labor

Well-designed modern social protection systems are proven to be both effective and efficient at lowering current and future poverty and to be flexible enough to buffer both systemic and specific shocks. The World Bank Group is the largest provider of development finance and solutions for social protection, working with high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries to develop country-specific solutions to social protection challenges. The Social Protection and Labor Global Practice delivers operational approaches and evidence-based solutions to help individuals and families manage risk, cope with chronic and transitional poverty, and access better livelihoods and jobs.

Trade and Competitiveness

Jobs are at the heart of the World Bank Group's dual goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. With 90 percent of jobs created by the private sector, new solutions to support firm growth, higher productivity, innovation, and competitiveness are critical. The Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice mobilizes expertise, operational know-how, and financial resources in support of countries that tackle these growth challenges. The practice partners with governments, the private sector, donor agencies, and civil society to improve the business and trade environment, promote competitiveness across key industries, and encourage productive and responsible investments.

Transport and ICT

By facilitating the movement of people, goods, and information, the Transport and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Global Practice enables economic and social development, food security, and access to jobs and health and education services. Transport is also at the heart of the climate change solution, as it is one of the largest energy users and emitters of greenhouse gases. The Transport and Global Practice provides clients with infrastructure and policies for improving connectivity and competitiveness, linking people to markets and social services, increasing climate resilience, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Water

Sustainable access to water supply and sanitation, irrigation, energy, and many other economic, social, and environmental services is vital for poverty reduction and economic growth. Access to water sources, along with better and more equitable management of those resources, will benefit the poor through improved health, greater access to electricity, higher school attendance, more jobs, and increased food security. The Water Global Practice works to ensure that water is a reliable foundation for poverty reduction and broad prosperity through the delivery of public water "goods" coupled with private initiatives that add value to water services throughout the water cycle.