2020 ANNUAL REPORT IDENTIFICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT WITH SUPPORT FROM: TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword 4 Feature story 6 ID in the COVID-19 Response 6 Overview of ID4D 11 Pillar 1 Thought Leadership and Analytics 12 Pillar 2 Global Platforms and Convening 20 Pillar 3 Country and Regional Action 26 Country Engagements 42 G2Px 44 Going Forward 47 About the ID4D initiative 49 Spotlights Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion of Women and Marginalized Groups in Nigeria’s National ID System 14 Building Evidence on ID: Lessons from Recent Impact Evaluations and Directions for Future Research 18 Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development 22 Mission Billion Innovation Challenge: Innovations to Strengthen Inclusion and Empower the World’s Invisible Billion 24 Philippines 32 Nigeria 34 WURI Spotlight 36 Legal & Regulatory Support 38 Strengthening Civil Registration and Promoting Linkages with ID Systems 40 PHOTO CREDITS: Cover, pages 17, 21, 35: © Daniel Silva Yoshisato/World Bank Group Page 7: © Victor Idrogo/World Bank Group Page 8: © Ezra Acayan/World Bank Group Pages 10, 23, 31: © Ana Coyne/World Bank Group Pages 19, 33: © Philippines Statistics Authority/World Bank Group FOREWORD • New projects were approved to finance findings from qualitative research with vul- digital ID and civil registration activities in nerable populations in Rwanda and the Nigeria, Madagascar, The Gambia, phase two Philippines and a comprehensive gender countries of the West Africa WURI regional study in Nigeria have informed the develop- Mari Pangestu program, the Federated States of Micronesia, ment and improvement of the ID systems in as well as the regional Caribbean project. those countries. We also published a guid- World Bank Managing Director These new projects total over $700 million ance note on reducing barriers for persons in financing for implementation—the largest with disabilities and completed the second of Development Policy and Partnerships, and annual amount since the ID4D Initiative was Mission Billion Innovation Challenge, which Chair of the ID4D High-level Advisory Council launched in 2014. surfaced three innovations to make registra- tion, authentication and grievance redressal • As part of the WBG’s emergency response mechanisms more accessible to vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, we advised coun- populations. Across the globe, 2020 was a year of disrup- As the new Chair of the ID4D High-Level tries on how ID systems could improve the tion, uncertainty, and tragedy. The COVID- Advisory Council, I am pleased to share this enrollment, targeting and delivery of emer- • Together, with 24 other organizations, we 19 pandemic has reversed critical progress fourth Annual Report of the WBG’s Iden- gency payments and social assistance with- facilitated a process to update the Principles in reducing poverty and has exacerbated tification for Development (ID4D) Initiative. It out compromising data protection. on Identification for Sustainable Development inequalities. Many countries have also strug- shows the significant impact ID4D achieved based on global experience and inputs • With substantial technical assistance, sev- gled to deliver assistance to the most affected in 2020 through our technical and financial from public and civil society consultations eral countries blazed new paths in their digital people and maintain continuity in critical ser- support to client countries. It also shows the to ensure that they continue to reflect best ID and civil registration journeys. For example, vices because of distancing and lockdowns. depth and breadth of knowledge generated practices and lessons learned. we helped the Philippines Statistics Authority This situation has acutely highlighted the and global action catalyzed towards closing (PSA) launch the Philippines Identification Importantly, these accomplishments in 2020 importance of inclusive and trusted digital ID the identification coverage gap and enhanc- System (PhilSys) using open source software, would not have been possible without the gen- systems and the broader digital infrastructure ing the quality and governance of digital ID incorporate privacy-enhancing technologies erous support of our partners: the Bill & Melinda they enable. and civil registration systems around the (PETs) such as tokenization, and redesign Gates Foundation, the U.K. Government, the world. Some highlights include: registration processes to reduce COVID- Australian Government, the Omidyar Network 19-related public health risks and prioritize and the French Government, who joined in low-income households to quickly enhance 2020 as part of their commitment to the G7 their access to financial services. Similarly, Partnership for Women’s Digital Financial in new committed financing for implementing digital we supported Rwanda in modernizing its civil $700+ MILLION Inclusion in Africa. We are grateful for our part- ID and civil registration systems, the largest annual registration system, including the roll out of ners’ financial support and for their critical increase since ID4D launched in 2014. Overall, ID4D is digital birth registration to enable the reg- intellectual contributions. We also appreciate shaping more than $1.5 billion in WBG financing istration of birth before leaving the health the guidance and advocacy of my fellow ID4D facility, which is expected to increase the High-Level Advisory Council members, the col- timeliness and coverage of birth registration. 22,000+ downloads of the Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development in four languages • Using the ID Enabling Environment Assessment tool (IDEEA), we have guided laboration of our partners across the UN, inter- national organizations, civil society, and the private sector, as well as the tireless efforts of over 20 countries, such as Angola, Brazil, the ID4D Director’s Group and many WBG staff 150 370 countries from which the ID4D solutions for more inclusive systems Ethiopia, Nigeria, Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, working on the ID4D agenda. Practitioner’s Guide has been accessed submitted from 59 countries for the Sudan, Somalia and Togo, in assessing legal or downloaded over 10,000 times Mission Billion Challenge Innovation frameworks and supporting enhanced safe- As the world looks toward 2021 with optimism, guards for data protection and inclusion, I am excited for the role the WBG is positioned which are key to fostering trust in ID systems to play in helping countries leverage inclusive 25 16 of the 30 countries with the largest ID coverage and trusted digital ID and civil registration sys- organizations have endorsed and the digital economy more broadly. gaps are receiving ID4D support to strengthen tems to realize a resilient recovery and a bet- the Principles on Identification their ID and civil registration systems • Through research and advocacy, we ter future for all. We look forward to working advanced the inclusivity of ID systems. The together to make this happen! 20+ countries receiving ID4D legal advice to strengthen their ID enabling legal and regulatory frameworks, including to boost safeguards for data protection and against exclusion 4 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Foreword 5 FEATURE STORY Whether expanding existing programs, intro- preferred to the delivery of physical cash ID in the COVID-19 Response ducing new ones, or providing other forms because they are safer, quicker, more secure, of emergency response, digital founda- and have a multiplier effect by bringing peo- tional ID systems have helped countries such ple into the formal financial system. During as Argentina, Chile, India, Pakistan, Peru, the emergency response, digital IDs that Singapore and Thailand across the service allowed quick and cheap Electronic Know delivery chain, including by: Your Customer (e-KYC) for onboarding Overview helped many beneficiaries open a bank or • Enabling remote enrollment and ensur- e-money account for the first time to receive The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test of resilience. Economic activity and ing uniqueness: Digital authentication their payments, creating new opportunities services across the globe have been severely disrupted, and the impacts have capabilities enabled countries to offer for them to save and access credit. online or SMS-based channels for people disproportionately been felt by the poor and most vulnerable populations, whose to apply for payments and to securely ver- numbers have increased substantially as a result of illness, lost income, and other ify the identity and uniqueness of these shocks. Countries that had strong digital infrastructure— including connectivity applicants, avoiding the need for long and good digital ID, payments, and data governance systems—in place before queues, paper forms, or in-person enu- the pandemic began were better able to adapt, mitigate, and maintain at least merations. Where coverage of foun- some continuity. Inclusive and trusted digital ID systems were especially important dational ID systems was universal, it to ensure that intended beneficiaries received emergency cash transfers quickly often reduced the time, effort, and documentary requirements to and safely, and that people could securely access services online. Civil registration apply for a program. and vital statistics (CRVS) systems that recorded deaths accurately and quickly, including medical causes, provided crucial information to support an evidence- • Cross-checking to deter- based public health response to the pandemic. Going forward, these systems can mine eligibility to reduce fraud and duplication: play a critical role not only in identifying the eligible beneficiaries or COVID related Secure linkages with emergency support, but also in the delivery of vaccine programs. social registries and other administrative data sources allowed Delivering government-to-person new populations. In some cases, these newly programs to validate that payments digitally, safely, quickly vulnerable populations were challenging to beneficiaries were entitled identify and assist, including informal workers and accurately to the payment and not, for who were neither enrolled in social assistance example, already receiving programs for the poor nor social security More than 190 economies deployed social other assistance. This helped programs for the formal sector. Furthermore, protection measures in response to the pan- improve coordination of between these emergency programs had to be imple- multiple programs while also pro- demic. Many scaled up existing cash transfer mented quickly using whatever assets moting the efficient use of scarce programs by topping up regular payments were available to reduce or prevent further resources. and/or increasing the number of benefi- socio-economic damage, without the luxury ciaries of these programs. Many also intro- of years or even months to plan and develop • Unlocking access to financial ser- duced emergency cash transfers targeting systems from scratch. vices: Where possible, digital payments are 6 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Feature story 7 Shifting from an in-person or hybrid customers without an in-person interaction. Civil registration and vital statistics to $160 billion in financing tailored to health, model of public and private sector Countries such as Estonia and Singapore that to measure mortality and inform economic and social shocks. ID4D has been services to end-to-end digital had trusted digital ID systems in place to facil- public policy part of this response, contributing its techni- delivery itate remote authentication were best placed cal expertise in the following ways: to handle this transition and consequently Many low- and middle-income economies demonstrated stronger resilience. In Thailand, • Providing technical assistance to countries Lockdowns and quarantines prevented phys- have weak and incomplete CRVS systems to such as Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda and ical movement and closed businesses and a National Digital ID (NDID) platform pilot record all births, deaths, marriages and other with the financial sector saw an enormous Uganda across a range of responses, such government offices. This meant that the only vital events. Before the pandemic, death increase in demand during the April 2020 as re-designing foundational ID systems and way for these services to continue running registration coverage was particularly low, lockdown, jumping from 20,000 to 160,000 rolling out digital authentication to allow was to shift to online or phone-based chan- owing to a lack of incentives to report deaths. weekly transactions for account opening. for continuous online service delivery in key nels, which for many sectors and types of Likewise, recording medical causes of death sectors. transactions meant that they needed required has been even lower because it requires Improving the efficiency of vaccine the ability to authenticate the identity of their substantial capacity in the health system. • Advising dozens of WBG project teams delivery Lockdowns and shutdowns further strained working with country clients on whether CRVS systems. As a result, many countries and how to effectively leverage foundational The vaccine delivery programs to be launched have struggled to compile accurate and timely and functional ID systems for the expansion in 2021 will have an unprecedented need for vital statistics on who and where people were and delivery of emergency social protection digital infrastructure, including the ability to dying and whether COVID-19 contributed to programs. uniquely identify recipients. Many of the most promising vaccines are likely to those deaths. Such information is crucial for • Tracking how digital ID systems have require multiple doses for effectiveness, measuring the pandemic’s impact and for- been used by countries around the world and therefore need the ability to ver- mulating effective and targeted public health as part of their response to the pandemic ify when a person receives multiple responses. and how data protection has been applied, doses. Likewise, many programs to document best practices and lessons and will be targeted, with priority What has ID4D has been doing in share these with client countries and WBG given to health workers, the response to COVID-19? project teams. elderly, and other vulnera- ble populations, which will The WBG is taking broad, fast action to help • Publishing a Practitioner’s Note with coun- require the ability to accu- developing countries respond to the COVID- try examples of maintaining hygiene during rately identify and verify 19 emergency, including making available up registration and authentication processes. priority status across admin- istrative databases and sys- tems. While access to a vaccine should not depend on an individ- ual having an ID and exception han- dling mechanisms must be in place to ensure that ID is not a barrier for vac- cination, digital ID systems—and espe- cially foundational ID systems that have near universal coverage—can help countries more effectively and efficiently orchestrate their vaccine delivery programs. 8 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Feature story 9 OVERVIEW OF ID4D The ID4D Initiative brings global knowledge, cross-sectoral expertise and financial support to help countries realize the transformational potential of inclusive and trusted ID and civil registration systems. ID4D’s mission is to accelerate inclusive growth and the achievement of a wide range of development outcomes by enabling all people to access services and exercise their rights through better identification. The ability to prove your identity is critical to ensure access to edu- cational opportunities, financial services, health and social protection benefits, economic development, and the right to vote. Yet there are an estimated 1 billion people who are unable to prove their legal iden- tity—half of whom are in Africa—and this issue disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the poor, people living in rural and remote areas, marginalized women and children, stateless per- sons, migrants, and persons with disabilities. Many more people have some kind of official identification, but one that is of limited useful- ness in today’s digital age, such as because it is paper-based, insecure, not verifiable, or may make its holder vulnerable to discrimination or the misuse of their data. The need to close coverage and quality gaps in ID and civil registration has only been made more urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic, given their critical role for effective emergency response and swift recovery. ID4D is currently shaping more than $1.5 billion in financing to imple- ment ID and civil registration systems in over 40 countries. It has become a thought leader and knowledge hub on why ID matters for development, how to build ID systems that meet the Principles on Identification, and tracking of impact and progress. Links between our global analytic and convening work and our country and regional engagement ensure that our client countries can effectively trans- late this knowledge into practice. At the same time, there is a reverse effect: the experience from on the ground implementation informs new analytics and surfaces new guidance and good practices for broader dissemination. ID4D focuses on three mutually reinforcing pillars of work: • Pillar I. Thought Leadership & Analytics • Pillar II. Global Platforms & Convening • Pillar III. Country & Regional Action 10 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Feature story 11 PILLAR 1 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Leaving No One Behind: Overview qualitative research methodologies used of 2020 Analytics on the Theme of for a range of social science research and makes them simple to implement for nov- AND ANALYTICS Inclusion ice researchers through practical tools like One billion people globally are estimated to question guides and training exercises that not have a legal ID. Of these, certain groups have been adapted and used for ID-specific In 2020, the ID4D Initiative continued to produce a rich set of tools and analytical reports includ- research. like women, persons with disabilities, stateless ing best practice guides, case studies, and qualitative and quantitative research focusing on how persons, and gender minorities are significantly countries can build inclusive and trusted digital ID systems. ID4D has become a leading source • Guidance Note on Creating Disability- more likely to experience challenges obtain- of knowledge and good practice on ID, which allows for the quick infusion of emerging lessons Inclusive ID Systems: Persons with disabil- ing and using credentials like national IDs and and standards into country and regional action. ities make up an estimated 15 percent of birth certificates. Inclusion and non-discrim- the global population, making them a criti- For example, the ID4D Practitioner’s Guide synthesizes and distills good practices and provides ination of marginalized and vulnerable pop- cal group for outreach for inclusive ID sys- a starting place for policymakers to consider the appropriateness of specific design choices in ulations is a critical pillar of the Principles of tems. Based on the findings of consultations their particular contexts. In addition, notes on Inclusion of Sexual and Gender Minorities in ID Identification for Development and a core part with persons with disabilities in three West Systems and on Creating Disability Inclusive ID Systems, as well as observations from qualitative of the support the ID4D Initiative provides to African countries, and good practices used in research in Nigeria, the Philippines and Rwanda provide essential insights into how to design practitioners. voter registration, this Guidance Note gives inclusive ID systems. In 2020, the ID4D Initiative published several practical advice for the inclusion of persons tools that can support the design and imple- with disabilities at all stages of planning and mentation of inclusive ID systems to ensure implementing an ID system. Qualitative Research in Rwanda that no one is left behind: • Note on Inclusion of Sexual and Gender • Qualitative research toolkit: Under- Minorities in ID Systems: If not designed “We have used the findings of the qualitative research to inform the roll out of digital birth registra- standing people’s barriers to accessing and with inclusion in mind, ID and civil registra- tion and the associated public awareness campaign aimed at increasing birth registration rates and using IDs, as well as their perspectives on tion systems can often inadvertently dis- the uptake of birth certificates,” Josephine Mukesha, Director-General of the National Identification related issues such as privacy, a critical first criminate against and exclude people based Agency (NIDA). step in the design or reform of ID systems. on various traits, including gender identity or ID4D research in Rwanda involved qualitative data from focus group discussions, key informant This Toolkit serves as an end-to-end guide gender expression. This Note gathers global interviews, user journeys, and personas composed of different groups of target participants, with for researchers and practitioners to under- examples and makes recommendations for a focus on those most likely to have difficulties accessing the system such as refugees, orphans, take qualitative research to understand how to ensure non-discrimination and the persons with disabilities, women, and the poor. The study distilled barriers and provided specific people’s experiences and perspectives. It inclusion of sexual and gender minorities recommendations to the government on ways to make it easier for these vulnerable groups to get pulls from and summarizes a rich body of in ID systems. registered, to simplify processes for making updates, and corrections and for obtaining a replace- ment national ID card. 12 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Thought Leadership and Analytics 13 SPOTLIGHT Summary of Main Findings aware of where and when to register due to their isolation. However, they felt that it Awareness and Attitudes toward the was critical for them to have an ID to prove National ID their identity as they crossed state and Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion of sometimes national borders. • All participants had some basic aware- • For IDPs, lack of accurate information Women and Marginalized Groups in ness of the national ID. However, for men and women alike, knowledge was uneven, about supporting documentation needed Nigeria’s National ID System and there were several misconceptions about its use. For example, many lacked for registration brought to the fore insecurities related loss of documents due in-depth knowledge, including what infor- to displacement and resettlement. Throughout 2019 and 2020, ID4D led a com- Alongside the collection of data on gen- mation is incorporated into the ID, eligibility prehensive research study on overcoming dered differences to accessing and using IDs, requirements, registration points, documen- Barriers to Registration barriers to the inclusion of women and mar- the study also collected data on the experi- tation requirements, and the process to ginalized groups in Nigeria’s national ID sys- ences of key marginalized groups—including • Social norms around gender roles create obtain replacement IDs. tem. This study analyzes gaps in access to persons with disabilities, Internally Displaced barriers for women and girl’s registration the ID issued by Nigeria’s National Identity People (IDPs), and pastoralists—to better • Leaders of marginalized groups drew throughout Nigeria. Almost all male and Management Commission (NIMC), and pro- understand the intersectional barriers that dif- attention to the potential for ID to help female participants thought that leaving vides evidence-based advice to policy mak- ferent groups face to obtaining and using an people from their communities integrate home to get an ID was not a decision over ers on how to address barriers faced by ID. The study examines how barriers created and access benefits and entitlements. They which a woman or girl had sole agency. Still, women and key marginalized groups. It also by gender inequality and exclusion caused by thus viewed ID as particularly important for more often, family consensus on the value contributes to building global knowledge group status interplay with barriers to achiev- their communities. of an ID and endorsement of its value by about increasing women’s and marginalized ing universal access to an ID. community leaders and elders were thought groups’ access to and use of IDs to promote • All participants indicated that an inclu- sive ID regime was essential to ensure per- essential enablers. In the North, child brides inclusive development. sons with disabilities are able to enroll and and young mothers are at risk of exclusion benefit from necessary services due to social and cultural considerations. Study Design • The majority of participants believed that • Time constraints due to household chores • Over 1,500 participants men had greater need for IDs than women. and childcare responsibilities made regis- Across all urban and rural areas in the North tering for an ID more difficult for women and • 12 states across all six geopolitical zones and South, many male and female respon- girls. Such constraints were exacerbated by • 36 Local Government Areas (1 urban & 2 rural LGAs per state) dents said that men needed the national long waiting times and repeat visits. ID more than women, as women’s main • 194 focus group discussions with men and women, 15-25 years of age and 25+ years • Time spent queuing in the sun and of age role and work were within the household. waiting to be registered were commonly However, this view was not universally held. • 102 key informant interviews with local and state level traditional, community and gov- mentioned barriers, especially arduous for ernment leaders • Barriers to registration are compounded nursing mothers, the elderly, and persons for pastoralists who were less likely to be with disabilities. 14 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Thought Leadership and Analytics 15 • Distance of registration facilities from awareness raising about NIMC ID registration communities creates barriers for all was needed, including information on where Nigerians, especially the poor. These barriers and how to enroll, what is required to enroll, are compounded for women and girls and and, especially, why enrolling is important more so for those in marginalized groups. for everyone, not just men. Key informant Cost of transportation and lost income from interviews with community leaders revealed work were often mentioned as a barrier for that given the right information, they would those in low paying sectors such as farming be willing and able to raise awareness in their or small trading. communities and many suggested ways to close gender gaps in their communities. • In the North, several male participants Word of mouth and radio were the two most expressed displeasure with the fact that commonly suggested channels via which to their wives or other women in the house- spread awareness. hold may interact with a male official during registration. However, this view was not uni- • Participants universally felt that the logis- versally held. Some men did not object to a tical barriers to enrollment, such as dis- male official registering the women in their tance, transport, cost, and time, could all household if the husband’s permission had be solved by bringing registration closer, been granted or if it was done in his pres- whether through more proximate enroll- ence. Having female officials to register girls ment centers or the use of mobile or tempo- and women was often a preference. rary registration campaigns. Longer opening • Staff at registration centers have a criti- hours and more staff to reduce wait time cal role to play in lifting gender-based and were necessary too. The closer proximity of other barriers. Many participants thought enrollment points would also by and large staff helped by assisting people, especially lift many barriers faced by women by eas- the elderly, young mothers, or persons with ing their time burden, allowing them to stay disabilities, in filling in forms. Inability to closer to home and reducing indirect costs. interact with officials in a public space due Shorter times away from home could also to illiteracy, age, and social status were often reduce the risk that husbands would pro- mentioned as barriers that might impact hibit their wives from attempting to register. women more than men. • To improve the registration experience, Proposed Solutions participants recommended streamlining the amount of information collected and female registration officers and people from and NGOs to carry out enrollment could • Raising awareness with community lead- the documentation required, and consid- the communities themselves (including per- provide a solution to some current chal- ers, especially men, was seen as a key ering priority or segregated registration sons with disabilities) should be hired to lenges. Some participants said that if the takeaway to lift gender-based barriers for certain groups who struggle under the carry out registration. for women and girls, so that husbands and current enrollment regime (e.g. women who Government certified or vouched for these fathers would grant them permission to practice purdah, the elderly, and persons • Most participants thought that a part- private sector or NGO partners, they would enroll. Participants from across Nigeria said with disabilities). In addition, people felt that nership between NIMC, the private sector feel at ease with registering through them. 16 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Thought Leadership and Analytics 17 SPOTLIGHT Building Evidence on ID: Lessons from Recent Impact Evaluations and Directions for Future Research If well implemented, ID systems have the research questions, and bringing together potential to improve access to benefits, a community of researchers, WBG staff, streamline and improve the quality of services, and other partners working on this agenda reduce fraud, and help countries transition to a to identify new opportunities for learning digital economy. At the same time, how these and collaboration. systems are designed and used can also have The workshop began with a summary of unintended consequences, such as exclusion “what we know” on the impact of ID from and the misuse of data. this nascent literature, followed by presenta- Yet, given that this topic is relatively new to the tions from the authors of recent studies that development agenda, empirical research that provide some of the first rigorous estimates of rigorously evaluates the impact of ID systems the effect of adopting biometrics for service on development outcomes and the effective- delivery. ness of strategies to mitigate risks has been This included a presentation on the recent limited. Building this evidence base is critical Muralidharan, Niehaus, and Sukhtankar (2020) to advance global knowledge and improve impact evaluation of Aadhaar-based authenti- policies and implementation for the increas- cation for welfare beneficiaries in Jhakhand, national ID system’s biometric verification ser- (forthcoming) identify the effect that BVS had ing number of countries investing in new ID India, as well as early results from an ID4D- vices (BVS). In addition to changing payment on women’s access to and control over BISP systems or reforming existing ones. funded impact evaluation on the use of bio- modalities, the use of fingerprint recognition benefits. In December, ID4D organized a workshop metric-based verification for the Benazir for authentication required women beneficia- to advance this research agenda by taking Income Support Program (BISP) in Pakistan. ries to collect their payment in person, rather The workshop concluded with a roundtable stock of the current state of knowledge on This program targets cash assistance to than sending a male agent on their behalf. discussion on priority research questions, the impact of ID systems on development low-income women, and recently transitioned Leveraging the staggered roll-out of these ongoing and planned work, and opportuni- outcomes, identifying gaps and priority to authenticating beneficiaries using the reforms, Haseeb, Jalal, Siddiqi, and Vyborny ties to collaborate going forward. 18 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Thought Leadership and Analytics 19 PILLAR 2 GLOBAL PLATFORMS AND CONVENING Realizing the transformational potential of Three challenges have remained at the fore- digital ID and civil registration depends on front of the global effort to improve ID sys- harmonized action by a wide-range of stake- tems: data protection, and technology and holders. The ID4D Initiative helps steer and vendor lock-in. Addressing these concerns strengthen global commitment to the ID proactively often means the difference agenda around the critical themes of inclu- between a successful, pro-developmental ID sion, transparency, and trust—the foundation system and one that fails. ID4D tackled each of “Good ID”—by raising awareness, strength- of these concerns in 2020 through the Mission ening coordination among a wide range of Billion Innovation Challenge, by contributing actors, developing and supporting the cre- to initiatives around open source and open ation of tools and guidance, and facilitating standards, and publishing the Procurement peer-to-peer learning. Guide and Checklist, as well as through knowl- edge sharing activities. 20 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Global Platforms and Convening 21 SPOTLIGHT Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development A group of development partners, interna- When the Principles were published, the group tional organizations, government agencies, of endorsers committed to revisit them every and NGOs actively working on designing and few years to reflect emerging lessons. The supporting various types of ID systems came endorsing organizations did this throughout together organically in 2017 to develop a set 2020, organizing a series of virtual meetings of shared principles essential for maximizing and a public call for comments facilitated by PRINCIPLES the benefits of identification for development the WBG. In addition, in August a workshop while mitigating the risks. These Principles on for civil society organizations (CSOs) to dis- 1 Ensure universal access for individuals, free from discrimination. Identification for Sustainable Development cuss and provide feedback on the Principles have now been endorsed by 25 organizations was co-hosted with Access Now, Open Society 2 Remove barriers to access and use. and serve as a ‘north star’ for global advocacy Justice Initiative and Namati. The Principles and country work to support ID systems that have been updated to incorporate the com- 3 Establish a trusted—unique, secure, and accurate—identity. advance sustainable development and leave ments from these virtual meetings and con- no one behind. sultations to ensure they continue to embody 4 Create a responsive and interoperable platform. prevailing norms and best practices. The updated Principles will be formally launched 5 Use open standards and prevent vendor and technology lock-in. in early 2021. 6 Protect privacy and agency through system design. 7 Plan for financial and operational sustainability. Protect personal data, maintain cyber security, and safeguard people’s rights 8 through a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework. 9 Establish clear institutional mandates and accountability. Enforce legal and trust frameworks through independent oversight and 10 adjudication of grievances. 22 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Global Platforms and Convening 23 SPOTLIGHT Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate highlighted how digital ID systems, together for Inclusive Finance for Development with a broader set of foundational digital (UNSGSA), the President of Estonia, and infrastructure such as digital payments and Ministers from Indonesia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone platforms for trusted data sharing, can help and Togo—who called on countries to priori- build more resilient digital economies and Mission Billion Innovation Challenge: tize development of inclusive and trusted dig- ital ID systems as part of a resilient recovery societies when designed inclusively and with people at the center. Innovations to Strengthen Inclusion and from the COVID-19 pandemic. These leaders Empower the World’s Invisible Billion In May, ID4D launched the second Mission The winners for the Global Prize were: Billion Innovation Challenge for innovative • Special Olympics Nigeria – ensuring inclu- solutions to increase inclusion and access sive registration for persons with intellec- to digital platforms such as ID systems. The tual disability, which can be scalable for Challenge sought innovative solutions to how other vulnerable populations. countries can increase their efforts to reach • Kiva Protocol – building digital authenti- women and girls, and vulnerable popula- cation layer on top of foundational ID sys- tions—who often lack smartphones, comput- tems, for financial and social services. ers and broadband internet access—to prove • Mobile Vaani – ensuring accountability who they are, remotely with no or minimal by making grievance mechanisms more in-person interaction, so they can access ser- accessible and transparent. vices and benefits with minimal health risks. The winners for the Regional West Africa Prize The 2020 Mission Billion Innovation Challenge were: offered a Global Prize for solutions with world- • Naa Sika – a micro savings platform wide application to ensure the inclusivity of that enables informal sector workers to ID systems for vulnerable groups, particularly access digital wallets and fee-free savings in the context of physical distancing require- accounts. ments. A new Regional West Africa Prize • Tonti – a digitized informal savings group sought innovative solutions that facilitate con- that enables motorcycle taxi drivers to tributions to social insurance programs, such pool savings and credit through daily as pensions and savings accounts, by informal contributions. Top left: MD Mari Pangestu, World Bank, Middle right: H.M. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, sector workers. A total of 370 solutions were Top right: H.E. Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia submitted for the two prizes from 59 coun- The announcement of the winners was made Middle left: President Kersti Kalijulaid, Estonia, Middle: H.E. Minister Cina Lawson, Togo, tries. The winners of the Global and Regional as part of an event that brought together Middle right: H.E. Minister Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria West Africa Prizes were announced during the leaders from around the world—including H.M. Bottom left: Nandan Nilekani, founding Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India, WBG and IMF’s Annual Meetings in October. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Bottom middle: Michala Mackay, Sierra Leone, Bottom right: Raj Kumar, President of Devex 24 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Global Platforms and Convening 25 PILLAR 3 Country and regional action in 2020 COUNTRY AND Brazil REGIONAL ACTION A country diagnostic provided concrete recommendations to enhance the exist- ing national ID system and civil registration, and a comprehensive assessment of the legal framework. This work informed discussions with the government on how to improve coverage and the functioning of identity authentication platforms to From analytics and advisory services to financing, ID4D has effectively leveraged the full range enable presence-less verification, including options to ensure uniqueness while of the WBG’s instruments to bring cutting-edge and relevant advice, knowledge, and financial ensuring data protection. support to countries on all aspects of their digital ID and civil registration ecosystems. Our tech- nical assistance activities have been designed to support a virtuous feedback loop by bringing Gabon global best practices and knowledge to country operations, while surfacing and addressing country needs and exploring innovative approaches to inform new global priorities. Technical assistance and planned financing are expected to support a foundational ID system, an interoperability platform to facilitate secure data sharing within gov- Over the past three years, ID4D has provided technical assistance to over 40 countries, of ernment, digitalization of key citizen-facing public services, deduplication of the which 27 will also be supported by direct WBG financing for implementation. In 2020, country national social registry and reforms to the legal and technical enabling environ- demand continued to grow, with new engagements in Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Eswatini, Ethiopia, ments to support these investments. Honduras, Madagascar, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Sint Maarten, Sudan, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Uganda and The technical assistance has included a country diagnostic, which highlighted Vietnam. technical gaps and recommended reforms to digitize Gabon’s identification land- scape and help foster e-government services. An assessment reviewed the existing ID4D Supports Countries at Different Stages of ID Ecosystem Development legal, regulatory, and institutional framework pertaining to digital identification and e-government and provided recommendations on reforms related to identification and civil registration, data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, electronic trans- Digital identity for online transactions actions and communications. Enabling people, businesses and governments to do trusted transactions online using officially-recognized digital IDs. Indonesia Technical assistance was provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Integration with service delivery Communications and Information, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority Leveraging secure identity authentication to enhance the and other stakeholders on introducing e-KYC, different models for introducing effectiveness, efficiency and accessibility of services. digital ID (such as centralized or federated), data protection and cybersecurity, including sharing experiences from Australia, Estonia, India, Singapore, Thailand Universally accessible foundational ID systems and other countries. This is part of a broad digital ID and civil registration program ID systems, population registries and civil that was launched in 2018. registries that are inclusive of all and serve as authoritative sources of core identity data 26 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 27 PILLAR 3 Lesotho Mozambique Technical assistance included a rapid assessment of the national ID system’s tech- A Digital Governance and Economy project is being prepared, focusing on improv- nical features that identified several priority areas for action to strengthen secu- ing the delivery of digital government services and fostering the growth of domes- rity-and privacy-by-design in current identity verification processes, as well as to tic digital businesses by leveraging a digital ID system. A country diagnostic is streamline and improve processes for registration, data updating, and grievance being carried out to inform the government’s national strategy on identification redress. In addition, an analysis of current and expected public and private sector and the design of the ID aspects of the Digital Governance and Economy project, savings from greater interoperability between the national ID and relying parties which will include a component on digital ID and improvements of government across multiple sectors highlighted opportunities for high-return investments. In digital services. In addition, a legal assessment to assist the government’s digital line with these findings, ongoing assistance is focused on strengthening data shar- ID initiative by ensuring legal safeguards are in place for the implementation of the ing frameworks for identity verification with service providers. Digital Governance and Economy project. Madagascar Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) The Madagascar Digital Governance and Identification Management System Project The WBG’s Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, will support the digitization (PRODIGY) was approved. This $143 million project aims to increase inclusive access of the Eastern Caribbean economy and government operations to harness digital to legal identity and improve service delivery by streamlining and digitalizing public technology and to strengthen the region’s resilience. Technical assistance was pro- services for citizens and businesses. Technical assistance helped inform the design vided for the design of the ID components for the project, including for Dominica and implementation of regulatory and institutional reforms needed to improve and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enhance their existing identification systems. access to legal identification and underpin the creation of modern, digital, and In addition, the national level support aligns with ongoing and planned regional integrated civil registration and identification systems, financed by the PRODIGY initiatives around identification, that will support the move towards a paperless project. In addition, qualitative research in Madagascar is planned to help better government capable of maintaining operations and administering public services understand the human experience of Madagascar’s current ID and CR systems, and remotely. The project will also enable countries to better leverage their national ID provide key inputs to ensure that the new system is more inclusive, user-friendly, systems for data analytics in the event of a natural disaster or a situation similar to and people-centric. the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mexico Regional Initiatives in Africa The WBG is preparing a project with the Mexican government to support the imple- In support of promoting economic integration and growth of the digital economy mentation of the foundational ID system and improvements in the civil registration in Africa, the World Bank is actively assisting and partnering with initiatives devel- system, which was approved in early 2021. The government plans to place a special oping mechanisms and frameworks for cross-border interoperability or mutual focus on vulnerable populations, as it creates a platform to provide identity-re- recognition of digital IDs. As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report, the WURI lated services to public agencies and private entities. In 2020, technical assistance program is supporting the development of foundational ID platforms that enable focused on consensus building around the new ID system, a privacy impact assess- transactions across West Africa, beginning with the six phase 1 and phase 2 coun- ment, linkages between the civil registration and ID systems and privacy-by-design tries. The World Bank has also provided technical expertise and participated in the features. development of the Smart Africa Digital Identity Blueprint, which proposes a Smart Africa Trust Alliance as a digital identity federation among a range of actors at the Morocco continental level. These efforts build on previous work including contributions the Support was provided for technical assessments on the use of biometrics, the pro- African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and the Study of Options tection of unique identifiers through tokenization, and mechanisms for improved for Mutual Recognition of National IDs in East Africa. data governance and empowerment. These topics were also addressed in February 2020 during a workshop co-organized by the WBG and the Moroccan Data Protection Commission (CNPD) and attended by multiple global experts.  28 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 29 PILLAR 3 Somalia Uganda Technical assistance is being provided to promote the adoption of best prac- Technical assistance focused on introducing various identity verification and digital tices for the design and implementation of the new foundational ID system, which authentication mechanisms, with implementation being financed through on-go- is supported by the WBG’s Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihoods and ing Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (RCIP). This would allow the Entrepreneurship through Digital Uplift Project. This builds on the Digital ID Policy government to provide services remotely, without requiring physical presence, and covers the legal and institutional enabling environment, the system’s techni- which is especially important in the context of pandemics. In addition, assistance cal design and implementation approach, and enabling effective use of the ID for was provided for the design of a new Digital Acceleration Uganda project, which social protection and the financial sector. includes financing for the roll out of digital authentication services in priority sec- tors, as well as activities to improve identity verification services for refugees and Sudan host communities, including in the context of cash transfers. Technical assistance informed the preparation of the WBG’s Sudan Family Support Program (SFSP) supporting the government’s large-scale cash transfer program to mitigate the impacts of planned subsidy reforms and COVID-19. In addition to providing ongoing inputs on the use of the ID and civil registration system for this project, the WBG is also engaging with the government to support legal reforms including the removal of gender barriers to obtaining an ID and civil registration, and the adoption of safeguards for data protection to roll out the SFSP quickly, safely and responsibly. Rwanda Technical assistance in Rwanda is focused on various aspects of strengthening and streamlining identity verification for improved service delivery across key sectors. Qualitative research undertaken with WBG support provided valuable insights for the roll out of digital birth registration at health facilites. Additional assistance pro- vided to NIDA was focused on technology considerations for piloting a new way to digitally verify the identity of a parent and to record consent at the time of birth registration. These efforts will further streamline the birth registration pro- cess, eliminate potential for human error and the need for paper and ink signature. Special attention is being paid to ensuring security of biometrics handling. In addi- tion, the technical assistance linked to the new Rwanda Digital Acceleration proj- ect is exploring various digital authentication options in support of remote service delivery. Tunisia In 2020, support continued for policy dialogue with the government around the unique identifier (Identifiant Unique Citoyen or IUC) and digital authentication proj- ects.  Virtual meetings and discussions between counterparts and technical experts were held in March-June 2020—in lieu of a workshop planned for March 2020 that was postponed due to COVID-19—to discuss global lessons and begin developing a road map for digital ID in Tunisia. 30 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 31 SPOTLIGHT Philippines ID4D’s partnership with the Philippines 2018 and qualitative research with vul- Statistics Authority (PSA) to introduce nerable populations and civil society. the Philippine Identification System As challenges implementing the coun- (PhilSys) reached new heights in 2020, try’s massive social protection response as mass registration was launched in to COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of October 2020. implementing the PhilSys, ID4D also helped the Government re-design reg- Building on the successful pilot in istration into an innovative step-wise September 2019 using the Modular process that reduces public health risks Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) by minimizing crowds and time spent to register 10,000 civil servants and at registration centers. ID4D also devel- social assistance beneficiaries, ID4D oped PSA’s capacity on financial inclu- provided a comprehensive program of sion and social protection use cases, technical assistance to help PSA and the financial and organizational sustain- PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council ability, project management, data pro- (PSPCC) navigate design decisions and tection, trust frameworks and digital ID finalize features and an architecture federations, and registration and cre- for the PhilSys. This incorporates best dential distribution. practices in data protection and pri- vacy-by-design (e.g. front- and back- In the coming year and as PSA scales up end tokenization of unique identifiers), the mass registration, ID4D will increase inclusion (e.g. flexible documentary its support to pilot and operationalize requirements and an introducer-based use cases in the social protection (in model for Filipinos without any sup- collaboration with the World Bank’s porting documents) and linking the Beneficiary-FIRST project), healthcare, PhilSys with the national civil registra- financial and digital government sec- Step 1 of the initial PhilSys mass registration involves enumerators visiting priority low income households to collect tion system. The advice was informed tors, as well as to carry out process basic demographic information and schedule an appointment for Step 2, which involves biometric capture and checking by the ID4D Diagnostic carried out in monitoring and impact evaluations. supporting documents 32 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 33 SPOTLIGHT Nigeria The Government of Nigeria is prioritiz- • Development of non-documentary ing the implementation of the Digital versions of identity-proofing proce- Identification for Development proj- dures, giving undocumented persons ect approved by the WBG’s Board in a way to obtain a NIN. February 2020. • Inputs and recommendations for Over the past year ID4D continued the new Data Protection Bill, 2020 to provide technical assistance to which is currently being drafted by the National Identity Management the government. rapid response register of urban and peri-ur- • To facilitate a pilot of the new enroll- Commission (NIMC), to support the ban based beneficiaries. ment arrangements for the national ID with Additionally, in response to the COVID- modernization of the ID system and NASSP cash-transfer beneficiaries. This 19 pandemic, the Nigerian government enrollment ecosystem in line with best To support the government’s COVID-19 will help ensure that enrollment systems plans to provide cash transfers to sup- practices, including support for: response, the WBG has provided support for: are adequate to allow full inclusion of such port poor and vulnerable populations to meet their immediate consumption • Responding to COVID-19 so that the hard-to-reach groups. • Definition of the requirements of needs and protect their livelihoods. enrollment centers may re-open under safe enrollment systems in line with best • To develop implementation strategies for The government of Nigeria is planning conditions with increased hy-giene and practices for protecting personal identity proofing to ensure that the enroll- to rapidly expand the National Social social distancing. data. ment model would be non-discriminatory, Registry of poor and vulnerable house- • A study on the feasibility of remote and thereby reducing the risk of exclusion of • Development of the licensing and holds to include new categories of ben- contactless enrollment options to increase marginalized groups, refugees and non-doc- assurance framework to govern part- eficiaries, especially those in urban and social distancing during enrollment. umented persons. nerships with third party providers of peri-urban areas. The WBG-financed enrollment services. National Social Safety Net Program Additionally, in the medium term, the ID4D • To evaluate the weaknesses of NIMC’s leg- (NASSP) is being considered as a key and G2Px (Government-to-Person (G2P) acy enrollment systems, particularly in the • Definition of the commercial model response platform to COVID-19 given areas of security and data protection, with Payments through Digitalization) Initiatives for remunerating enrollment partners its nationwide coverage, established a view to reinforcing them to facilitate con- will provide support to both NIMC and NASSP, and adequately incentivize the enroll- institutional structure and strong deliv- respectively: tinuity of enrollment activities in the interim ment of all, including hard-to-reach ery mechanisms. The government is before the enrollment ecosystem is ready and vulnerable populations. using the NASSP platform to build a for launch. 34 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 35 SPOTLIGHT to align the registration and credential issu- • In Togo, the WURI operation supported West Africa ance approach between a functional ID the foundational ID law, which was pro- system serving the most vulnerable popula- mulgated in September 2020; a regional In 2020, financing for four new West The project is a collaborative effort tions for social assistance and the WURI ID first, it is inclusive of all persons physically African countries – Benin, Burkina drawing on technical expertise from system, to enable a whole-of-government in the territory and integrates the coun- Faso, Niger and Togo – was approved various WBG Global Practices to sup- approach to service delivery. try’s still-nascent data protection regime. as part of Phase 2 of the World Bank’s port the implementation of founda- The program also supports a platforms tional unique ID systems across WURI • In Guinea, the operation is preparing for approach of foundational unique identifi- West Africa Unique Identification for countries. Focus areas include strength- a pilot registration of 4,000 people in early cation, payments (based on Novissi) and a Regional Integration and Inclusion ening the overall technical design and 2021, based on an open source identification future unified social registry to support the (WURI) Program. These four countries implementation strategy for ID sys- platform – MOSIP. The pilot is supported by delivery of social protection programs. join Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, the two tems; design and development of the a technical team of Guinean software devel- WURI Phase 1 countries, to facilitate legal regime, with a particular eye to opers, analysts and project management In addition to the above country-specific access to services by implementing fully integrating data protection; promoting staff hired and trained by the project. The efforts, the operation hosted a regional virtual inclusive foundational identification linkages between the ID systems and team collaborated with MOSIP to define workshop that brought together, policymak- systems. The issued ID credentials will human development programs; and functional and technical requirements, to ers and technical experts in social protection, be made freely available to all persons fostering mutual recognition of ID cre- adapt the software to the local context payments and identification from across all in the territory of the country, without dentials and interoperability between and to test different features. The pilot is WURI countries. Focusing on good practice ID consideration for nationality or legal systems across the region. intended to build a local community of system design and implementation in the con- status. The two phases of the WURI developers, provide refinements to the open text of the WURI Program, the four-day work- Multiphase Programmatic Approach • In Benin, the WURI operation is source platform, and learn lessons from an shop enabled policymakers to share their own (MPA) Program are expected to pro- building upon the country’s regis- agile, iterative approach, prior to making country experiences and learn about good vide ID credentials to 100 million indi- tration sweep (RAVIP, completed in decisions on technology choices and scaling practices relating to legal and institutional viduals in 6 countries. The ID systems 2018) to develop a platform for issu- up to universal coverage. arrangements, data protection and privacy, will also be designed and implemented ance of unique identity credentials, inclusive public engagement and enrollment with cross-border interoperability in • In Niger, the operation is supporting the authentication and identity man- strategies, authentication mechanisms and ID mind, making it easier for people to design of legal and institutional arrange- agement, with ongoing attention to credentials , as well as approaches to growing access human development and finan- ments for a cross-sectoral whole-of-gov- reaching and registering the poor and regional interoperability from global experts. cial inclusion services, including social ernment approach to identification for the vulnerable. Key insights from the workshop were cap- assistance, labor, health and pension delivery of services. Technical assistance has tured in a summary report disseminated to programs, as well as financial prod- • In Burkina Faso, the operation is also helped pave the way for a future collab- participating countries. ucts and economic opportunities in the supporting legal reforms and devel- oration and support to the data protection region. opment policy operations measures authority. 36 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 37 SPOTLIGHT and communications, as well as related institutional arrangements with a particular eye to preparing the way for the development of its foundational ID system. Morocco Worked with counterparts in supporting the national population register and social registry law, which will enable establish a voluntary digital identification system open to all persons in the territory of the country, that will facilitate access to services. Legal & Regulatory Support Nigeria Continued implementation support was provided to the Nigeria Digital Identification ID4D’s legal and regulatory support in 2020 included assistance to more than for more than 20 for Development Project, and to provide inputs and recommendations into the new countries. As part of this work, ID4D helped countries use the ID Enabling Environment Assessment Data Protection Bill, 2020 which is currently being drafted by the government. (IDEEA) tool to assess and develop their legal frameworks’ strength and weaknesses on matters such as digital ID and civil registration, data protection, cybersecurity and cybercrimes, electronic Samoa transactions and non-discrimination. Provided inputs and recommendations to support the preparation of a new policy statement on the legal and regulatory environment for official identification systems Angola and civil registration. Recommendations aligned with international good practices In addition to an ID4D Diagnostic, an IDEEA was completed as part of the preparation were also provided to support the development of robust laws and institutions for of a new project focused on improvements to civil registration and linkages to service data protection. delivery. Recommendations addressed the wider enabling environment for founda- Somalia tional ID systems, functional ID systems (passport, voter, social security, tax, driver’s license, health, education and workers), and the cross-sectoral enabling environment Building on earlier assistance that focused on developing an enabling Digital ID pol- on data protection, cybersecurity and cybercrime, data protection and cybersecurity. icy framework, the Government drafted legislation to provide for the creation of an independent ID authority. ID4D reviewed the draft legislation and provided guidance Brazil that focused on alignment with the Digital ID Policy and international good practices. An IDEEA was completed, and providing a detailed and broad-ranging insight into the Sudan legal and regulatory issues for Brazil to develop digital identification at the Federal level. An assessment was conducted of the existing legal framework relating to identity and civil registration, data protection, digital transactions, and more, and ID4D has Ethiopia continued to provide technical assistance to support the adoption of data protection Technical assistance was provided to the government in connection with the legal mechanisms for the Sudan Family Support Program (SFSP) which are aligned with framework (ID agency, data protection, e-transaction and cyber-security laws) of a international best practices, as well as the planned development of a general data new national foundational ID system under consideration. protection law. Gabon Togo Legal review and analysis of the existing institutions, laws and regulations relating to The country promulgated its foundational ID law in September 2020; a regional first, identification were provided to assess their ability to support digitization of identifica- the law integrates the country’s data protection law, and creates a voluntary system tion systems and governmental services. The analysis and recommendations focused that is inclusive of all persons physically in the territory, regardless of nationality, and on bolstering existing data protection, cybersecurity, civil registry, digital transactions is structured with a particular eye to facilitating access to services. 38 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 39 Strengthening Civil Registration and In Mexico, a WBG project will support the government’s plans to strengthen more than 2500 civil registration offices, streamline procedures and, design and implement registra- Promoting Linkages with ID Systems tion campaigns to reach vulnerable populations in remote areas. These reforms will allow the elimination of duplicate records and the effective registration of birth and deaths. The accurate and timely recording of births, deaths, marriages and other vital events In Nigeria, where the paper-based civil registration system captures only 43 percent of by a well-functioning civil registration system is an essential function of governments new births, the WBG has partnered with the European Investment Bank and the Agence and supports the integrity, efficiency and sustainability of ID systems. Ideally, birth reg- Française de Développement to finance a digital transformation of the country’s civil istration is the first formal recognition of the core demographic attributes that make up registration system through the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project. a person’s legal identity, such as name and place and date of birth. Death registration, This reform will be carried out in coordination with parallel investments in the Nigerian likewise, should lead to the retirement of a legal identity. However, many low- and mid- national ID system, ensuring full interoperability between the two, while simultaneously dle-income countries have had persistently weak civil registration systems. This has cre- expanding the number of access points to birth registration for the population. ated a number of challenges, including making introducing ID systems made introducing ID systems more difficult and expensive as alternative supporting evidence needs to be In Rwanda, the WBG is supporting the government to modernize its civil registration used for identity proofing in order to not create unnecessary barriers to registration. In system. With an estimated 91 percent of births occuring occuring in health facilities, the these situations, a pragmatic approach is needed to simultaneously rollout an ID system focus in 2020 was on the roll out of a new digital birth registration system at the hospital and strengthen the civil registration system, while gradually linking the two. and health facility levels, to allow the parents to register the birth of a child before being discharged. This was made possible following the adoption of a new Family Law which ID4D infuses the improvement of civil registration systems and linkages with ID systems now allows a designated hospital staff member to act as a registrar. In addition, the gov- through all of its technical assistance and promotes the inclusion of financing of civil ernment is also introducing a new way to digitally verify the identity and confirm consent registration systems in the WBG’s projects, including in close collaboration with the of a person registering a new birth or death in the health facility. Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF). Some examples include investments towards digitalizing civil registration systems and linking them with ID4D’s research and global and regional engagement have also contributed to greater ID systems in Gabon, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda, Samoa, Tonga, as well as advice and understanding and momentum for civil registration around the world. This includes con- capacity building in the Philippines, Somalia, Sudan and WURI countries. tributing to the WBG’s e-learning courses on civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), cooperating with the United Nations Legal Identity Agenda on developing an operational In Gabon, a country with a high birth registration rate of 90 percent of new births, definition of legal identity and participating in UNESCAP’s Regional Steering Group for the WBG is preparing a project to fully modernize the country’s civil registration sys- CRVS in Asia and the Pacific. tem while also assuring full interoperability with the national ID. Once completed, the reformed ID system will issue a unique ID to everyone in Gabon, with these ID records being linked to a digitized birth record. 40 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country And Regional Action 41 COUNTRY ENGAGEMENTS         Diagnostic Technical Advice & Pipeline Project WBG FInancing & Diagnostic Technical Advice & Pipeline Project WBG FInancing & Assessments Preparation Implementation Assessments Preparation Implementation Country Country Afghanistan   Marshall Islands  Angola    Mauritania  Bangladesh  Mexico    Benin   Morocco    Bolivia  Mozambique    Nepal Brazil  Nepal   Burkina Faso    Niger    Cameroon   Nigeria    Côte d’Ivoire     Pakistan  Democratic Republic of the Congo   Philippines   Dominica   Rwanda     El Salvador  Samoa   Ethiopia    Somalia    Federated States of Micronesia  St. Vincent & the Grenadines   Gabon    St Lucia The Gambia  Sudan    Grenada  Tajikistan  Guinea      Timor-Leste  Honduras  Togo    Indonesia  Kenya   Tonga    Lao PDR  Tunisia    Lesotho    Uganda     Liberia   Uzbekistan   Madagascar    Vietnam   ID projects  Civil Registration (including GFF) Regional  ID projects  Civil Registration (including GFF) Regional   42 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT Country Engagements 43 G2PX to contribute to the momentum of G2P pay- the choice and design of the most appropri- ments digitalization while also establishing ate digital payment methods; (ii) to develop the processes to be better prepared for the financial sector enabling regulations to dig- next crisis. G2Px has been developing guid- itize G2P payments while increasing benefi- ance on key considerations to scale up these ciaries’ convenience and choice. About G2Px 200 countries reported changes to their social assistance programs in a way that can social protection systems in response to the • Public financial management systems: lead to higher benefits to beneficiaries and pandemic. Over one billion people live in support to countries with the assessment The G2Px Initiative was launched in early 2020 governments. Sharing experiences across households in low and middle income coun- and modernization of their G2P policies, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates countries has also been a priority, as innova- tries that have received COVID-related social processes and systems from the perspec- Foundation as a sister Initiative to ID4D. G2Px tive approaches such as leveraging mobile assistance transfers, and in many countries tive of sound financial management, trans- contributes to the broader agenda of improv- and geospatial technologies to target bene- more than half of the recipients of these cash parency and accountability. ing government-to-person (G2P) payments ficiaries or leveraging existing administrative through digitalization. The objective is to shift transfers are new beneficiaries. data to simplify account opening emerge. • Data sharing, interoperability and lever- the G2P digitization paradigm beyond pro- aging new forms of data: the technical Given governments’ urgency to provide cash G2Px is also providing upstream technical gram-specific efficiency gains to one that also design of data interoperability and exchange assistance quickly and with transparency assistance to 35 countries to support the accelerates critical development outcomes between public and private data platforms; and accountability, the G2Px agenda of dig- design and implementation of digital social such as financial inclusion, women’s economic the technical design of central mappers to itizing payments and promoting choice and assistance payments, and the enabling infra- empowerment, and government-wide fis- support digital payment flows to beneficia- interoperability is more important now than structures and ecosystem that can lead to cal savings. Through this Initiative, the WBG ries; and leveraging new forms of data such ever and provides an opportunity to catalyze financial inclusion and women’s empower- seeks to establish a framework, develop best as geospatial and mobile. necessary reforms. Countries with advanced ment. The activities in each country respond practices and provide upstream technical G2P payment ecosystems have been able to to the specific country context. Where appli- • Beneficiary-centric design: technical assistance to improve G2P payments glob- push transfers out rapidly and therefore roll cable, these activities build on prior work assistance on grievance redressal mecha- ally radically. This Initiative will help build a out new programs with relative ease. In the developed by the WBG the country and nisms, financial capability and communica- global movement ensuring that all G2P pro- midst of this crisis, scaling up G2P payments are part of a longer-term engagement. The tion, and beneficiary experience surveys to grams aim and design for broader inclusion and provision of continued access to financial activities supported in each country can be assess and adjust implementation. and empowerment outcomes through a focus services can be more difficult. Countries with roughly categorized in the following six areas on digitization. more nascent payment infrastructures, digi- • Knowledge sharing: documenting les- of support. tal financial service regulations and digital ID sons learned to scale up G2P digitization Improving Government-to- systems, face challenges in rapidly deploying • Beneficiary targeting and registration: efforts within and across countries, as well Person (G2P) Payments through G2P payments. technical assistance on the design of digital as enabling peer-to-peer learning exchange Digitalization registration platforms, on best approaches across countries. In face of the crisis, immediate and short-term for targeting and registration of beneficiaries. G2P payments have never been more import- targeted measures must be implemented to A gender lens is considered across all activi- ant, as governments worldwide seek ways enable vulnerable populations to receive • Digitizing payments and creating an ties to ensure design choices and recommen- to respond to the economic and social con- assistance in the fastest and safest way possi- enabling financial sector ecosystem: tech- dations contribute to women’s inclusion and sequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over ble. In addition, these measures should strive nical assistance and support to clients on (i) empowerment where feasible. 44 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT G2Px 45 GOING FORWARD In 2021, the ID4D Initiative will build on our momentum and achievements to date, focusing on responding to growing demand for financing and expert technical assistance from client coun- tries, and on delivering research and advocacy to address critical and emerging issues faced by country clients, regional organizations and highlighted by civil society, academia, and other stakeholders. Guided by the Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development, ID4D will ensure that digital ID and civil registration systems contribute to the accelerated achievement of development outcomes across sectors while being well adapted to local needs and con- straints, and help countries proactively mitigate risks. Below are brief descriptions of ID4D’s activities under each pillar for the coming year: PILLAR I. Thought Leadership and Analytics Bridging the evidence gap on ID will remain a priority for ID4D in the coming years. In 2021, the Initiative will scale up impact evaluations and quantitative research and publish new data on global and country-level ID coverage and ID system features. Drawing on emerging good practices, and with a view of informing the design and implementation of ID systems across a number of countries, ID4D will also publish new analytical work on topics such as tokeniza- tion, authentication models using both federated and decentralized ID approaches, as well as new country case studies and sectoral use cases. ID4D will maintain its agile and responsive approach to emerging issues, continuously adapting and updating its knowledge products to reflect changing needs, realities, and technologies. PILLAR II. Global Platforms and Convening ID4D will continue to work with countries, the ID4D High-Level Advisory Council and part- ners to promote global public goods and paradigm-shifting innovations, adapting these so that they work for developing countries. In addition, further support for knowledge transfer between countries will be provided to leverage the effect the first wave of countries to imple- ment digital ID systems can have as motivators and providing benchmarks for others. As part of our capacity building efforts, ID4D is developing, in collaboration with a 2019 Mission Billion Innovation Challenge finalist, an on-line policy game for ID professionals, which will highlight how policy decisions affect two critical outcomes of any ID system: inclusion and trust. ID4D will also continue to work with the winners of the 2020 Mission Billion Innovation Challenge on their solutions, as well as other solutions to make registration, authentication and grievance redressal mechanisms more accessible for vulnerable populations. ABOUT THE ID4D INITIATIVE PILLAR III. Country and Regional Action ID4D will continue responding to country and regional demand for financing and implemen- tation of digital ID and civil registration systems and technical assistance across spectrum of issues, such as policy and legal frameworks, technical and operational designs, and engage- The ID4D Initiative brings global knowledge, cross-sectoral expertise and financial support to ment with civil society and vulnerable populations. Given the range of challenges countries assist countries in realizing the transformational potential of identification. ID4D’s mission is to have experienced in responding to and maintaining resilience in light of the COVID-19 pan- accelerate inclusive growth and the achievement of a wide range of development outcomes, by demic, it is anticipated that there will be particular demand for developing use cases in the enabling all people to access services and exercise their rights. areas of social protection delivery, digital financial inclusion, and online transactions, as well Today, ID4D is shaping more than $1.5 billion in pipeline or committed financing for the imple- as to address the new challenges of ensuring effective delivery of vaccine programs. mentation of digital ID and civil registration systems in over 40 countries and has become a Advanced projects and engagements, such as in Morocco, Nigeria and the Philippines, and thought leader and knowledge hub on why ID matters for development, how to build “Good” new ones, such as in Gabon, Mexico and Rwanda, are expected to make significant progress digital ID and civil registration systems, and tracking of impact and progress. ID4D’s strength through implementation, providing further operational experiences and lessons to inform is that it cuts across all regions and across a range of global practices and units working on work with other countries. There is also significant momentum for developing regional and digital development, social protection, health, governance, gender, legal, financial inclusion, pri- global frameworks that facilitate mutual recognition of digital IDs across borders, which vate-sector development, regional integration, data, and forced displacement. will require not only technical expertise, but also convening power and coordination. By A High-Level Advisory Council of eminent thought leaders provides a platform for advocacy leveraging its operational experience, its global reach and knowledge and its cross-sectoral and strategic guidance, and a Technical Experts Group of experienced practitioners provides approach, ID4D is uniquely positioned to support such efforts. As always, promoting best leading-edge advisory services. practices for inclusion and data protection will remain a priority for ID4D. Partnership Platform The ID4D partnership platform and multi-donor trust fund was launched in 2016 to collec- ID4D provides regular updates about our work on our website and via periodic e-mail news- tively shape ID4D’s work and the broader digital ID agenda. Over the past four years, ID4D letters. To receive the newsletter and keep up-to-date of the latest ID4D developments, please has capitalized on the intellectual partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK sign-up on the ID4D website: id4d.worldbank.org Government, the French Government, the Omidyar Network, and the Australian Government, with each organization bringing its own unique perspectives. ID4D works closely with a wide range of partners, such as international development and UN agencies, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society and the academic and research communities. 48 2020 ID4D ANNUAL REPORT About the id4D initiative 49 id4d.worldbank.org