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           THE WORLD BANK GROUP IN WEST BANK AND GAZA 2001-2009
                EVALUATION OF WORLD BANK GROUP PROGRAM

                      Report to the Board of Executive Directors from the
                          Committee on Development Effectiveness*

                                   Meeting of October 18, 2010



         On October 18, 2010, the Informal Subcommittee (SC) of the Committee on Development
 Effectiveness (CODE) considered The World Bank Group in West Bank and Gaza 2001-2009 - Evaluation
for World Bank Group Program (CODE2010-0067) prepared by the Independent Evaluation Group (lEG).
        The SC commended lEG for the comprehensive and informative report, while acknowledging the
challenges in evaluating the World Bank Group (WBG)'s support in West Bank and Gaza. There was
broad recognition for the WBG's valuable contributions to addressing the development challenges faced in
the region. Given the complex and uncertain political environment of the West Bank and Gaza, many
members noted that the lower outcome ratings in many areas of Bank support were comprehensible. The SC
Chair observed that ratings should not be understood as a reflection of the Bank's/staffs performance. The
outcome related to the overall performance by different players in the area and was the result of several
uncontrollable, exogenous factors.

         Overall, the SC endorsed the lEG findings, and the recommendations were generally supported
although clarifications were sought in some areas. Many positive aspects of the WBG's support were noted
including its role in donor coordination and leveraging donor resources, institutional capacity building,
maintaining human and social services, and high quality of staff working in the region. Members
commented on a number of areas related to the lEG recommendations including the Bank and IFC's
strategy in the region, the importance of IFC and the Bank's analytical work, and on the value of budget
support. In addition, interest was expressed in support for job creation and youth employment, and
maternal health. The Committee emphasized the need for care in communicating the findings of the report,
particularly the outcome ratings, which was not indicative of WBG's performance or effectiveness.




*This report is not an approved record.