World Bank Institute


The World Bank Institute is the capacity building branch of the World Bank. It provides learning programs, policy advice and technical assistance to policy makers, government and non-government agencies and development practitioners of developing countries. Capacity for Development is defined by the WBI as "the ability of individuals, institutions, and whole societies to solve problems, make informed choices, order their priorities and plan their futures, as well as implement programs and projects, and sustain them over time"

History and accomplishments

The WBI was previously named the Economic Development Institute which was founded in 1955. It was renamed World Bank Institute in 2000. According to the WBI website, the WBI in 2006 delivered 800 learning activities to more than 90,000 clients and awarded 211 scholarships. The Global development learning network of the WBI links distance learning sites with high-speed communication technologies.

Approach

WBI activities are adapted to the individual needs of countries. The WBI Governance Program first develops a wide set of governance and anti-corruption indicators; and the Knowledge for Development program evaluates a country's preparedness for the knowledge era. From these assessments, specific action plans are developed on a country-by-country basis.

The learning programs

WBI provides learning programs, most of which can be delivered face-to-face or via an e-learning platform. These include themes such as: