Implementing the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework

The World Bank adopted a new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) in 2016 that aims to protect people and the environment from potential adverse project impacts while promoting sustainable development. The Board of Executive Directors approved the ESF on August 4, 2016. It consists of a Vision for Sustainable Development; 10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), which set out the requirements that apply to borrowers; an Environmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing (IPF), which sets out the requirements that apply to the World Bank; an Environmental and Social Directive/Procedure for IPF; and a Directive on Addressing Risks and Impacts on Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups (World Bank 2017, 2021, 2023). At the time of ESF adoption, the Board and management explicitly recognized that the ESF has the potential to create better long-term development outcomes in IPF and that evidence of improved development outcomes will be collected over time by the World Bank (World Bank 2016). The purpose of this evaluation is to assess how relevantly and effectively the World Bank is using the ESF to protect people and the environment from potential adverse project impacts while promoting sustainable development. The evaluation will do this by assessing progress against the ESF objectives laid out in its 2016 policy paper—that is, adaptive management, client capacity building, results, and donor harmonization. This evaluation is being undertaken at the Board’s request.