Pensions in World Bank lending and analytical work : FY2002-2007

This paper presents an overview of the World Bank's lending and knowledge building activities that have improved pension systems in client countries during the past two decades. The objectives of this report are: i) to describe the policy framework that has guided the Bank's work on pension related issues; ii) to present relevant information about the nature and extent of the Bank's lending and policy advisory work in this area; and iii) to discuss some of the results that have been achieved through this work as well as future policy directions. The overview covers the level and characteristics of all lending operations that included a component related to pensions during FY2002-07, as well as over a longer time period going back to 1984 when the Bank initiated a meaningful level of pension work. Thus, this report updates the portfolio review that was a central element of the Bank's Independent Evaluation Group's (IEG) review of pension work that covered the period from 1984 through early 2004. The update provides an overview of the World Bank pension lending trends by region, type of intervention, sector board and type of lending instrument. This report concludes with observations about the results of the pension work and the priorities for the future.