FY 2024 Uruguay Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | July 2024 Acknowledgements The Uruguay Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Uruguay country team and independent field agency, Nómade. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Valeria Bolla (External Affairs Officer) and Ivanna Echegoyen Ferreira (Program Analyst), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Montevideo, Uruguay. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Uruguay World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Uruguay Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how Uruguay stakeholders perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Uruguay’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Uruguay? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Uruguay? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 23% ▪ Fielded March – May 2024 ▪ 850 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Civil Society 20% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 14% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Academia / University / 12% Research Center ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Private Sector 11% ▪ 203 participants (24% response rate) ▪ 66% currently collaborate with the WBG Media 7% ▪ 36% aged 56 and above Office of the President, Vice 5% President, Minister ▪ Compared to FY20 Country Survey Office of a Parliamentarian 4% ▪ 162 participants (35% response rate) ▪ 26% collaborated with the WBG Local Government 3% ▪ 48% aged 56 and above Other 1% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=203) 5 6 Overall Context “Collaborate with the development of employment -generating projects, not in large companies but in the direction of family producers, who are the ones who really move the world.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Increase its presence in the country. The Bank's office is very small compared to other international organizations. It is not good to provide support to Uruguay from Argentina.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) Consistent Familiarity with the World Bank ▪ Comparison of FY24 and FY20: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported statistically similar levels of All Respondents 6.2 familiarity with the World Bank compared to respondents in the FY20 Survey: Government Institution 7.3 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 6.2 FY20 = 6.7 Media 6.8 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated Government Principal 6.3 that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.1 Private Sector 6.1 Do not collaborate = 4.5 Academia 6.1 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from government institutions indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the WBG, Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 5.4 whereas respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies and civil society had significantly lower familiarity ratings. Civil Society 5.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Uruguay? 7 Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar Significant difference between stakeholder groups Stakeholders Most Familiar with the IDB and UN ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to Inter-American Development indicate their familiarity with the work of several international 7.3 Bank (IDB) organizations and the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Uruguay indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the Inter-American United Nations 7.0 Development Bank, followed by the UN. Respondents were least familiar with the work of the FONPLATA Development Bank in Uruguay. Latin American Development 6.4 Bank (CAF) ▪ Comparison of FY24 and FY20: It should be noted that respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported statistically similar levels of familiarity with the Inter-American World Bank Group 6.2 Development Bank and the Latin America Development Bank compared to respondents in FY20. European Union 6.1 International Monetary Fund 5.3 FONPLATA Development 4.1 Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 Q WBG was rated significantly lower than the UN but significantly higher than the IMF. Ratings for CAF, WBG, and the EU were statistically similar. Trust in the WBG is Central Bank of Uruguay* 7.5 8.3 Consistent with FY20 Survey Academia / universities / research centers 8.1 7.9 Respondents gave the highest trust ratings for the Central National government* 6.9 Bank of Uruguay (significantly improved since FY20), academia, and the National government (also significantly Regional development banks 7.5 (e.g., IDB, CAF, FONPLATA) 7.1 improved). Of the institutions asked, the WBG was the 6th most trusted institution. 7.5 Parliament Of note, trust ratings for civil society, the UN, the private 7.4 World Bank Group sector, the IMF, and the media significantly improved in FY24 7.1 compared to the FY20 Survey. FY24 7.4 Civil society* FY20 6.3 7.4 United Nations* 6.8 7.0 Local government 6.9 Private sector* 6.0 6.6 International Monetary Fund* 5.7 6.3 Media* 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Uruguay? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Coordinate even more closely and smoothly with the rest of multilateral organizations, particularly the United Nations.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) “Define together with the country priority areas of work and its customization.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) Key Performance Indicators Consistent with FY20 In FY24, respondents gave similar ratings for the WBG’s Effectiveness in helping Uruguay 7.2 effectiveness in helping Uruguay achieve development achieve results^ results, its alignment with the country's development 7.0 priorities, its positive influence on shaping development policy, and its relevance to development in Uruguay as in Aligned with development 7.0 the FY20 Survey effort. priorities 7.1 Positive influence on shaping 6.8 development policy^^ FY24 6.7 FY20 Relevant role 6.7 in development 7.1 6.5 Helps end poverty in Uruguay 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Uruguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY20: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Uruguay? Scale: 1 To no degree a t all – 10 To a very significant degree 11 ^^In FY20, this was asked as "To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Uruguay?* (1-To no degree at all, 10-To a very significant degree)". Government 7.3 Institution Effectiveness in helping 7.0 6.9 7.8 Uruguay achieve results Stakeholders 7.2 6.8 More Positive 6.9 6.9 about WBG Alignment with development 7.1 7.7 Government Principal 6.5 Comparisons of ratings for key priorities 7.0 Government performance indicators between 6.3 Institution stakeholder groups show that 6.4 Bilateral or respondents from government institutions 6.9 Multilateral Agency and those from bilateral or multilateral 7.4 agencies tend to have the highest ratings Positive influence on shaping 7.3 Civil Society 6.7 for the WBG across these KPIs, while development policy 6.4 respondents from academia and media 6.1 Private Sector tended to have lower ratings; however, 6.5 these stakeholder group differences did Academia 6.7 not reach statistical significance. 8.1 Trust the WBG to do what is 7.1 7.3 Media Q right for Uruguay 7.7 7.5 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in 6.7 Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the 6.6 development policy in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree 7.4 – 10 Strongly agree 6.5 The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly Relevant role in development 6.6 disagree – 10 Strongly agree 6.7 How effective is the WBG in helping Uruguay achieve 6.1 development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 6.2 Very effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.2 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Trust the WBG to do what 7.3 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- is right for Uruguay* 6.3 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.0 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Effectiveness in helping Uruguay 6.9 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its to achieve results* work are. 5.9 7.7 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Alignment with development 6.8 to increase positive perceptions. priorities* 5.6 7.6 Relevant role in development* 6.5 5.3 7.4 Positive influence on shaping 6.8 development policy* 5.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Uruguay? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Uruguay. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Uruguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 13 Uruguay On Par with Other Latin America and the Caribbean Countries and High-Income Countries on KPIs 7.4 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.1 7.2 7.2 Effectiveness in helping to achieve 6.8 results 7.0 Uruguay FY24 7.0 Alignment with development priorities 6.7 7.0 Latin America & the Caribbean FY22-FY23 6.8 Positive influence on shaping 6.6 Other HICs development policy 6.9 FY23-FY24 6.7 Relevant role in development 6.9 6.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY22-FY23 Latin America and the Caribbean countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Honduras, Panama, and Peru. 14 Q Other High-Income Countries (HICs) FY23-FY24: Chile, Croatia, Poland, Romania, and Seychelles Stakeholder Trends across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions and the private All Respondents 7.0 sector had the highest mean ratings across the aggregated responses to the eighteen COS indicator questions, whereas respondents from academia had significantly Government Institution 7.7 lower ratings. ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who Private Sector 7.3 indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6.9 did not collaborate with the WBG: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.3 Civil Society 6.7 Do not collaborate = 6.4 Government Principal 6.7 Media 6.6 Academia 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. A significant difference between stakeholder groups. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “I believe that the WBG will increase its effectiveness with the progress of the work marked as a priority in Uruguay, especially regarding better employment opportunities and access to quality services. It is also important to advance in the research and academic work sector, as well as to continue along the lines of promoting the application of financial instruments linked to the fulfillment of environmental goals.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Support Uruguay's more active insertion in the region and globally.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) Development Areas Low for government institutions (28%) and bilateral or multilaterals (36%) Education 53% for WBG Focus Social inclusion 34% Skills development 32% As in FY20, education was the top area where stakeholders would like the WBG to focus its resources in FY24. Social Public sector governance 29% inclusion was of much greater priority in FY24, identified by three Environment / natural resource 29% times as many respondents as in FY20, becoming Uruguay’s #2 management development priority. Jobs 28% High for media (53%), civil society Similarly, more than twice as many respondents identified Climate change 26% (41%), and government environment/ natural resource management and climate principals (39%); low change as top development priorities in FY24 compared to FY20. Social protection 24% for private sector (10%) and academia ▪ Because 14% of this year’s sample were specialists in the education Transport infrastructure 22% (16%) sector, analyses were conducted to determine if they had undue Private sector development 22% influence on the results. Indeed, respondents who were education specialists were significantly more likely to say that education (92%) Water / sanitation 21% was a top priority for the WBG compared to respondents from other specializations (47%) Digital infrastructure development 17% Gender equity 16% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Financial markets development 14% could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? Energy 14% “Support the alignment of national and sub-national public policies with the objectives of climate change response and addressing Agriculture / food security 14% negative environmental impacts.” (Government Principal Respondent) Regional integration 11% Urban development 10% “To provide international knowledge and experience related to the challenges of social justice and inequality.” (Academia Respondent) Health / pandemic preparedness 9% Debt management 4% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Uruguay? 17 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=196) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in energy received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, this year’s survey respondents rated the WBG’s work in transport significantly lower than in FY20 (mainly due to decreased ratings among respondents from government institutions, private sector, and academia). In addition, government institution respondents tended to have the highest ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in health, gender equity, and public sector governance, while private sector respondents tended to have significantly lower ratings. Human Development Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth 6.3 6.7 Health Public sector governance 6.8 6.3 6.3 FY24 Gender equity Private sector development 6.4 6.1 FY20 FY24 6.3 FY20 Education 5.7 6.4 Job creation / employment 6.2 Social protection 6.3 Infrastructure 7.0 Energy Environmental Sustainability Environment / natural 6.8 6.8 Digital development resource management 6.8 FY24 6.8 6.4 Climate change FY24 Transport* FY20 7.0 7.4 FY20 *Significant difference between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Agriculture and 6.5 Mean Rating of Effectiveness food security 6.8 How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 8 9 10 Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors 18 listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Uruguay “To build its agenda in dialogue with governmental and social actors in Uruguay and in articulation and synergy with the UN system.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) “Greater dissemination of its activities and greater involvement with a diversity of stakeholders, such as subnational and local governments, civil society and academia.” (Local Government Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) The WBG Increasingly Seen as an Open, Flexible Partner In FY24, respondents gave the WBG the highest ratings for being a long-term partner to Uruguay. In addition, respondents perceived the WBG as significantly more open Being a long-term partner to 7.8 and flexible than in FY20. Uruguay 8.1 ▪ Of note, government respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s responsiveness (mean = 7.8) and accessibility (mean = 8.3), whereas media respondents gave significantly Openness (sharing data, 7.7 lower ratings (means = 6.2 and 6.0, respectively). international experience, and other information)* 7.3 Access to WBG staff and 7.2 experts FY24 7.5 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG FY20 could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? “To place on the national agenda issues related to generating Responsiveness to needs in 7.0 conditions and processes to strengthen sustainability in a broad Uruguay sense.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) 6.8 “Social dialogue. Effectiveness will increase if cooperation is based on agreements with national and local stakeholders.” Flexibility when circumstances 7.0 (Academia Respondent) change in Uruguay^* 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility 20 and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY20. *Significant difference between years The WBG Seen as Effectively Collaborating with Stakeholders 7.8 In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG as most effective National government 7.6 at collaborating with the National government, followed by other donors and development partners. The WBG’s Other donors and 7.0 collaboration with the civil society was rated the lowest. development partners (e.g., IDB, CAF, FONPLATA) 6.8 6.7 Local government In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? Academia / universities / 6.6 research centers FY24 “Collaborate in strategic projections in the country's priority FY20 areas.” (Parliamentarian Respondent) 6.5 “Deepen articulation with other international organizations, Private sector 6.2 sharing analysis of context and challenges as well as priorities and defined contribution spaces.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) 6.3 Parliament “Support civil society more and put more pressure on the State to coordinate with the population.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) 6.0 Civil society 6.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Uruguay, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between years 21 Stakeholders want the Bank to Collaborate More with Academia, Private Sector, and Civil Society Most respondents in this year’s survey indicated that Academia / universities / the WBG should collaborate more with academia/ 54% research centers universities/ research centers besides its partnership with the National government. Respondents also wanted to see the WBG collaborate Top for private sector more with the private sector and civil society. (77%) Private sector 43% Outreach to academia and civil society is additionally recommended because respondents from these Top for civil society (58%) stakeholder groups had lower levels of familiarity and high for government Civil society 35% principals (47%) with the WBG and held more critical views of the WBG’s work. In your opinion, what is the most important thing Local government 24% the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? “Promote the articulation between academia and Other donors and 21% Top for bilateral or multilaterals (63%) national and departmental governments.” development partners (Government Principal Respondent) “Reach out more to the private sector and make training plans available.” (Private Sector Respondent) Parliament 6% “Improve and promote the linkage between academia and the public and private productive sector.” (Media Respondent) Other 5% In addition to its partnership with the National government, which of the following should the WBG collaborate Q with more to have greater impact in Uruguay? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=177) 22 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Financial support in the fields of education, innovation, and development of social impact projects with a special focus on sustainability.” (Academia Respondent) “Knowledge exchanges with international experts through workshops and the formation of working groups on specific high-impact projects for Uruguay (e.g., governance in the public sector, energy sector, transportation), including their financing, convening, and coordinating all parties involved, including academia.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) Financial Resources, Technical Assistance and Implementation Support Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value Financial resources 59% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? Technical assistance and 50% implementation support “Investing more financially and in knowledge.” (Civil Society Respondent) Knowledge and analytical products 38% “Seek mechanisms so that middle- and high-income countries, such as Uruguay, can access greater sources of financing.” (Government Institution Respondent) Capacity development and training 22% “Technical cooperation and support in the areas of public policy development and evaluation.” (Government Institution Respondent) Mobilizing third party financial 8% resources “Supporting, on a larger scale, through technical assistance, the design of projects at the sub-national level.” (Civil Society Respondent) Other 5% “Continue to build governance capacities in the public sector, train the private sector to align their actions with public policies, Convening / bringing together and strengthen the governance capacities of subnational 4% different groups of stakeholders governments.” (Government Institution Respondent) Donor coordination 1% Which WBG activities do you VALUE the most in Uruguay? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=196) 24 WBG Increasingly Seen as Monitoring & Evaluating its Projects and Providing Timely Support Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents had The WBG effectively monitors and 8.0 the highest levels of agreement that the WBG effectively evaluates the projects it supports monitors and evaluates its projects (significantly improved in Uruguay* 7.0 since FY20). It should also be noted that respondents had significantly higher levels of agreement that the WBG provides The WBG insists on accountability 7.9 financial support in a timely manner this year compared to through its lending the FY20 survey. Stakeholder group differences of note: The WBG’s Environmental and 7.4 ▪ Respondents from government principals and government Social Framework requirements institutions had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG’s are reasonable 7.2 financial instruments meet Uruguay’s needs (means = 7.5 and 8.0, respectively). In contrast, respondents from civil society and The conditions of the WBG’s 7.3 academia had significantly lower levels of agreement (both means financing are competitive compared to markets FY24 = 5.7). FY20 ▪ Respondents from government principals and government The WBG’s engagements in 7.2 institutions also had the highest levels of agreement that the Uruguay are innovative WBG’s financial support is timely (means = 7.6 and 8.2, respectively). In contrast, respondents from civil society and academia had significantly lower levels of agreement (means = 6.3 The WBG provides financial 7.1 and 5.8, respectively). support in a timely manner^* 6.3 ▪ Respondents from government principals, government institutions, bilateral or multilateral agencies, and the media had the highest The WBG’s financial instruments 7.0 levels of agreement that the WBG’s engagements are innovative meet the needs of Uruguay 6.7 (means = 7.6, 7.9, 7.7, and 7.6, respectively). In contrast, respondents from academia had significantly lower levels of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 agreement (mean = 5.3). Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY20 *Significant difference between years 25 64% of Respondents Have Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work and Reported Much More Positive Perceptions of It I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 8.0 More than 6 in 10 respondents reported having knowledge work in Uruguay* 5.8 used the WBG’s knowledge work in the past. The WBG brings global expertise to 8.0 Uruguay as part of its knowledge work 7.3 Working with the WBG increases Uruguay’s 8.0 institutional capacity 7.4 No The WBG plays a valuable role in facilitating 7.7 international knowledge exchange 7.0 Have you 36% ever used Have you ever the WBG’s used the The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.7 knowledge WBG’s Uruguay’s context* 6.4 work? knowledge Yes work? Yes 7.6 The WBG’s knowledge work is timely* No 64% 6.2 Significance of contribution WBG’s 7.6 knowledge work makes to development results in Uruguay 7.2 When I need to consult the WBG’s 7.2 knowledge work, I know how to find it* 5.1 *Significant difference 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 between usage Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=173) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How significant a contribution do you 26 believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant WBG Knowledge Work Perceived More Positively in FY24 Respondents had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG brings global expertise to Uruguay The WBG brings global expertise to Uruguay 7.9 (significantly improved compared to respondents in as part of its knowledge work^* 7.4 FY20), that they are satisfied with its quality, and that it increases institutional capacity in Uruguay (also I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.9 significantly improved). In addition, respondents this knowledge work in Uruguay year had significantly higher levels of agreement that the WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Uruguay’s Working with the WBG increases Uruguay’s 7.9 context, is timely and makes a significant institutional capacity* 7.1 contribution to development results in Uruguay compared to respondents in FY20. The WBG plays a valuable role in facilitating 7.6 international knowledge exchange ▪ Government institutions respondents had the highest levels of agreement that working with the WBG FY24 increases institutional capacity, brings global expertise, The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.5 Uruguay’s context^^* FY20 and is timely (means = 8.6, 8.7, and 8.4, respectively). In 6.9 contrast, there were significantly lower levels of agreement among government principals (means = 7.4, 7.4 6.8, and 6.5, respectively), respondents from academia The WBG’s knowledge work is timely* 7.0 (means = 7.0, 7.3, and 6.7, respectively), and the media (means = 7.2, 7.0, and 6.7, respectively). Significance of contribution WBG’s 7.4 knowledge work makes to development In your opinion, what is the most important thing the results in Uruguay* 6.8 WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? When I need to consult the WBG’s 7.0 “Generate strategy for the exploitation of knowledge knowledge work, I know how to find it products to feed debates on public policies.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Uruguay? Q Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY20. 27 ^^Compared to “Adaptable to Uruguay’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY20 *Significant difference between years 28 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Uruguay “Be less bureaucratic, more flexible, and more able to adjust to the specific reality of Uruguay.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Keep focusing on long term sustainable development and poverty reduction. Quality support is more important for Uruguay than the overall portfolio of interventions.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) “Generate more meetings with the different stakeholders, defining clear objectives and results to be achieved with and through these stakeholders, generating concrete instances and overseeing their implementation.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses More engagement with stakeholders, capacity building, and investment to better align with Uruguay’s needs, context, and capacity. Engagement • More engagement with government, Communication • More promotion/awareness of the WBG’s work 30% civil society, private sector, academia, and regional banks 12% • Broader dissemination • Build the capacity of local Communication of results, programs, etc. stakeholders but also listen to their • Better communication with expertise partners • Use the Bank’s platform to elevate Engagement Financial topics for policy debate Support Financial • Increase financing in various forms in support of Uruguay Knowledge • More training/capacity building Results Support • More understanding of local 18% • More technical assistance 10% circumstances, capacity, etc. • Increase investments in Operational Effectiveness knowledge to generate debate on policy and development Results • Better monitoring and evaluation to increase Knowledge Focus Area 7% accountability • More flexibility and speed, Focus Area • Education, innovation, skills less bureaucracy development 18% • Social inclusion Operational • Be a long-term partner • Climate change adaptation Effectiveness • Support Uruguay in its core development beyond today’s • Governance and structural reforms 5% government (and its agenda) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Q could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) 29 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses More engagement with stakeholders, capacity building, and investment to better align with Uruguay’s needs, context, and capacity. Engagement Focus Area “To have a direct exchange with the executing units of the Ministries to know what projects “Contemplate the inequality gaps and condition their investments, loans, consultancies, they are working on and provide knowledge and support in those areas.” etc., to include the variables perpetuating these inequalities. E.g., racial ethnicity. Uruguay (Government Institution Respondent) has a very pronounced equity gap/debt with this population.” (Academia Respondent) “Reach out to all levels of the state, individually and personally.” “Support the structural reforms that the country needs. It should support education reform, (Parliamentarian Respondent) public enterprise governance reform, and programs to reduce violence and recidivism among persons deprived of liberty.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Greater priority given to supporting initiatives by civil society and sub-nationals, “Have greater collaboration/interaction with the private sector while promoting better coordinated work with other multilateral banks, civil society and the private sector.” governance practices in the public sector.” (Media Respondent) (Civil Society Respondent) “Focus on its adaptation to climate change and conserving its natural resources. Improving “Provide support (not only financial) for local capacity building, accepting the local vision waste management is urgent. I also believe it is necessary to focus on reducing and not strictly applying generic approaches. For this to be really useful in the long term, it dependence on livestock, as it is responsible for half of the GHG emitted by Uruguay.” should act with broad criteria regarding local partners.” (Academia Respondent) (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) Knowledge “Greater articulation with technical management levels for annual needs assessments.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Generate more knowledge products and put them on the public agenda for discussion. The WBG is able to put issues on the table and make them relevant, this should be a priority.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Share successful projects from other countries, in order to have it as a background for the development of a new application or proposal.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Generate capacities and development in the private sector.” (Media Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Q could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) 30 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses More engagement with stakeholders, capacity building, and investment to better align with Uruguay’s needs, context, and capacity. Communication Financial Support “To have a greater presence and visibility.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Increase R&D grants and provide instruments to help develop technology-based entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in biotechnologies. Focus on simplifying regulations “Become better known.” (Government Institution Respondent) in the areas of health and food.” (Academia Respondent) “Increased dissemination.” (Academia Respondent) “Establishing a program more closely linked to national investment plans (including local government plans).” (Government Institution Respondent) “Improve the dissemination of its proposals.” (Media Respondent) “By financially supporting projects that involve solutions to Uruguay's problems.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Disclosure of its activities and contribution.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Organize its agenda according to the country's medium-term strategy and generate “Making it known what it can do for those able to utilize its tools and services.” instances of participation and advocacy in the sectoral civil society funds as a prerequisite (Civil Society Respondent) for the loan.” (Government Institution Respondent) Operation Effectiveness Results “Beyond the important relative institutional and democratic development and the country's “Being more proactive, direct, and at the same time controlling the executed projects; there stability, everything is relative to the governmental majorities in office. The WBG should be is no time to waste in bureaucratic processes.” (Civil Society Respondent) more attentive and flexible to such changes considering the particularities of the country… and be more self-critical with its historical mistakes.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Having representation to follow up on projects. To be faster in processing projects.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Strengthen the work on technical-financial agreements at the country level, incorporating social agendas based on prior consultations or coupling (priority) social agendas that may “Improve accountability. Evaluations are carried out, but they do not necessarily fulfill the not be in the country's strategies (of the government of the day). This includes childhood, role they should have in decision making.” (Government Institution Respondent) racial minorities, social inclusion, and equitable development.” (Academia Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Q could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) 31 32 Communication and Outreach “Provide information on its capabilities, objectives, and tools to the different stakeholders in society.” (Government Principal Respondent) “To have more presence.” (Parliamentarian Respondent) “Publicize its objectives and the instruments available to carry them out.” (Civil Society Respondent) “To make its actions known to multilateral organizations.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? (N=96) WBG Communications Should Incorporate a Variety of Factors to Make Them More Convenient and Engaging Interactive online platforms, Respondents in Uruguay thought that the WBG could such as web-based dashboards 36% make its documents and communications more or data visualization tools convenient and engaging by using interactive online Using visual aids, such as charts, platforms, visual aids, simpler language, graphs, and infographics, to present 35% accompanying multimedia products, and complex information in a more accessible and engaging manner shorter/infographic versions of more technical documents. Simplifying the language, structure, 34% and length of documents Creating multimedia products, such as short videos to present findings and 34% convey key messages In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Uruguay? Producing short brochures/infographic 33% versions of technical documents “More concrete information on aid and support to Uruguay. Easy access to data, indicators, and context of that support.” (Media Respondent) Audio or podcasts 10% “Continue investing in innovative projects that allow Uruguay to be an expert in current issues, I understand that the Bite-sized information: capacities exist in Uruguay and the WBG can allow us to breaking down information 8% access markets or knowledge that will make us more into smaller, digestible chunks accessible.” (Government Institution Respondent”) Other 4% The WBG is committed to making its documents and communications convenient and engaging for you. Q In your opinion, what factors would most contribute to achieving this goal? (Select up to 2) 33 (Percentage of Respondents, N=166) Events, Direct Contact, and e-Newsletters were the Most Preferred for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive Bank communications through events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), direct contact with staff, and e-newsletters. Note that significant differences exist between stakeholder groups in their preferences for events (much more preferred among those from government institutions and bilateral/multilateral agencies) and direct messaging (much more preferred among the private sector). Preferred WBG Channel Bilateral or Academia / All Government Government Multilateral Private Research Respondents Principals Institution Agency Civil Society Sector Center Media Event / conference / seminar / 53% 44% 63% 74% 49% 47% 55% 15% workshop* (in person or online) Direct contact with staff 44% 56% 54% 35% 52% 20% 32% 39% (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, email) e-Newsletters 43% 25% 37% 35% 52% 47% 64% 46% Direct messaging* 21% 25% 15% 17% 9% 53% 5% 39% (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Social media 20% 31% 15% 17% 24% 13% 23% 31% (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=169) *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 34 A Majority Engaged with the WBG Recently, most often through Direct Contact 52% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through direct contact with staff; however, this was most common among respondents from government principals, government institutions, and academia. Direct contact with WBG staff 51% Event / conference / seminar 38% Direct contact was much more likely among respondents from Newspapers government principals 34% (print or online) (70%), government institutions (71%), and Social media 28% academia (75%), much less likely among respondents from civil society (7%), Do you recall e-Newsletters 19% private sector (25%), and No seeing or hearing the media (27%) 48% Yes anything about WBG websites 17% 52% the WBG recently? Television (TV) 15% Radio 11% Direct messaging 8% Blogs 3% Media respondents were the most likely to recall seeing or hearing something about the WBG recently (89%) whereas Podcasts 2% respondents from the private sector (27%) and academia (36%) were significantly less likely. Other 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=171) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=88) 35 WBG Work on Climate Change was the Most Commonly Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled WBG work or research on climate change, followed by economic forecasts, human capital and ending poverty in developing countries. Climate change 49% WBG economic forecasts 36% Human capital (education, health) 35% High for academia (63%) and media (84%) Ending poverty in developing countries 35% High for private sector (100%) Women empowerment 21% Digital economy 18% Changes to the WBG financial and operational model 14% Job creation / employment 11% Other 11% Pandemic preparedness 6% Food security 6% Debt relief for developing countries 6% Youth development 5% If you answered “Yes” for E3, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? 36 Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=88) Climate Change is a Serious Concern for Most. Make Climate Change Communications More Impactful by Relating to Droughts, Water, Floods 7 in 10 respondents were very concerned about more frequent/severe droughts, decreased water availability/quality, and more frequent/severe floods regarding the potential impacts of climate change in Uruguay. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all A majority of respondents indicated that climate change is a very serious problem in Uruguay. More frequent and severe droughts 76% Not, 1% Decreased water availability / quality 69% Not too More frequent and severe floods 67% serious More frequent and severe heatwaves 55% 6% Increased erosion of shoreline 44% Land and forest degradation 44% Is climate Decreased crop yields / Climatea Very 43% change increased food insecurity Somewhat change is ___ serious serious _____ More frequent and intense wildfires 42% problem? 54% 39% problem in Uruguay? Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 42% Loss of jobs 42% Extinction of plant / animal species 35% Air pollution 33% Climate-driven migration 18% In your view, is climate change a very serious problem, somewhat serious, not too serious, or Q not a problem in Uruguay? (Select only ONE response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=171) How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Uruguay? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~163) 37 Message Recall Increases Familiarity and Leads to More Positive Perceptions of the WBG and its Work 6.9 Familiarity with the WBG 5.7 7.8 Trust the WBG to do what is right for Uruguay Do you recall seeing 7.1 or hearing anything about the WBG 7.5 recently? Effective in helping Uruguay achieve development results 6.9 Yes 7.4 No Aligned with development priorities 6.6 7.3 Positive influence on shaping development policy 6.5 7.1 Relevant role in development 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating These findings suggest that respondents who are more frequently exposed to information about the WBG or who actively engage with WBG staff and knowledge work (read research papers, etc.) are also more likely to hold more positive views about the WBG’s work. How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Q Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree: The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Uruguay. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Uruguay. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priori ties for Uruguay. 38 How effective is the WBG in helping Uruguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 39 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=171) collaborate/work Generalist (multiple sectors) 19% with the World Bank No Group (WBG) 34% Education 14% in Uruguay? Privates sector development / trade 10% (N=203) Respondents from government Other 9% Yes institutions and the media were significantly more likely to indicate 66% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt mgmt. 8% that they collaborate with the WBG (98% and 87%, respectively) Public sector governance 8% compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. Social protection 7% Agriculture and food security 5% Health / pandemic preparedness 4% MIGA Which of the 6% Transport 3% following WBG ICSID 9% Legal / human rights 3% agencies do you collaborate/work IFC Digital development 2% with in Uruguay? 19% Energy 2% (N=134) Gender equity 2% Percentages equal more than 100% because respondents could choose World Bank Environment / natural resource mgmt. 2% multiple agencies within the WBG. (IBRD) Water / sanitation 1% Compared to respondents from other 92% stakeholder groups, the private sector respondents were significantly more Climate change 1% likely to collaborate with the IFC (55%) and significantly less likely to Urban development 1% collaborate with the WB (64%). 40 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=171) Prefer not to specify, 1% 26-35 5% 36-45 27% Female 38% What is your 46-55 30% gender? (N=171) Male 61% 56 and above 36% Prefer not to specify 1% 41 Detailed Methodology From March to May 2024, a total of 850 stakeholders in Uruguay were invited to provide Percentage of Respondents FY 2020 FY 2024 their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of Government Principals: Office of the potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. President, Vice President, Minister, 7% 10% Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Vice President, Minister, and Parliamentarian Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the Government Institutions: Employee of a private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Ministry, Department, Project Implementation 36% 23% Unit, Independent Government Institution, Of these stakeholders, 203 participated in the survey (24% response rate). Respondents Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Local Government 3% 0% The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY20 Survey, which had a response rate of 35% (N=162). Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 9% 15% Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time but Bank, UN Agency also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Civil Society Organization: Local and regional NGOs, Community-Based response scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey had a broader distribution of Organization, Private Foundation, 6% 20% respondents across stakeholder groups with better outreach to and/or response from bilateral Professional/Trade Association, or multilateral agencies and civil society organizations. Any differences in stakeholder Faith-Based Group, Youth Group composition between the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the Private Sector: Private Company, Financial past-year comparison analyses. 19% 11% Sector Organization, Private Bank Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Academia / Research Center 10% 13% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Uruguay Media 11% 8% COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 137 196 Q What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 42 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Uruguay achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Uruguay? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Uruguay. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Uruguay. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Uruguay. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Uruguay To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Uruguay C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Uruguay C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Uruguay To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Uruguay, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Uruguay. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Uruguay. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Uruguay’s context. 43 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org