World Bank Working Papers

Combating Terrorism Financing Through Effective Risk Management of Alternative Remittance Systems In today's interconnected world, alternative remittance systems (ARS) play a crucial role in facilitating financial transactions, particularly in developing economies. However, these systems can also be vulnerable to abuse by terrorist financiers. This working paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the risks associated with ARS and offers practical strategies for mitigating these risks. This paper is for government officials, financial regulators, and law enforcement agencies seeking to strengthen their counter-terrorism financing efforts. It offers insights into: - Understanding the anatomy of ARS and their vulnerabilities. - Developing effective risk mitigation measures. - Balancing security concerns with the need to maintain financial inclusion. - Improving international cooperation in combating terrorist financing. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in regulating ARS and protecting financial systems from abuse.

This study outlines the difficulties poor communities face in accessing peri-urban land in South Africa that could have implications and lessons for similar communities in other countries facing spatial segregation issues. 'In Search of Land and Housing in the New South Africa' focused on one community, composed largely of laid-off farm workers that wanted to buy their own farm in a peri-urban area west of Johannesburg. Their dream was to establish a mixed-use settlement. They wanted to call the village Ethambalethu-'Our Hope.' About 250 families started their own association and savings scheme to make their dream a reality. By 1997, they had saved enough money to make their first purchase offer. A decade later, the community's dream is still not a reality. The families have faced numerous obstacles: two cancelled sale agreements, wrongful arrest, being sued in court, an out-of-court settlement for which community members were paid to not move into the white neighborhood, and large sums of their own money spent on consultants and environmental impact studies. In an agreement with the Mogale City Municipality, where the land is located, the community now has at least a confirmed right to occupy the land. But it does not yet legally own the land, and is still trying to get permission to build on and work the land. The case of Ethembalethu is not unique. Millions of black South Africans live in peri-urban areas. Yet, government programs, development planning and environmental regulations, and the current land and housing markets do not support realization of their aspirations to become homeowners on sites of their choice.

The media's contribution to development occurs simultaneously along five closely intermingled influences: plurality and transparency, behavioral, infrastructure and platform, economic, and trade. The media are at the cutting edge of technological change, where the digitalization of content, Next Generation Networks, falling device and distribution costs, ever-increasing abundance and new business models are overturning the pre-existing order of markets and the media, though broadcasting, particularly radio, remain crucial in developing countries. This offers new development opportunities requiring new policy initiatives, and the realization of this by the development community. In many instances the media has yet to attain its appropriate status on the list of development priorities.

The Caribbean Region is second only to Africa in the impact of HIV and AIDS. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has responded to this challenge by promoting a multisectoral response to the epidemic. UNESCO has provided regional leadership in strengthening the education sector component of this response. In 2005, UNESCO launched, with CARICOM and the World Bank, a regioinal dialogue involving representatives of Ministries of Education, national HIV and AIDS coordinating councils, development partners, and regional institutions providing leadership in the HIV response, which led to the development and endorsement of a regional Proposal for Action: Accelerating the Education Sector Response to HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean Region. In June 2006, Ministers of Education and representatives of National AIDS AUthorities met in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, under the auspices of the CARICOM Council on Human and Social Development, and agreed to promote education sector leadership in addressing HIV and AIDS and to create a supportive policy and financial environment at national and regional levels. This report describes the development of these regional processes and how they have led to a stronger education sector response at the regional level. It also focuses on developments in three countries (Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia) as examples of how this regional effort translates into action at the national level.

Empowering Rural Bangladesh Through Sustainable Energy SolutionsRestoring Balance: Bangladesh's Rural Energy Realities examines the critical role of energy in the economic and social development of rural Bangladesh. This study highlights the challenges faced by rural communities, including limited access to electricity, reliance on unsustainable biomass, and the health risks associated with indoor air pollution. Discover how access to modern energy services can transform rural livelihoods, improve education, and empower women. This report offers valuable insights and policy recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners seeking to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce poverty in Bangladesh and similar developing countries. Learn how strategic interventions can unlock the potential of rural communities and create a brighter future for all.

This report, Remittance Corridors to Uganda: United Kingdom, United States, and South Africa, analyzes and compares three bilateral remittance corridors. The comparison highlights similarities and differences and the significance of the remittance-sending countries to Uganda in terms of volume, corridor formality, risks, and vulnerability to money laundering. It also describes Uganda as a remittance-receiving country and outlines the remittance flows, market players, distribution network, access and usage of remittance, regulatory framework, and measures taken toward anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The issues and challenges faced by Uganda are identified and policy recommendations are made for both Uganda and remittance-sending countries.