QII.5 Integrating social considerations in infrastructure investment

The Lao PDR Power Grid Improvement project is enabling a state-owned electric utility to distribute power more reliably and efficiently. This supports QII.1 by reducing energy losses, increasing supply reliability, and lowering costs. These measures are key to ensuring the development of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in the area.

Public transport is often the only way for girls and women to get to work, school, and healthcare services in developing countries. Safety can be a major concern, a social issue considered under QII.5. Experience suggests the most effective way to tackle violence against women and girls in public transport is through a holistic approach using technology, effective response protocols, and awareness-raising. The World Bank, in line with sustainable development goal 5 on gender equality and G20 QII principles, is looking to enhance and implement these solutions across its transport projects in Latin American cities with this 2016 pilot strategy in Mexico City leading the way.

The bus rapid transit (BRT) pilot project supports QII 1 by substantially improving travel conditions in the Greater Dakar Area. It will provide quick, safe, reliable, and less-polluting public transport services to over 320,000 people. The BRT fleet of buses will be financed and operated by a private operator, which will result in better-allocated resources, increased financial capacity, and efficient bus fleet operation.

The World Bank is helping Yemen restore critical urban infrastructure and services resilient to climate challenges through the Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency Project (YIUSEP), now in its second phase. With a grant from the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership, the project conducted climate risk assessments in 16 cities and built local capacity in disaster risk management, urban resilience, and quality infrastructure design. These activities are laying the foundation for climate adaptation in Yemeni cities

Viet Nam is developing sustainable urban infrastructure in its Mekong Delta Region. The project will benefit seven urbanizing cities, improve livelihoods, and reach approximately 90,000 individuals in low-income areas with universal accessibility design, in line with QII.5.

This strategy report charts out the World Bank's Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) approach, which aligns with the QII Principles addressing environmental considerations, resilience, and inclusivity.