About the KCP

The KCP serves as an effective, transparent and efficient vehicle for the pooling of intellectual and financial resources for data collection, analysis, and research supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development.  It encourages and facilitates the Bank's dialogue with partner agencies, developing country clients, and other interested parties.  A subsidiary objective is to assist data collection, analysis, and research capacity in the Bank's client countries.  The focus of the KCP is to move quickly into areas and development issues where the creation of new knowledge is likely to assist the formulation of better policies with a greater impact on poverty.

The three trust funds established under the KCP support activities related to overarching themes of (i) poverty dynamics and delivery of basic services; (ii) investment climate and trade and integration; and (iii) global public goods.  The first addresses issues at the heart of poverty reduction, empowerment and sustainable development; the second focuses on the major elements of a business program conducive to growth, with emphasis on the role of small- and medium-scale industries; and the third focuses on global issues that require collective action and coordination across countries because lack of action or progress in some countries could undermine benefits for all.

The Bank is responsible for administering the KCP.  The KCP donors are represented in the Consultative Group, which meets yearly to discuss the strategic direction of the program, as well as its progress and accomplishments.