The World Bank Implementation of the International Comparison Program (ICP) in Western Asia Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet Identification / Concept Stage (ISDS) Public Disclosure Copy Concept Stage | Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 16-Feb-2018 | Report No: ISDSC23287 Feb 20, 2018 Page 1 of 5 The World Bank Implementation of the International Comparison Program (ICP) in Western Asia BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Project ID Project Name Environmental Category Country Implementation of the International Comparison P165630 C - Not Required World Program (ICP) in Western Asia Team Leader(s) Estimated Date of Approval Managing Unit Financing Instrument Investment Project Mizuki Yamanaka DECAE Financing Public Disclosure Copy Financing (in USD Million) SUMMARY -NewFin1 Total Project Cost 0.00 Total Financing 0.00 Financing Gap 0.00 DETAILS -NewFin2 B. Project Development Objective(s) The overall project development objective of the proposed project is to ensure the successful implementation and completion of the ICP activities in the Western Asia region, and to further institute the ICP as a permanent element in the regional and national statistical programs, as per the UNSC recommendation. Furthermore, the project aims at enhancing statistical capacity of NSOs of countries in the Western Asia region, especially in economic statistics. These steps will, in turn, advance the statistical foundation for measuring sustainable development and supporting evidence- based policymaking. C. Project Description To achieve the proposed objectives, the project includes components and activities described below. Regional training workshops This component involves conducting regional training workshops that cover the following topics: (i) designing and conducting ICP price surveys and estimating PPPs; (ii) compiling GDP expenditures; (iii) establishing Feb 20, 2018 Page 2 of 5 The World Bank Implementation of the International Comparison Program (ICP) in Western Asia synergies between ICP processes and ongoing CPI survey activities; (iv) compiling HCPIs; and (v) promoting the uses of PPPs and sub-national indices. Technical assistance missions for the production of sub-national PPPs This component will include technical assistance missions for the computation of sub-national PPPs. Workshops for capacity building of lower-capacity countries Intensive capacity building efforts will be exerted for supporting countries with insufficient resources in data entry, data validation, training on the ICP software, and other areas of difficulty. Participation of regional/national experts in international meetings Public Disclosure Copy This component aims at ensuring the inputs and contributions of regional and national experts from participating countries in technical activities undertaken globally and building the capacity of these experts through exposure to latest methodologies and techniques. Preparation of knowledge/training materials This component involves the preparation of knowledge and training material that will be used for facilitating the regional training workshops and in technical assistance missions. Preparation of interim progress reports Interim progress reports will be prepared on a semi-annual basis, highlighting the progress made in the different activities conducted during the course of the project. A final report (publication) for PPP results At the end of the activity cycle and after endorsement of the final results, a report illustrating the results of the corresponding ICP cycle in Western Asia will be published. SAFEGUARDS D. Project location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) No physical intervention is included in the project activities. The meetings and workshops with clients and relevant agencies will be typically held at hotels and government offices in the capital cities of the countries that hold regional workshops, international meetings or country visits. Feb 20, 2018 Page 3 of 5 The World Bank Implementation of the International Comparison Program (ICP) in Western Asia E. Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Safeguard Policies The borrower, UN-ESCWA, sets in place an evaluation policy that focuses on expected and achieved accomplishments, examining the results chain, processes, contextual relevance, impact, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the interventions and contributions of the organizations of the UN system. F. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists on the Team Takeaki Sato, Environmental Safeguards Specialist Fawah Ngeniform Akwo, Social Safeguards Specialist Public Disclosure Copy G. Policies that might apply Safeguard Policies Triggered by the Project Triggered? Explanation (Optional) No physical intervention is expected from Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 No the project. No procurement of equipment/goods will be made as well. The project does not contemplate rehabilitation or new works in areas of Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 No natural habitats or that would significantly impact natural habitats. The project will not finance activities in Forests OP/BP 4.36 No forests or that could potentially affect forest resources or their management. The project does not involve purchase or use of pesticides or finance any activities Pest Management OP 4.09 No that could lead to changes in pesticide use or pest management practices. The project does not contemplate rehabilitation or new works that could Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11 No potentially affect physical cultural resources. The project will strengthen the statistical capacity of government institutions, and as such will not finance any activities affecting Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 No areas where indigenous communities are present or to which they have a collective attachment. Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 No The project will strengthen the statistical capacity of government institutions and as such will not finance any activities that Feb 20, 2018 Page 4 of 5 The World Bank Implementation of the International Comparison Program (ICP) in Western Asia might lead to land acquisition, resettlement, or the restriction of access to natural resources. The project will neither support the construction or rehabilitation of dams nor Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 No will it support other investments which rely on services of existing dams. The project will not finance activities Projects on International Waterways OP/BP 7.50 No involving the use or potential pollution of international waterways. The project will not finance activities in Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 No disputed areas as defined in the policy. Public Disclosure Copy H. Safeguard Preparation Plan Appraisal stage ISDS required? No APPROVALS Team Leader(s): Mizuki Yamanaka Approved By Safeguards Advisor: Nina Chee 09-Feb-2018 Practice Manager/Manager: Grant James Cameron 09-Feb-2018 1Reminder: The Bank's Disclosure Policy requires that safeguard-related documents be disclosed before appraisal (i) by the Bank and (ii) in country by the Borrower/Recipient, at publicly accessible locations and in a form and language that are accessible to potentially affected persons. Feb 20, 2018 Page 5 of 5