Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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transforming and changing in all parts of the word but many developing countries are finding it
hard to meet these new challenges. In the wake of these new developments the Bank has
launched Education Strategy 2020 in spring 2011 that focuses on learning for all through better
investment in education at all levels: an investment that is early, smart and for all. In the light of
this new Strategy the World Bank will focus on early childhood and beyond; efficient investment
in learning with quality not merely the provision of inputs for education; and make available
quality education for all not merely privileged ones. The World Bank invests in a wide variety of
education sub-sectors that ranges from early childhood education to tertiary education and
financing to quality assurance in education.
5.3.8.1 The Word Bank, capacity building and higher education
The Bank‟s lending policies have passed through many changes and reforms since its inception.
Between 1968 and 1980, it focused on poverty alleviation and, due to strong criticism, in 1989
the focus shifted to environment issues as well and in 1992 higher education came under spot
light (EconomyWatch, 2010). Today the Bank contributes to the development of education at all
levels through its extensive in-country presence in member economies. The Bank‟s long
experience of policy applications in different economies and across sectors helps to combine
intellectual and financial support to its borrowers. It is also engaged in capacity building that
helps its clients to overcome socio-economic issues.
The World Bank Institute (WBI) play its role in its member countries with a capacity
development program that comprises technical assistance, thematic learning programs, cabinet-
level retreats, and other leadership development programs. Its activities include organizing
training courses, undertaking policy consultations, entering into partnerships with training and
research institutions worldwide, and supporting knowledge networks related to international
development (The World Bank, 2007).
5.3.8.1.1 Capacity building through technical assistance
In the field of higher education, along with the lending the Bank also provides technical and
expertise support (The World Bank, 2002). Some of the general types of intervention are:
Vision development,
Strategic planning and consensus building