Publication: May 2024 Workshop on International Experience of Single Windows for Citizen Services Implementation Quito, Ecuador – June 15, 2024 – As part of the dialogue for the preparation of the Second Additional Financing of the Social Protection Networks Project, a workshop was held in Quito, Ecuador on June 15, 2024, on the international experience of the implementation and operation of the Single Social Window in local contexts, close to citizens. The workshop was led by World Bank social protection specialists in Ecuador with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES), and the Social Registry. The objective of the workshop was to obtain a first approximation of the scope and operability for the permanent update of information on the socioeconomic conditions of Ecuadorian households and the referral to state benefits at both national and local levels, as well as to show international experiences in this context to highlight the applicability challenges in the Ecuadorian context. Francisco Ayala, President of SOPROEN, was invited as a speaker to present international experiences in the design and implementation of Single Window for Citizen Services. Lessons learned from two previous interventions implemented by the company in Malawi and St. Kitts and Nevis were shared, along with discussions on European experiences such as those from France and Portugal, and Latin American contexts such as Colombia and Chile. Francisco Ayala also presented a proposed implementation model for the Single Window for Citizen Services tailored to the Ecuadorian case as a means to facilitate communication between citizens and service providers within the Social Protection System (public and non-public). ...
SOPROEN and APCA NEOPLAN have secured a contract from the World Bank to provide technical assistance for crafting the National Plan for the Comprehensive Protection of the Rights of the Elderly. Their task involves conducting a diagnostic assessment of the current status of elderly rights compliance and aiding the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion in setting national targets and identifying indicators to address identified issues. The consultancy aims to create sectoral and territorial planning guidelines, alongside a management model for effective plan implementation. Additionally, mechanisms for monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation will be recommended to ensure policy implementation and continuous improvement in elderly rights protection. To read the entire news Click Here ...
In a significant development for emergency response efforts, Malawi’s Ministry of Gender, Community Development & Social Welfare has been using the Social Interventions Management System (SIMS) since 2020. This system has streamlined the implementation of 8 interventions and 27 localized emergency projects over three years, bringing a new level of efficiency and transparency to crisis management. Notably, SIMS isn’t limited to emergencies—it has also helped administer other cash transfer interventions quickly and accurately. Each project is set up to meet specific needs, with Ministry officials showing impressive agility in getting the system ready for action. In a move toward even better crisis management, SOPROEN has introduced SIMS Version 2.0 in 2024. This updated version offers more flexibility and comes with new features like ranking and community validation modules. These improvements allow stakeholders to create tailored projects for different areas, boosting the system’s effectiveness and adaptability. With SIMS Version 2.0, Malawi is better equipped to handle emergencies, demonstrating its commitment to strong emergency response strategies and community resilience. To read the entire news –> Click Here ...
In a significant stride towards combating global poverty, “Cash Transfers for Poverty Reduction: An International Operational Guide” has emerged as a beacon of knowledge, captivating the academic community and gaining widespread recognition. The University of Manchester (UoM), in collaboration with the University of Jyvaskyla, is championing the cause, promoting the book through engaging podcasts and informative articles. The UoM has published an article which discusses the prevalence of social safety nets (SSNs) in developing countries, highlighting their role in aiding the poor during economic cycles or emergencies. It notes operational challenges and attributes them to a lack of basic engineering principles in SSN design. The need for trained social protection engineers is emphasized to ensure efficient implementation. The passage suggests that the book aims to serve as a resource for improving the design and implementation of SSNs, fostering adaptability, especially in responding to emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the article UoM published by clicking on the link below. To read the entire article published by UoM–> Click Here This comprehensive guide, authored to address the complexities of poverty reduction through cash transfers, has recently found a home in 146 university libraries. This strategic placement ensures that students worldwide have easy access to a valuable resource that sheds light on effective operational strategies for poverty alleviation. UoM’s proactive approach in endorsing the book extends beyond mere promotion. Two universities, The University of Manchester and the University of Jyvaskyla, have incorporated the guide as core reading material in four master’s courses. This move reflects the book’s academic significance, positioning it as an essential component of students’ education in both institutions. The four courses which have incorporated the book as core reading are as follows: The University of Manchester: Anti Poverty Transfers; Economic Analysis of the Public Sector; Public Sector Reform and Management University of Jyvaskyla: Managing Development Projects The book’s newfound status as core reading and a key reference in multiple university courses speaks volumes about its impact on the academic landscape. By seamlessly integrating into course curricula, the guide is not only contributing to students’ knowledge but also influencing the next generation of policymakers and practitioners in the field of poverty reduction. The success of “Cash Transfers for Poverty Reduction: An International Operational Guide” lies not only in its content but also in the collaborative efforts of UoM and the University of Jyvaskyla to elevate its presence. As the book continues to gain momentum, its role in shaping the discourse on poverty reduction becomes increasingly pronounced, marking a significant step towards a more informed and empowered academic community. ...
