From Diagnosis to Action: Sequencing and Politics in PFM Reform
World Bank PFM Reform Workshop
Posted by Sanjay Vani
On March 21, 2008, the World Bank hosted a workshop on sequencing of PFM reform, focusing on case studies and experiences from practitioners. The workshop was intended to evoke debate among practitioners on sequencing and prioritization in PFM reforms and the importance of political economy in PFM reforms. The topics selected for this workshop did not easily lend themselves to one simple universal approach and divergent views were expected. It was not the intention to provide a “toolkit” or “best practice” learning to the participants but to provide an opportunity to participate and contribute in the evolving debate at the workshop thereby generally enriching the discussion on important topics confronting PFM professionals.
Each session was moderated by an experienced PFM professional comprising three speakers each having a strong personality and a strong views on the subject so as to present two divergent views on the same topic, which led to lively debate amongst the practitioners. The agenda for the workshop can be downloaded here Download pfm_workshop_march_08_final.doc
Consistent with the unfiltered views of the workshop, the materials are provided here without attempting to summarize the points, letting each presentation speak for itself.
Presentation on The Landscape of PFM Reform. What has been the trajectory of PFM reforms in the past few years (as measured/evidenced by HIPC AAPs/PEFA/other diagnostics)? Are there any emerging patterns amongst LICUS/MIC/Fragile states/Small countries? What has been the impact of donor interventions on PFM reforms? Is there evidence for country-led PFM reforms? Is the strengthened approach being implemented; how would we know? Download pfm_landscape2.ppt
Presentations on What Works, When and How. What do we really know about sequencing? Can we generalize - is there a recognized sequence of PFM reforms? Have we embarked on complex reforms prematurely? What is the role of transitional institutions? What is the evidence of the importance of sequencing? Is there merit in seizing an opportune moment rather than wait for the right sequence?
Country case studies - Ghana, Cambodia, Turkey
PFM component case studies - IFMIS, MTEF, Procurement
Download fmis_priorities_and_sequencing_mar08.ppt
Download diagnosis_to_action_mtefs.ppt
Presentations on PFM and Politics. How important is it to seek political commitment for PFM reforms? What should be the form of political commitment (active leadership versus peripatetic engagement)? What areas or stages of reform are likely to require less explicit political commitment? How important is it to have a political champion for reforms; and how important is it to have a technical champion of reform? How should we determine where to focus – on political commitment and/or central finance agency capability?
Download politics_and_pfm_reform.PPT
Download using_political_economy_analysis_to_inform_the_sequencing.ppt
Budgeting in Developing Countries – Three Decades On. Notes from the Speech of Professor Allen Schick.
Download thoughts_shared_by_prof_allen_schick_at_the_workshop_on_march_21st.doc
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