Global Goals, Local Gaps: A Critical Analysis of World Bank Project Alignment with the SDGs

Abstract This study analyzes a dataset of over 27,000 World Bank-funded projects implemented between 2015 and 2025 to evaluate their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financial priorities, and regional distribution. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines portfolio analysis with keyword-based SDG inference, the research identifies strong funding alignment with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). While SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), and SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation) also receive attention, areas such as SDG 2 (Food Security) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) remain relatively underfunded. Regionally, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe & Central Asia attract the largest shares of funding, reflecting geopolitical and institutional considerations. The findings suggest a development financing strategy heavily weighted toward infrastructure, raising concerns about balance and inclusivity. This research illustrates how data-driven insights can inform more equitable and impactful global development strategies.