Social funds have also proven to be effective in forging partnerships with the private sector and with community groups to help the poor help themselves. In fact, social funds are reaching areas and groups heretofore untouched by public sector interventions, demonstrating that par- ticipatory development can be both cost-effective and quick. Social funds, however, should not be seen as a magic wand that will eradicate poverty. They can only be truly effective when combined with sustainable economic policies and investments in people. As a follow-up to the workshop, the World Bank is supporting regional seminars as well as the strengthening or creation of regional networks of social.
