2002 Update survey results: call for southern voice

InBretton Woods Update 28, we asked readers to evaluate the content, style and format of the Bretton Woods Update. Thanks to those who responded and congratulations to our 5 winners of a set of Earthscan books: Prof. A.O. Smith, University of Florida; Mike Rowson, Medact (UK); Gilbert Mutai, Mt. Elgin Development Trust (Uganda); Luca Manes, CRBM (Italy); and Tim Tucker (UK).

A few of the highlights of your feedback include:

On content

Articles about Bank and Fund activities and links to further information are considered the most useful. By topic, Bank/Fund roles and SAPs/PRSPs are most appreciated. Opinion on what is missing from the Bretton Woods Update is quite divided. Common suggestions included: increasing Southern voice, follow-up specific initiatives, more factual/statistical analysis, present 'other side', more detail 'inside institutions'.

On style

An overwhelming percentage of respondents saw the Bretton Woods Update as proper length, appropriate depth, well-focused and well-balanced.

On format

82 per cent of respondents felt that a bi-monthly digest was an effective way to get them the information they need about Bank and Fund activities. Of those who felt the current format was not effective, almost all wanted monthly publication.

Responding to this input, we plan to make a number of changes in coming issues:

Amplifying southern voices

We are seeking comment pieces (c. 500 words) from people in the South on IFI policy debates. Preference will be given to representatives of social movements and NGOs, but submissions from academics and officials will also be considered. Send contributions or ideas for contributions to: jpowell@brettonwoodsproject.org

Follow-up, factual analysis and more detail inside the institutions

We will be making more of an effort to follow-up on existing civil society initiatives; providing factsheet inserts on particular issues; and including boxes on the World Bank's work in a number of sectors to help readers better understand the inner workings of the Bank and Fund.

Thank you to all those who gave their input; further comments to improve our work are always welcomed. Also, if you are reading the Bretton Woods Update for the first time or know of colleagues or contacts who might want to receive our printed or electronic editions, subscribe online on our website or subs@brettonwoodsproject.org

This text may be freely used providing the source is credited.

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Published: 17 September 2002 , last edited: 27 May 2010

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