IFI governance

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IMF plans to convince not listen

5 October 2007

The IMF approved a new communications strategy in June which will guide the Fund’s public face for the next several years. Its main goals are to “strengthen the Fund’s effectiveness by (i) raising understanding and support among key constituencies of the Fund’s mission and reform agenda; and (ii) using communication as a tool in the delivery of the Fund’s operational activities.” A welcome addition was a greater focus on parliaments and legislators. A notable omission was on taking input from external stakeholders. Nowhere in the communications strategy policy paper are the words ‘consultation’ or ‘input’ used in reference to anyone but country authorities.