Civil society has long criticised the IMF for its lack of meaningful stakeholder engagement on policy design and development. Lack of consultation is an ongoing issue affecting multiple areas of the Fund’s operations, including country missions and Article IV reports in addition to loan updates and management-led processes and policies (See Observer Summer 2021).

In September 2024, over 70 economic justice, human rights, environmental and climate justice, and feminist civil society organisations (CSOs) called for a review of the IMF’s 2015 Guidelines on the IMF Staff Engagement with Civil Society Organisations and their effectiveness. They also called for a clear policy to be approved by the Board that would “set systematic and mandatory rules for civil society engagement, including at country level.”

The letter stated that this is a crucial moment to review and update the almost decade-old guidelines, in light of the Fund’s expansion into “new” areas, including gender and climate.

“This is vital for being able to do our oversight and advocacy work on policies and programmes that are key for advancing on development goals and directly impact the wellbeing of millions of people,” stated Iolanda Fresnillo of Belgium-based CSO Eurodad.