About the Bretton Woods Project

Who we are

Established in 1995 by the UK-based Bond Development and Environment Group (DEG), the Bretton Woods Project (BWP) is a London-based civil society watchdog of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, also known as the Bretton Woods Institutions (BWIs).

We advocate for a multilateral system that is democratic, inclusive, transparent, accountable, and responsive to people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.

What we do

The Bretton Woods Project is the hub for the UK network of civil society organisations engaged with the BWIs. By monitoring the work of these institutions, supporting and connecting critical civil society communities, and advocating for transformational change, we challenge the IMF and World Bank’s power and fight for policies that are gender transformative, equitable, environmentally sustainable and consistent with international human rights norms.

We work to amplify the voices of marginalised populations, with a focus on the Global South, by providing avenues for expression, access to decision-makers and opportunities to explore prospects for cooperation with groups globally.

The Bretton Woods Project has five strategic objectives:

1. Enhance World Bank and IMF’s accountability, transparency and responsiveness.
2. Better equip civil society to challenge the Bank and Fund as part of their overall strategies for change.
3. Steer the World Bank and the IMF to adopt and implement policies and practices in line with the Project’s vision.
4. Influence wider global financial architecture and development finance discourse.
5. Contribute to partners’ awareness through thematic and issue-specific outcomes strengthened by actors’ attention to the role of the World Bank and the IMF.

Our advocacy programmes

The Bretton Woods Project adjusts to changes in the global geopolitical context and the roles played the World Bank and the IMF by actively adapting the approaches it uses to achieve the changes it seeks. Currently, the Project focuses on four advocacy areas:

Accountability in the Global Economy

Environmental advocacy

Financialisation & Human Rights

Gender Equality & Macroeconomics

The Bretton Woods Project is hosted by ActionAid UK, based in London. The work the Project carries is possible thanks to donations from NGOs in the UK BWI network, the CS Mott Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. For an overview of BWP’s finances and funders see our latest annual report.