Background

Knowledge

Background

The Reality of Aid 2004: Report on Governance and Rights

This year's Reality of Aid report focuses on Governance and Human Rights in International Cooperation. It was produced by a global network of civil society organizations from both the north and south. The report calls for all actors in the global aid regime to entrench the discourse of human rights in international cooperation.

6 October 2004 | Minutes

Rights

Background

IFC/civil society discussion on proposed update of environmental and social safeguard policies

This meeting, which had been set up by the IFC, was attended by World Bank and IFC staff, private sector consultants and law firms, and a small number of NGO representatives. However, it was boycotted by a large group of non-governmental organisations. A representative of the group outlined reasons for the group's decision not to participate at the meeting in a formal statement, signed by 24 civil society representatives.

6 October 2004 | Minutes

IFI governance

Background

Grants or Loans? The Full Debate

The session considered the arguments surrounding the provision of grants or loans by IDA. It considered the recent call by President Bush for the World Bank and other development banks to provide more of their funds to the poorest countries as grants, in recognition of the pivotal role that grants play in providing prudent financing for pressing development needs.

6 October 2004 | Minutes

Environment

Background

Report Back on the Extractive Industries Review Process and next steps for Implementation

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the final version of the World Bank Management Report to the EIR, and consider what implications this will now have for project implementation and lending in recipient countries.

6 October 2004 | Minutes

IFI governance

Background

Bretton Woods Institutions should “start a new life”: Chinese central bank governor

A panel was held with southern country officials to discuss the democratic deficit at the World Bank and IMF.

5 October 2004 | Minutes

IFI governance

Background

CSO meeting with European Executive Directors

Note from meeting in Washington between European IFI network and European EDs as part of the civil society programme of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 04.

4 October 2004 | Minutes

Rights

Background

Gender in post-conflict reconstruction: The World Bank track record

A panel discussion on the World Bank's gender work on conflict prevention and reconstruction

4 October 2004 | Discussion

IFI governance

Background

Information disclosure at the World Bank Group

Currently both the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) - the Bank's private sector lending arm - are revising their information disclosure policies

21 September 2004 | Inside the institutions

IFI governance

Background

The World Bank’s project cycle explained

The World Bank's public-lending institutions (IDA and IBRD) lend about US$ 15-20 billion annually to 100 countries to Projects ranging from infrastructure, education, health and government financial management.

26 July 2004 | Inside the institutions

Rights

Background

Bretton Woods Project annual report 2003

This report is available on-line as a PDF only. If you need it in another…

30 April 2004 | Annual report (BWP)

Background

BWP seeks new Coordinator

Alex Wilks is leaving his position as Coordinator of the Bretton Woods Project. In June…

5 April 2004 | Project news

IFI governance

Background

The World Bank and civil society

A brief look at the history of World Bank-CSO relations, who's who in the World Bank for civil society actors and some future steps planned by the Bank.

17 November 2003 | Inside the institutions