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Critical voices on the World Bank and the IMF
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UN80: A missed opportunity for transformation?
Member states must deliver on strategic transformation that enables UN to respond to growing crises.
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Will the World Bank be a partner for a just energy transition in developing countries?
As renewable energy finance shifts from China to the World Bank, whether the Bank can be a partner for a just energy transition depends on three areas: strong environmental and social oversight, avoiding a new resource curse in minerals and debt relief during crises.
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From billions to nowhere: Ajay Banga’s development mirage
With scant data, high investor protections and little benefit to low-income countries, the Bank’s ‘new’ private sector development approach risks entrenching inequality under the guise of development.
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Spring Meetings 2025 Wrap-up: Don’t look up! Bank and Fund leadership self-censors on climate change and gender issues, as US tariffs rock global economic outlook
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicates US will stay in the Bank and Fund, claiming “America First does not mean America alone,” as tariffs and rising debt vulnerabilities prompt gloomy forecast.
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IFC Sustainability Framework Review: a pivotal opportunity to protect human rights and the environment
Notes from the 24 April Civil Society Policy Forum session, titled IFC Sustainability Framework Review: a pivotal opportunity to protect human rights and the environment.
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Private lenders’ resistance to Ethiopia’s debt relief highlights urgent need for debt architecture reform
Ethiopia becomes the latest victim of the dysfunctional Common Framework, as private lenders continue to hold out on its debt restructuring with significant human rights, social and economic consequences.
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Civil society calls for FfD4 to revive ‘spirit of Monterrey’ and reassert UN’s role in global economic governance
The role of Bretton Woods Institutions remains a key point of contention, amidst their stark governance deficits.
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The B-Ready index: the World Bank’s bluewashing of labour rights
World Bank’s new Business-Ready (B-Ready) index offers new measures but reductionist approach, ultimately rewarding countries driving down labour rights in favour of business.
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Development Committee chair’s statement analysis Annual Meetings 2024: compounding crises expose the World Bank’s role in structural failures but limit scope for reform
Despite Development Committee’s call for increased development impact amidst compounding crises, persistent geopolitical fragmentation constrains the critical reforms needed to address structural failures.
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IFC standards review must respond to UN’s call for rights-based transition mineral value chains
Amid escalating transition minerals mining, the expected 2025 review of IFC’s Performance Standards must result in a new approach.
