Doing Business scandal once again highlights that geopolitical wrangling is key driving force behind Bretton Woods Institutions’ governance structure and policy prescriptions.
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International Monetary Fund (IMF)
IFI governance
Analysis
G20 communiqué analysis – Annual Meetings 2021
G20 offers sanguine tone on the global health and debt crises, failing to address issues related to vaccines and private creditors.
IFI governance
Analysis
G24 communiqué analysis - Annual Meetings 2021
G24 finance ministers called for urgent measures to arrest the unequal recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
IFI governance
Analysis
IMFC communiqué analysis – Annual Meetings 2021
The communiqué of the IMFC was issued on 14 October. It emphasised an uneven recovery from the Covid-19 crisis and highlighted debt concerns. It also called for progress on IMF quota reform.
IFI governance
Analysis
Annual Meetings 2021 Preamble: IMF and World Bank face existential questions in midst of global health and climate crises
Doing Business scandal, likely conditions attached to SDR rechannelling and lack of Bank and Fund support for an intellectual property waiver for vaccines highlight links between undemocratic governance structures at Bank and Fund and the uneven recovery from the pandemic.
Finance
Analysis
Opportunity lost? IMF approach to Special Drawing Rights channelling risks wasting golden chance
Civil society groups argue that IMF must be far more ambitious in its plans for SDRs to be channelled to countries in need.
Finance
News
Open letter to G20 Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and the IMF: Civil society organizations call for principles for fair channeling of Special Drawing Rights
CSO launches call for the fair channeling of Special Drawing Rights.
Social services
Analysis
IMF rhetoric and practice on public sector wage constraints: Advice to slash spending continues despite Covid-19 pandemic
Forthcoming research from ActionAid International shows IMF’s dogmatic support for public sector wage bill cuts continues.
Other news
IFI governance
Background
IMF surcharges: A necessary tool or counter-productive obstacle to a just and green recovery?
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 6 October on the governance and resourcing implications of IMF's surcharges.
IFI governance
Background
Making the Most of Special Drawing Rights: Approaches to maximise impact and create a sustainable and just recovery
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 4 October on the ways to maximise the impacts of the recent allocation of $650 billion Special Drawing Rights.
IFI governance
Background
Covid-19 recovery: from government response to private sector-led sustainable growth
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 29 September on fiscal measures to promote sustainable growth during the longer-term recovery phase.
Finance
Background
Special Drawing Rights as a sustainable option for financing fight against COVID-19 and economic recovery in Africa
Notes from the Spring 2021 Civil Society Policy Forum session on 1 April.
Finance
News
IMF increases limits of its concessional lending facility, leading to warnings from debt activists
Concessional lending from the IMF reaches record levels with the new reforms set to increase lending further.
Accountability
News
IMF faces wave of calls to suspend loan disbursements in Africa
Activists call for suspension of IMF disbursements, raising alarm about lack of accountability for several African loans.
Social services
Background
Education financing to reach the most marginalised: Challenges and solutions during COVID-19 response and recovery
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum session on 31 March 2021.
Environment
Background
Why climate transition risks are macro-critical: The IMF and enabling a green recovery
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum event on 30 March.
Featured briefings
7 October 2021
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2021
30 September 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2021
13 July 2021
The IMF's Comprehensive Surveillance Review: A bungled attempt at meeting the moment
Review maintains inadequate and inconsistent approach to economic and gender inequality, as well as climate change.