The World Bank Group needs to address its democratic deficit and lack of accountability. As it prepares to elect a new president and implement its “evolution roadmap”, it should use these key opportunities to embrace a profound reform.
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EU
Infrastructure
Analysis
World Bank and IMF influence casts shadow over South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership
World Bank’s support for fossil fuel projects, including problem-riddled Medupi coal power station, leaves its reputation in tatters with South African civil society.
Rights
News
A new SDR allocation: Combatting deepening fragility concerns
The links between high debt burdens, lack of climate finance, austerity and the rise in political instability and fragility, conflict and violence remain largely neglected as IMF shareholders consider calls for a new SDR allocation, as proposed by the Bridgetown Agenda.
Finance
Commentary
Quota reform needed at IMF in order to address 21st century challenges
As economic conditions worsen and the Fund's legitimacy comes under increasing pressure, IMF leaders gathering for the Annual Meetings must make progress on ongoing review of IMF quotas and agree a more equitable formula and distribution of voting power.
Finance
Analysis
A new Bretton Woods for whom? Civil society calls for democratisation of global governance
As geopolitical tensions rise amidst worsening global economic conditions, civil society demands the democratisation of a world economic order away from the established Global North and elite capitalist hegemony.
IFI governance
Analysis
Spring Meetings 2020 wrap-up: Will this change everything? Apparently not…
Analysis of this year's World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings: With international response to Covid-19 mired in geopolitical manoeuverings and resistance to systemic change, calls for alternatives grow.
Environment
News
EIB rules out most fossil fuel funding from 2021, setting new benchmark for MDBs
New energy policy sees European Investment Bank end support for unabated coal, oil and gas from 2021.
IFI governance
Analysis
Here we go again: Surprise IMF leadership change litmus test for its legitimacy
Lagarde resignation kicks-off another leadership race overshadowed by gentleman’s agreement.
Other news
Finance
News
A different ‘evolution roadmap’: Havana conference calls for changes in world order hierarchy
As IMF and World Bank tinker at margins, 50 policymakers, diplomats and academics from over 26 countries issue Havana Declaration calling for an assertion of Southern power and the building of a new "planetary bloc".
Finance
Background
Taxing to Develop: International Taxation Challenges for Africa
Notes from the IMF and World Bank 2019 Spring Meetings official session on 14 April on international taxation challenges in Africa.
Conditionality
News
World Bank and IMF prepare Tunisia loan programmes
As the IMF initiates negotiations with Tunisia, concerns have been expressed that renewed reforms will not be inclusive or target deep-seated economic and social issues.
Social services
News
Troika in Cyprus: privatisation outrage
The Cyprus government nearly fell in February over IMF and European demands for the privatisation of three public utilities.
Conditionality
News
IMF embroiled in Ukraine crisis
Ukraine’s interim government concluded negotiations in late March for an IMF loan, likely to carry wide-ranging conditionality.
IFI governance
News
Revolving doors: Portugal ex-minister appointed at the IMF
Former Portuguese finance minister, dubbed "fourth member of the Troika" appointed to head IMF fiscal affairs department.
IFI governance
Background
Is the European recovery finally under way?
CEPR event at the 2013 civil society forum on whether a recovery is under way in Europe; held as a debate between Prakash Loungani of the IMF's research department and Mark Weisbrot, CEPR co-director.
IFI governance
Background
Austerity and Inequality in Europe
Minutes from Oxfam-hosted civil society seminar at 2013 Annual meetings on European austerity and inequality
