The IMF and World Bank continue to be amongst the most relevant and significant powerful norm-setters, convenors, knowledge-holders and influencers of the international development and financial landscape. This Inside the Institutions sets-out some of the most common criticisms of the World Bank and IMF under three broad lenses: democratic governance, human rights and the environment.
View all articles
View all articles
View all articles
World Bank Group
IFI governance
Analysis
Spring Meetings wrap-up 2019: what crisis of multilateralism?
As the world ponders the fate of a beleaguered multilateralism on the 75th anniversary of the Bank and Fund, both fail to act on essential governance reforms and opt to maintain the unjust privilege of the Global North.
IFI governance
Analysis
V20 proposes new financial instruments in attempt to tackle climate risks
The V20 Group of Finance Ministers proposes new mechanism to help finance 100 per cent renewal energy transition, as climate action continues to proceed at slower pace than mandated by Paris Agreement.
IFI governance
Analysis
Development Committee communiqué analysis – Spring 2019
Analysis of the Development Committee communiqué published on 13 April.
IFI governance
Analysis
G24 communiqué analysis – Spring 2019
Analysis of the IMFC communiqué, issued on 13 April, from the 2019 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, Washington DC.
IFI governance
Analysis
2019 Spring Meetings Preamble
With flood waters rising, World Bank & IMF answers to 21st century’s key challenges remain inadequate .
IFI governance
Analysis
World Bank president selection: 'Gentleman's agreement' alive and well
World Bank's board fails to live up to commitments to open, transparent and merit-based selection process for Bank president.
Land
Analysis
The highest bidder takes it all: The World Bank's new scheme to privatise land in the Global South
World Bank Enabling the Business of Agriculture rankings prescribe land privatisation at the expense of family farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples.
Other news
Gender
Background
Sexual orientation & gender identity – considering risk mitigation within World Bank programming
This Civil Society Policy Forum Session was co-sponsored by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce,…
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.
Infrastructure
Background
Sustainable Infrastructure: Aligning with Rights and the SDGs
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum event on 10 April, which looked at sustainable infrastructure from fiscal, rights and climate lenses.
Finance
Background
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes: Shifting the IFI Narrative to Progressive Gender-just Taxation
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 12 April on the changing international tax landscape from a feminist perspective and challenging IFIs’ role in shaping it at the World Bank and IMF's 2019 Spring Meetings.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank’s toxic Medupi loan leaves South Africans in the dark
Bank’s $3.75 billion loan in 2010 has failed to deliver reliable energy to South African users, despite eye-watering cost overruns.
Social services
News
Lagos water rights summit rejects World Bank privatisation
World Bank water privatisation push in Africa criticised by civil society that are calling for a rights-based approach.
Environment
News
As Green Climate Fund and World Bank sign framework agreement, concerns about Bank's role linger
Bank and GCF finalise framework agreement, meaning nine co-financed projects can go forward.
IFI governance
News
World Bank appoints Independent Evaluation Group Director and Inspection Panel member
World Bank appoints Alison Evans as new IEG Director General and Ramanie Kunanayagam as Inspection Panel member
Featured briefings
4 April 2019
World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings 2019
4 April 2019
The highest bidder takes it all: The World Bank's new scheme to privatise land in the Global South
World Bank Enabling the Business of Agriculture rankings prescribe land privatisation at the expense of family farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples.
4 April 2019