New BWP briefing offers critical gender analysis of World Bank lending instrument to borrowing countries.
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World Bank Group
Environment
Analysis
Confronted with climate emergency, IMF belatedly attempts to "get real"
Fund turns its attention to carbon pricing to support Paris Agreement alignment, as climate vulnerable countries see rising cost of climate impacts.
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.
Finance
Analysis
The Bretton Woods Institutions and the second crisis of multilateralism
At 75, the World Bank and IMF face a crisis of multilateralism in no small part of their own making as failed economic policies have resulted in skepticism of the international order they helped to create.
Rights
News
Landmark report finds attacks on human rights defenders in name of ‘development’ on the rise
World Bank and IFC identified as key funders of projects that endanger human rights defenders.
Gender
News
World Bank’s women entrepreneur initiatives just “smoke and mirrors”
As We-Fi launches regional West Africa summit, feminists criticise narrow focus of women entrepreneur initiatives, while funding for women’s rights is in decline.
Environment
News
IFC’s Green Equity Strategy faces set-back at Board
As climate crisis deepens, IFC’s Green Equity Strategy faces delay from World Bank’s Board, with CSO activists calling Board’s foot-dragging a ‘scandal’.
IFI governance
Background
What is the ‘gentleman’s agreement’?
Leadership of the IMF and World Bank has been guided by a historical 'gentleman's agreement' between Europe and the United States. What does this agreement entail? And how could it be reformed?
Other news
Social services
News
Human Rights Council resolution challenges World Bank approach to education
Abidjan Principles recognition by UN HRC states confronts World Bank privatization push in education.
Finance
News
IMF and World Bank complicit in “climate debt trap” following Mozambique cyclones
International community fails to deliver on 'Loss & Damage' while poorest countries become further indebted.
Accountability
News
IFC capital increase not a priority for US Congress
US Congress yet to approve World Bank’s proposed capital increase agreed in 2018.
Gender
News
Civil society left unconvinced as World Bank promotes PPPs as tool for gender equality
The World Bank launches a new primer on PPPs and gender equality as civil society and women’s rights groups highlight concerns around risks and harmful impacts to gender equality and sustainable development.
Environment
News
Climate Investment Funds quietly postpone decision on how to implement ‘sunset clause’
CIFs indefinitely postpone decision on when they will close, prompting concerns CIFs recapitalisation drive will rival GCF replenishment.
Rights
News
IFC announces changes to environmental and social framework after loss of immunity in the US
IFC announces changes to environment and social safeguards after historic United States Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Featured briefings
15 August 2019
The World Bank and gender equality: Development Policy Financing
New BWP briefing offers critical gender analysis of World Bank lending instrument to borrowing countries.
30 July 2019
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2019
30 July 2019
The Bretton Woods Institutions and the second crisis of multilateralism
At 75, the World Bank and IMF face a crisis of multilateralism in no small part of their own making as failed economic policies have resulted in skepticism of the international order they helped to create.