The international financial system’s reliance upon credit ratings – usually based on dubious premises – needs urgent rethinking.
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World Bank Group
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
Infrastructure
Analysis
World Bank must ensure new Africa energy strategy is inclusive and pro-poor
The Bank’s new Africa energy strategy offers it an important chance to mainstream achieving SDG7 into its energy lending on the continent.
Rights
Analysis
Fears of lawsuits at World Bank’s tribunal constrain efforts to fight pandemic
Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for ICSID and wider ISDS reforms as cases threaten to undermine state efforts to protect public health.
IFI governance
News
“Godmother of austerity” appointment to World Bank chief economist post
Carmen Reinhart, co-author of influential 2010 pro-austerity paper, named to key post.
Accountability
News
CSOs raise concerns about conflict of interest related to World Bank technical assistance loan in Guyana
Law firm contracted under World Bank technical assistance apparently backs out after CSOs expose links to ExxonMobil.
Social services
News
The World Bank, Covid-19 and public education: two steps forward one step back
World Bank’s new report on education and Covid-19 contrasts with IFC announcement on freezing private school investments.
Rights
News
IFC denies responsibility for community harms following CAO’s Guatemala dam investigation
IFC denies responsibility for harms to the community in dam case despite investigation findings.
Other news
Rights
News
Concerns over labour rights resurface in IFC's Covid-19 response
Joint letter to IFC chief executive officer raises questions on worker protections.
Land
News
IMF and World Bank help push through contentious Ukraine land reform amid Covid-19 pandemic
Bank and Fund-backed land bill passed in dead of night during lockdown favouring private investors and Western agribusiness.
IFI governance
News
IFC CEO announces planned retirement
Philippe Le Houérou will depart 1 October, after joining IFC in 2015.
Accountability
News
Long-awaited accountability reforms announced by World Bank board
World Bank board announces Inspection Panel reform package to a mixed reception
Rights
News
Civil society launches framework to assess human rights impact of health privatisation
CSO framework evaluates consequences of private sector activity on right to health.
Finance
News
World Bank pandemic bond instrument fails in COVID-19 response
World Bank's ‘innovative’ health financing instrument proved to be slow and late.
IFI governance
News
Accountability Counsel launches key tool for accountability community
Accountability Console provides complete database of Independent Accountability Mechanism complaints.
Accountability
News
IFC accountability mechanism investigates World Bank-funded for-profit schools
CAO initiates investigation following complaint related to IFC-funded Bridge International Academies in Kenya.
