World Bank Group

Gender

Analysis

Bretton Woods Institutions’ instrumental gender approach ignores structural elephant in the room

IMF and World Bank continue to undermine gender equality through bulk of macroeconomic policy advice.

6 December 2018 | Guest analysis

Accountability

News

Civil society apprehensive as World Bank launches new Environmental and Social Framework

Despite years of preparation, civil society organisations remain unconvinced that reform of Bank’s safeguards has been for the better

6 December 2018

Knowledge

News

Doing Business 2019: World Bank’s tunnel vision obscures calls for reform

The Doing Business Report 2019 criticised by civil society over its promotion of deregulation and low business tax.

6 December 2018
Philip Alston, special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights present his report at the 38th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council.

Social services

News

IMF and World Bank’s support for privatisation condemned by UN expert

A new UN report shines light on how IMF and World Bank support for privatisation contributes to the elimination of human rights

6 December 2018

Rights

News

Civil society calls for more protection of human rights defenders in development as IFC publishes position

Defenders in Development Campaign welcomes IFC’s position on retaliation against human rights defenders in development but call for more specific actions

6 December 2018

Private Sector

News

IFC launches consultation on draft Operating Principles for Impact Management

As IFC launches consultation on draft Principles, its declining development outcome performance as 'first impact investor' provides useful point of departure.

6 December 2018

Environment

News

As climate crisis bites, World Bank further distances itself from coal

International Finance Corporation announced new ‘green equity’ policy to encourage financial intermediaries to divest from coal, while Bank pulled plug on mooted Kosovo coal project.

6 December 2018

Accountability

News

US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on challenge to IFC’s absolute immunity

Plaintiffs make case for ending IFC's 'absolute immunity'

6 December 2018

IFI governance

Commentary

Bank and Fun(d) speak of the year: 12 days of Christmas – an ode to the World Bank & IMF’s 2018

At the end of every year, the Bretton Woods Project highlights some of the most farcical remarks of Fund and World Bank staff. This time, it’s set to music.

6 December 2018 | Humour

Rights

News

World Bank dispute arbitration mechanism publishes proposed rule changes

The World Bank-funded International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has published its proposed changes to its rules for resolving disputes between states and foreign investors, with ongoing consultation.

6 December 2018

Rights

News

Workers unite after IFC fails to comply with its labour standard

Malaysian workers certify union of choice despite efforts of IFC-backed company.

6 December 2018

Accountability

News

Inspection Panel and Compliance Ombudsman Advisor reviews: Will World Bank fill the half-empty glass?

Civil society press for review of Inspection Panel and Compliance Advisor Ombudsman to result in reserve funds, community-led monitoring systems and greater power for accountability mechanisms.

6 December 2018