Discussion of IFC and the financial crisis, climate change, performance standards and financial intermediaries
Compliance mechanisms
Accountability
Analysis
The IFIs in 2009: year in review
If 2008 was the year the financial crisis began, 2009 was the year its impacts were really felt in most developing countries. The beginning of the year saw near panic about the potential depths of the global recession and a glimmer of hope that the economic policies of rich countries which had touched off the crisis and contributed to its spread would be rethought. The Bretton Woods Project, with many partners around the globe, viewed it as an opportune time for a Bretton Woods II – a new
Accountability
News
World Bank restores aid to post-coup Honduras
The World Bank announced in early February that it would restore aid to Honduras, following the inauguration of Porfirio Lobo as president.
Finance
Background
IDA replenishment
This year, donor countries will decide on their financial contributions to the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) for 2011-2014.
Accountability
News
IMF still failing to connect with member countries
An independent evaluation of the IMF's dealings with its member countries shows a startling amount of displeasure with the Fund's work in rich and poor countries alike. The IMF board failed to come up with a credible action plan to deal with the problems.
Accountability
Analysis
Don't bank on it! Challenging the World Bank's role in future climate finance
Despite a superficial 'climate makeover', UK civil society organisations conclude that the World Bank is still a long way from operating in transparent, participatory and accountable ways, or lending upon a truly green portfolio, and therefore should not be trusted with the world's climate funds. Furthermore, the form and functions of a climate finance institution should first be defined and criteria should be established for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) partie
Accountability
Commentary
Destructive development: A case of ecological debt in Bangladesh
'Development' has become synonymous with destruction in Bangladesh as many of the so-called development projects, financed mainly by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), have huge negative impacts on the ground. They have added to the global north's 'ecological debt', which must now be repaid.
Accountability
News
Bank Inspection Panel leadership changes
Roberto Lenton succeeded Werner Kiene as chair of the World Bank's Inspection Panel on 1st November, and Eimi Watanabe was appointed as a panel member.
Accountability
Background
IMF governance - CSO meeting with the IMF managing director
Minutes of a meeting between civil society organisations, IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn and IMF deputy managing director John Lipsky
Accountability
Background
Videoconference between UK civil society and Alex Gibbs, UK IMF Executive Director
Minutes of a meeting between UK civil society, UK IMF Executive Director Alex Gibbs, and UK Treasury staff
Featured briefings
6 April 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2022
8 December 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2021
8 November 2021
IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.