A critical analysis of the World Bank's new strategy for Africa
Activism
Rights
News
IMF's European austerity drive goes on
The IMF programme in Portugal highlights the heavy conditionality attached to loans. Meanwhile, a big, and very public, fight is brewing over debt in Greece, where the IMF denies any problems.
Rights
Analysis
Debt and austerity - from the global South to Europe
In early May, more than 400 activists in Greece and campaigners and academics from across the world met in Athens to confront the current debt crisis of the European periphery and plan international solidarity and coordinated action against fiscal austerity imposed by governments.
Rights
News
BIC publishes Bank lobby toolkit
In December US NGO Bank Information Center published an Executive Director Advocacy Toolkit. The guide offers advice for civil society organisations in their attempts to engage executive directors (EDs) of the World Bank.
Rights
News
World Bank corners climate funds?
As governments reached an agreement at the climate negotiations in Cancun in December, the World Bank continued to stir controversy as it attained a role in a new global climate fund, launched new carbon market initiatives, and touted the success of the controversial Climate Investment Funds.
Rights
News
IMF serious about measuring conditionality impacts?
More criticism emerged of IMF programmes as it begins the process of another conditionality review. Political upheaval in Ireland and continued protests in Greece are focussing attention on the IMF's controversial economic policy advice.
IFI governance
Analysis
Conference summary: Private Sector Turn
On November 22nd 2010, CounterBalance and the Bretton Woods Project hosted a conference in London on "The Private Sector Turn" - the increasing shift from public to private funding in development finance, the forms it takes and what it means for activists and affected people. What follows is a summary of the day's proceedings.
Rights
News
Palmed off: World Bank's palm oil framework 'business as usual' despite environmental and rights con
The World Bank’s draft framework for investment in the palm oil sector was met with dismay from civil society groups, who said that it failed to offer a credible strategy to address manifold social and environmental problems.
Rights
News
The private sector turn: Private equity, financial intermediaries and what they mean for development
A one day conference on 22 November in London. It will focus on the recent expansion of private sector lending within development finance. Looking particularly at the private sector portfolio of international financial institutions and the role of private equity funds and financial intermediaries. The conference will be followed by a strategy day to coordinate future work and action.
Rights
News
Agenda: The Private Sector Turn: Private equity, financial intermediaries and what they mean for dev
The agenda for the "The Private Sector Turn: Private equity, financial intermediaries and what they mean for development" conference in London, 22 November 2010.
Featured briefings
12 December 2019
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2019
12 December 2019
Ease of Doing Business – what does it conceal?
As India has risen in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, it has seen other key development indicators slip.
18 November 2019
Keeping the IMF accountable to women's rights and gender equality at the national level
New IMF gender guidance opportunity for civil society to keep its staff to account.