Highlights of a 4 October meeting between NGOs in the BWI-UK network and secretary of state for international development, Douglas Alexander, addressing IFI strategic reviews, aid effectiveness, clean energy/climate change and a number of other issues.
Debt
IFI governance
News
World Bank-IMF annual meetings 2007
Members of staff of the Bank and Fund, board members, development and finance ministers will be in Washington for the annual meetings, 19 - 22 October.
Finance
News
World Bank breaks silence on odious debt
The World Bank released a paper on 'odious debt' in September following months of silence, adding to a growing number of initiatives examining the concept.
Environment
News
Just say no
Member countries are increasingly rebuffing World Bank and IMF programmes, advice and even membership, with Latin American nations withdrawing from the Bank's investment arbitration mechanism.
Accountability
Background
Highlights of UK NGO meeting with UK Executive Director to the WB/IMF Tom Scholar
Highlights of a 22 June 2007 meeting between UK NGOs and UK executive director to the World Bank and IMF, Tom Scholar. Issues covered included review of the Bank's transport strategy, avoided deforestation, conditionality, debt, social protection and IFI governance.
Finance
Background
Growth Commission case studies unveiled
As a key part of its remit, the Commission on Growth and Development has identified twenty areas it deems crucial 'to furthering our understanding of long-term sustainable economic growth and development'.
Conditionality
Background
Fiscal space and fiscal priorities: Infrastructure, trade and poverty
This panel discussion addressed the pros and cons of fiscal space for infrastructure when infrastructure is trade-related, what they mean for current proposals by the World Bank and IMF on fiscal space, and the importance of an assessment that looks jointly at the trade and financial aspects on the grounds of poverty reduction, development and environment goals.
Finance
Background
Civil society meeting with German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development and Liberian Min
Minutes from meeting: The agenda of the Development Committee and Africa as a focal point for growth and responsibility, with Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany and Antoinette M. Sayeh, Minister of Finance, Republic of Liberia.
Finance
Background
The IDA replenishment
Every three years, a series of meetings is held to cajole rich countries into putting money into the coffers of the International Development Association.
Finance
News
Wolfowitz to face trials over Bank fundraising drive
Reeling from a bruising fight with his board over his plans to tackle corruption, Bank president Paul Wolfowitz now must go hat in hand to donor countries asking them to cough up more for poor country financing just as it has been revealed that the Bank has not been able to get the money it already has earmarked for Africa out the door.
