The key role that the World Bank is preparing to play in December's international climate change conference in Bali sits uncomfortably with its continued commitment to fossil fuel funding and failure to make a meaningful shift in its energy lending
Extractives
Accountability
Commentary
El Banco Mundial y el Gasoducto de África Occidental
Análisis crítico sobre el gasoducto de África Occidental, un proyecto apoyado por el Banco Mundial.
Environment
Background
A dialogue with Lars Thunell, International Finance Corporation, Executive Vice President and CEO
Highlights of a 22 October civil society dialogue with Lars Thunell, International Finance Corporation, Executive Vice President and CEO.
Environment
Background
Townhall meeting and reception with World Bank and IMF presidents and civil society representatives
Highlights of an 18 October 'town hall' meeting between WB-IMF heads and CSOs.
Accountability
News
Italian Senate passes IFI oversight act
An act of the Italian Senate on participation in replenishment of international funds and banks, approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee in July, commits the government review to credit mechanisms to include indicators of a country's capacity to achieve the MDGs, end support for water privatisation, advocate an end for fossil fuel support, and report on positions taken by the Italian representatives at the IFIs.
Environment
Background
Highlights of BWI-UK network meeting with Douglas Alexander
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.
Environment
News
Gold mining undermines rights in Mali
A report by French NGO FIDH looks at the negative impact of gold mining on the prorection of human rights in Mali
Accountability
News
IFC: ‘badges of excellence’, dubious practice
The IFC is scaling up its investment in high risk and low-income countries "as part of its development mission", and is now on track to double financing for mining in Africa this year. However its attempts to position itself as an environmental and human rights 'expert' in these sectors lacks credibility.
Environment
News
Competing to ‘light up’ Africa
The Bank's latest carbon reduction credentials are offset against the institution's continued funding for large-scale, grid-based energy sector loans.
Environment
Commentary
The World Bank and the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project
A critical analysis of the the World Bank-supported West Africa Gas pipeline, by Michael Karipko of Environmental Rights Action, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Featured briefings
12 December 2024
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2024
12 December 2024
Missing in action: accountability is noticeably absent from the World Bank Group’s new Corporate Scorecard
The Corporate Scorecard’s accountability gap is symptomatic of a broader failure on the part of the WBG to fully internalise, integrate and learn from the work of its accountability mechanisms.
16 October 2024