While the Bank is developing a new social protection and labour strategy, its approach to health and continuing push for privatisation of public services have come under fire again.
Health
Accountability
News
World Bank launches new Africa strategy
In March, the World Bank launched its new Africa strategy, outlining three main areas in which it will focus its operations: competitiveness and employment, vulnerability and resilience of citizens, and governance and public sector capacity.
Social services
News
World Bank sexual health investment falls short
The World Bank's Reproductive Health and Action Plan: 2010-2015, which was released in April 2010 recognises that "women's full and equal participation in the development process is contingent on accessing essential [reproductive health] services."
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.
Accountability
Analysis
Submission to the International Development Committee of the UK parliament: inquiry into the World B
The UK should not increase its contribution to IDA in the current replenishment. Instead, it should focus on achieving substantial reforms of the World Bank and IFC in key areas, including health, gender, climate and energy, and the private sector, and in radically improving the legitimacy, transparency and accountability of the institution.
Accountability
Background
Meeting on the World Bank between DFID and UK NGOs
Notes of a meeting between UK civil society and DFID staff.
Land
News
UK reviews World Bank, multilateral aid
In June the new UK coalition government announced a hasty review of its funding to multilaterals, including the World Bank Group.
Accountability
Analysis
Submission on the World Bank and IFC to DFID's multilateral aid review
As the UK government reviews its funding and relationships with multilateral organisations, we argue that the World Bank Group's poor performance, lack of country ownership and accountability, and tendency to 'mission creep', require a focus on institutional and policy change at the Bank, and no increase in funding.
Social services
Analysis
Social insecurity
This paper aims to raise awareness of private financial institutions' influence on healthcare and pensions in developing countries.
Accountability
News
World Bank fails to focus on results in health
A newly published report adds to mounting criticism of the World Bank’s approach to health projects.
Featured briefings
1 October 2024
Year one of World Bank Paris Agreement alignment in the energy sector: ‘green conditionality’ dwarfs green investments
New BWP research finds the Word Bank's approach to Paris alignment is being used to a significant extent to impose ‘green conditionalities' on borrowing countries, especially in the Global South.
3 July 2024
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2024
3 July 2024
Is the World Bank rolling back commitments to citizen engagement, again?
Understanding the Bank’s chequered history with public, community and civil society participation is key for understanding what is at stake and what to do next.