World Bank’s new Business-Ready (B-Ready) index offers new measures but reductionist approach, ultimately rewarding countries driving down labour rights in favour of business.
Labour
Rights
News
IFC faces critical questions over investments in gig economy
IFC’s investments in gig economy platform companies come under scrutiny
Private Sector
News
B-Ready for more ill-founded private-sector solutions
The World Bank released a concept note of Doing Business report replacement, B-Ready project, ignoring civil society demands of an independent evaluation.
Rights
News
Report implicates IFC investments in human rights abuses of Uyghur and other minorities in China
New CSO research alleges that IFC investments have contributed to forced displacement and labour, detention, and other human rights violations of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, China.
Finance
News
Civil society frustrated by lack of substantive engagement in IDA20 replenishment process
Private sector first approach intact in IDA20 replenishment despite CSO recommendations.
Rights
News
Concerns over labour rights resurface in IFC's Covid-19 response
Joint letter to IFC chief executive officer raises questions on worker protections.
Rights
News
Unions raise alarm over alleged retaliatory firing at IFC-financed Guinea hotel
IFC accused of violation of performance standards after alleged retaliatory action against workers.
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
Rights
Analysis
World Bank’s vision of work leaves it isolated from the international community
World Bank's vision of the changing nature of work clashes with the feminist community, civil society, trade unions and international organisations.
Rights
News
Workers unite after IFC fails to comply with its labour standard
Malaysian workers certify union of choice despite efforts of IFC-backed company.
Featured briefings
9 June 2025
New data reveal World Bank DPF ‘climate finance’ carries strong private sector bias, undermining a just transition
New BWP briefing finds the World Bank counted 70 per cent of energy-sector reforms in Development Policy Financing as having 'climate co-benefits' between 2018-2023 - but most of these promoted a private-led energy transition.
15 April 2025
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2025
2 April 2025