World Bank Evolution Roadmap’s proposed superficial technical patches favouring the ‘logic’ of the market will likely fail to deliver the structural changes needed to support borrowing countries amidst global crises.
Leadership
IFI governance
Analysis
Democratic deficit in World Bank presidential appointment: Where is the evolution?
The World Bank Group needs to address its democratic deficit and lack of accountability. As it prepares to elect a new president and implement its “evolution roadmap”, it should use these key opportunities to embrace a profound reform.
IFI governance
Analysis
The IMF at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The need for governance reform
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is time the IMF’s shareholders use the opportunities provided by the anniversary and growing calls for reforms to the international financial architecture to redesign the IMF’s governance structures and programmes to ensure they are consistent with the commitments outlined in 1948 and with international human rights law.
Social services
News
Malpass makes World Bank a pariah with opposition to TRIPS waiver
World Bank President comes out against temporarily waiving intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccines
IFI governance
News
World Bank announces management staff changes, including key players in the ‘evolution roadmap’ process
Anna Bjerde appointed as Bank’s managing director of operations as Axel van Trotsenburg replaces Mari Pangetsu as managing director of development policy and partnerships.
IFI governance
Commentary
BWP's reaction to the resignation of World Bank's President David Malpass
The new World Bank's president should be appointed through a merit-based, transparent process with criteria publicly available and candidates being able to present their platform.
IFI governance
News
IMF's Independent Evaluation Office appoints new director and releases 2023 work plan
Changes in leadership have been announced at the WB Independent Evaluation Group and IMF Independent Evaluation Office. Furthermore, the IMF IEO published its 2023 Work plan introducing two new governance evaluations of the IMF’s mandate and its Exceptional Access Policy.
Knowledge
News
It’s just the tip of the iceberg: civil society organisations call for an overhaul of the World Bank following the Doing Business Report scandal
More than 140 CSO groups and individuals call on the World Bank to focus on grappling with the harms caused by its undemocratic governance structure and biased publications like the Doing Business Report, and to take measures to decolonise the institution.
IFI governance
News
Staff changes in key positions at the IMF reflect adherence to out-dated gentleman’s agreement
IMF announces leadership changes as Gita Gopinath promoted to First Deputy Managing Director, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas named Chief Economist, and Nadia Calviño heads IMFC.
IFI governance
News
New IFC managing director appointed amidst concerns over World Bank's private sector-led approach to Covid recovery
New IFC head will lead implementation of IFC 3.0.
Featured briefings
27 September 2023
Financialisation and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa
This briefing explains how the IMF and World Bank have driven the financialisation of MENA states, and the pervasive negative effects this has had on the region’s societies and economies.
19 July 2023
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2023
3 July 2023
Civil Society calls for rethink of World Bank’s ‘evolution roadmap’ as part of wider reforms to highly unequal global financial architecture
Joint civil society briefing paper highlights concerns with the World Bank’s Evolution Roadmap, and provides a series of recommendations for a Roadmap that prioritises people, participation and the planet over profit and economic growth.