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.
Leadership
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.
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.
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
Analysis
IMFC communiqué analysis – Annual Meetings 2020
Analysis of the IMFC communiqué, issues on 15 October, from the 2020 World Bank and IMF virtual Annual Meetings.
Featured briefings
6 April 2023
World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings 2023
5 April 2023
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.
5 April 2023
The global financial architecture and the international debt crisis: An urgent call for reform
Influence of unreformed international financial institutions and creditor interests in debt solutions in low- and middle-income countries plagued by delay and ineffective when undertaken.