While World Bank President declares the benefits of a “bigger and better” Bank, the scandal of alleged child sexual abuse and cover up relating to IFC investments in Bridge Academies demonstrates the urgent need for the Bank to establish a robust remedy framework.
Privatisation
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank talk good governance, but walk with state- capturers
From South Africa to Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, the Bank and Fund have demonstrated they are not appropriate allies to address the scale of the crisis the world is facing, especially, given their record.
Environment
News
Resilience and Sustainability Trust’s first loans promote climate PPPs, raising concerns they may create fiscal risks
Initial financing for Costa Rica, Barbados, Rwanda, Bangladesh and Jamaica tied to efforts to ‘green’ PPP frameworks.
Social services
News
World Bank issues new guidance on PPPs legal frameworks, ignoring long-standing concerns with the model
New World Bank guidance on PPP legal frameworks evidence of institution’s continued reliance on PPPs as key to addressing SDG financing gap despite well-documented failures. Previous World Bank PPP contracts template criticised for incompatibility with human rights norms.
Social services
News
Civil society calls to move away from PPPs grow, while World Bank doubles down on private finance-led approach
Civil society ramps up calls to move away from public-private partnerships (PPPs) with Santiago Declaration for Public Services.
Infrastructure
News
MIGA’s support for gas projects raises concerns about its climate credentials
World Bank’s commercial insurance arm provided nearly $850 million in guarantees for gas projects in Bangladesh and Mozambique in fiscal year 2022.
Social services
News
Global Day of Action against the IMF and World Bank rejects corporate recovery agenda
Civil society day of action rejects corporate agenda and greenwashing in World Bank and IMF Covid-19 recovery.
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.
IFI governance
Background
An economic future for whom? The Cascade/MFD and recovery
Notes from the virtual Spring 2021 Civil Society Policy Forum on 25 March 2021.
Knowledge
News
Doing Business Report to be published after temporary suspension over data irregularities
World Bank plans to publish latest DBR in March and undertake an external review of the report’s methodology.