The World Bank is increasingly highlighting barriers to women accessing economic and social rights. However, it has been accused by NGOs of neglecting gender equality in the new draft of its safeguards policy framework.
Safeguards
Rights
News
World Bank accused of resettlement “cultural genocide”
A series of high-profile eviction cases in Kenya, Nigeria and Cambodia has exposed the World Bank’s failure to protect the human rights of communities supposed to benefit from its projects, prompting widespread international condemnation.
IFI governance
Background
UK civil society meeting with UK World Bank Executive Director Gwen Hines
Wednesday 25 June 2014 22 Whitehall, London Attendees: World Bank: Gwen Hines, UK Executive…
Private Sector
Analysis
IFC: Learning lessons or institutional amnesia?
In response to the IFC’s shaming over its involvement with Dinant corporation in Honduras, the institution produced a “lessons learned” document. However, it has been rejected by campaigners, who are demanding more fundamental reform.
Rights
News
Further delays for World Bank safeguards review
The World Bank’s safeguards review is facing more delays in the face of internal wrangling, while civil society has ramped up demands for stronger rules.
IFI governance
Background
UK civil society meeting with UK World Bank Executive Director Gwen Hines
Wednesday 2 April 2014 22 Whitehall, London Attendees: World Bank: Gwen Hines, UK Executive Director…
Rights
Background
Update on WBG safeguard's review process
Sponsor: WBG (Safeguards Review Team) Panelists: Stefan Koeberle (Director, Operational Policies Country Services), Mark King…
IFI governance
Background
CSO roundtable with World Bank Group executive directors
Sponsor: World Bank Group Panelists: Merza Hassan (Executive Director for Kuwait, and Dean of the…
Rights
Background
Multilateral Development Banks & human rights: Issues, challenges, opportunities
Samuel Dash Conference on Human Rights, Georgetown University Law Center The substance of lending safeguards…
IFI governance
News
“Declining performance” at World Bank as strategy moves forward
A leaked draft IEG report reveals declining performance trends at the World Bank, including the IFC’s financial sector lending, while the implementation of the Bank’s strategy continues with the launch of a public consultation on the new country engagement model.
Featured briefings
15 July 2025
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2025
15 July 2025
Will the World Bank be a partner for a just energy transition in developing countries?
As renewable energy finance shifts from China to the World Bank, whether the Bank can be a partner for a just energy transition depends on three areas: strong environmental and social oversight, avoiding a new resource curse in minerals and debt relief during crises.
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.