The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Bank's private sector arm, has concluded a two-year review of its performance standards on environmental and social sustainability, but its weak human rights approach has angered rights organisations.
Transparency-WB/IMF
Accountability
Background
IFC and Financial Intermediary Lending
Notes of meeting, Washington DC, April 15, 2011
Environment
Analysis
A faulty model?
This paper critically assesses the appropriateness of the Bank-housed Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) as a model for the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It takes proposals and recommendations by civil society groups and uses them as benchmarks to analyse the CIFs. It finds that in terms of institutional arrangements the CIFs have achieved some notable progress, however, in operations and performance there are serious concerns.
IFI governance
Analysis
Question time for candidates! Public debate needed for IMF leadership post
The IMF still needs fundamental reform if it is to be relevant to the global economy of the 21st century and to operate in the interests of ordinary people all over the world. We believe there are 4 key areas where these candidates must answer questions and that these questions should be answered in a public debate among the candidates.
Accountability
Background
Notes of meeting between UK Executive Director to World Bank and Civil Society Groups
Civil society organisations met UK Executive Director to the World Bank and staff from the Department for International Development to discuss the World Development Report on conflict, security and development; the spring meetings and food security; the World Bank's energy strategy and performance in the health sector.
Accountability
News
World Bank launches new Africa strategy
In March, the World Bank launched its new Africa strategy, outlining three main areas in which it will focus its operations: competitiveness and employment, vulnerability and resilience of citizens, and governance and public sector capacity.
Accountability
Background
Notes of meeting between UK Executive Director to World Bank and Civil Society Groups
On February 2nd 2011 civil society organisations held a meeting with the UK Executive Director to the World Bank and staff from the Department for International Development to discuss the formation of the new Green Climate Fund, the World Bank energy startegy review, and the role of the private sector in World Bank lending.
IFI governance
News
Sachs argues for transparency
As the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank's private sector lending arm, continues the review of its sustainability policy, performance standards and disclosure policy, Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University has warned of the importance of transparency and public accountability in the extractive industries.
IFI governance
News
World Bank transparency: praise and blame
Praise for improvements to World Bank transparency have been tempered by ongoing criticism of weaknesses in implementation.
IFI governance
News
Implementing IMF governance reform: Baby steps in slow motion
IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn called agreements reached on IMF governance reform "historic". A closer analysis reveals that the shifts in votes are smaller than claimed and though the basic power structure of the IMF will better incorporate large emerging markets after two years, it will continue to be dominated by the US and Europe.
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