Civil society groups, opposition parties and the media are calling for the repeal of a bill which would amend the scope of the Bank's immunities under Bangladeshi law.
Transparency-WB/IMF
IFI governance
News
All sides agree urgent need for governance reforms
Urging a move away from shareholders "micromanaging the Fund", former IMF secretary and Counsellor to the managing director Leo Van Houtven has argued for reforms.
Rights
News
Nam Theun 2: Decision pending serious problems remain
The deadline for the Bank's decision to finance the controversial Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric power project in Lao PDR is fast approaching. However, long-term opponents of the project predict that its environmental and social outcomes will be disastrous, and criticize the current consultation process as fundamentally flawed.
Rights
News
Private sector safeguard review "fundamentally flawed"
Civil society organisations have expressed alarm at the process recently launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) - the World Bank Group's private sector lending arm- to overhaul its safeguard policies.
Accountability
News
Brazilian bill requires approval of IFI reps
The lower house of the Brazilian parliament is considering a bill which would require the appointment of posts in international organisations such as the Bank and Fund to receive confirmation by the senate.
Rights
News
IFIwatchnet in your region … and in video!
IFIwatchnet has established regional animators and will soon add multimedia resources.
Rights
News
Annual meetings update: NGO press pass cancelled
A decision has been taken to discontinue the NGO press pass for the meetings, marking a serious step backwards in relations with civil society.
IFI governance
Background
The World Bank’s project cycle explained
The World Bank's public-lending institutions (IDA and IBRD) lend about US$ 15-20 billion annually to 100 countries to Projects ranging from infrastructure, education, health and government financial management.
IFI governance
News
Landmark decision: Canadian company debarred
Anti-corruption campaigners are applauding the World Bank's decision to debar Acres International, a Canadian company found guilty by Lesotho courts of engaging in corrupt activities in a Bank-funded water project.
IFI governance
Analysis
The World Bank’s knowledge roles: dominating development debates
Since 1996 the World Bank President has emphasised his institution’s roles as a “knowledge bank“. But just as one person’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter, what some see as knowledge is viewed by others as propaganda for a particular world view.
Featured briefings
6 April 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2022
8 December 2021
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2021
8 November 2021
IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.