IMF gender research direction shifts away from macroeconomic drivers of gender inequality.
Lao PDR
Environment
Analysis
Forest Investment Program (FIP)
Challenges in measuring progress were noted for the Forest Investment Program (FIP), in particular greenhouse gas accounting. Investment plans for Mozambique and Ivory Coast have been approved. Questions were raised over the reasoning for a commercial teak plantation project in Ghana.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 14
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) Monitor, including an update on the Green Climate Fund, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 13
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Fund (CIFs) Monitor, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Forest Investment Program (FIP)
The rationale for adding new pilot countries to the Forest Investment Program (FIP) given funding constraints has been questioned, as well as the focus on providing loans rather than grants. The CIF strategic directions paper noted challenges for the FIP, and proposed a new private sector window. Questions were raised about the consultation of ethnic minorities in relation to a Laos project.
Environment
Analysis
Forest Investment Program (FIP)
Six new countries were invited to join the Forest Investment Program (FIP), with a further nine invited to develop investment plans, despite insufficient funds. Potential support for oil palm plantations in Democratic Republic of Congo and industrial logging in Indonesia and Peru were questioned.
Environment
Analysis
Forest Investment Program (FIP)
Options for potential new funding for the Forest Investment Program have been further elaborated, including priority rankings for current and potential new pilot countries, however, funding constraints remain and many current projects continue to be delayed.
Private Sector
Analysis
New report shows IFC FI investments cause human rights abuses around the world
New evidence from Oxfam, the Bretton Woods Project and other NGOs reveals the impact of IFC investments in financial intermediaries on global human rights.
Other news
Private Sector
News
Civil society letter re: the IFC and lessons learned
A letter from civil society in response to the IFC's lesson learned briefing
Infrastructure
News
Company withdraws from Lao dam project
Electricit
Rights
News
IFC backs Laos gold mine
Serious environmental and social concerns have been raised about a Rio Tinto gold mine in Lao PDR which is to receive $30 million from the International Financial Corporation.
Infrastructure
News
Laos dam controversy
World Bank Asia region staff are currently considering whether to move the Nam Theun 2 dam, Laos, to “pre-appraisal stage”.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank urges Laos to reform
The World Bank said in late February that it would not guarantee the billion-dollar Nam Theun II dam in Laos until the government commits itself to significant political and economic reforms.
Infrastructure
News
NT 2 Campaign Packet
The Nam Theun 2 (NT2) Hydroelectric Project is the largest prospective hydropower project in Lao PDR.