New BWP briefing offers critical gender analysis of World Bank lending instrument to borrowing countries.
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Eastern Europe & Central Asia
IFI governance
Analysis
Here we go again: Surprise IMF leadership change litmus test for its legitimacy
Lagarde resignation kicks-off another leadership race overshadowed by gentleman’s agreement.
Environment
News
As climate crisis bites, World Bank further distances itself from coal
International Finance Corporation announced new ‘green equity’ policy to encourage financial intermediaries to divest from coal, while Bank pulled plug on mooted Kosovo coal project.
IFI governance
Analysis
Great Expectations a year on: IMF moving the needle on inequality but not yet the gear
One year after Oxfam study, IMF making progress on inequality agenda but still needs a fundamental shift
Accountability
News
Ukraine: Between a rock and IMF conditionality
Alarm bells ringing as Ukraine struggles to meet IMF conditionality on fuel prices and anti-corruption approach criticised
Private Sector
Analysis
How the Bank’s push for microcredit failed the poor
Originally created to help the poor escape poverty and deprivation, the World Bank became the most important advocate for the commercialised microcredit model. Yet, critics argued it undermined the chances of sustainable and equitable development to create a poverty trap of historic proportions.
Knowledge
Analysis
After 15 years, World Bank’s Doing Business Report still missing the mark
CSOs argue DBR’s deregulation policies do not lower income inequality or promote inclusive economic growth, instead incentivising tax competition and undermining inclusive development.
Infrastructure
News
Azerbaijani Laundromat to sully Bank’s reputation?
Scandal raises new questions about World Bank loans for Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), after civil society previously raised concerns over human rights violations and the negative environmental impact of the project.
Other news
Gender
Background
Sexual orientation & gender identity – considering risk mitigation within World Bank programming
This Civil Society Policy Forum Session was co-sponsored by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce,…
Rights
Background
World Bank Inspection Panel - emerging lessons on environmental assessment
Notes from a meeting at the IMF/World Bank 2017 spring meetings launching the third report in the Inspection Panel's new series on "emerging lessons", on environmental assessment.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank reconsiders support for coal in Kosovo
Bank commissions energy options study, which will explore alternate electricity sources.
Infrastructure
News
Civil society calls on IFC and other MDBs to stop financing damaging Balkan dams
A June petition signed by more than 120,000 people called on IFIs, “to immediately stop funding for projects that are located in protected areas.”
Environment
News
Development banks pump more money into Southern Gas Corridor, despite fresh concerns
EBRD approves €500 million loan for TAP, as Italy announces it will review its support for project
Accountability
News
CAO accepts complaint related to MIGA guarantee for TANAP
Complaint is latest in a series of environmental & social concerns raised about Southern Gas Corridor
IFI governance
News
World Bank accountability mechanisms look to improve complainant protection
In response to increasing concern about the safety of human rights and environmental defenders, the World Bank’s accountability mechanisms look to improve complainant protection against retaliation and intimidation.
Accountability
Background
The Syrian migration crisis
Notes from a meeting at the IMF/World Bank CSO Forum at the 2016 Spring meetings discussion the socio-economic impacts of the Syrian crisis, the outgoing flow of migration and the World Bank’s model on how to tackle these issues following its new report.
Featured briefings
15 August 2019
The World Bank and gender equality: Development Policy Financing
New BWP briefing offers critical gender analysis of World Bank lending instrument to borrowing countries.
30 July 2019
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2019
4 April 2019