International

IFI governance

News

Civil society calls for an end to the 'gentleman's agreement' and a merit-based, open and transparent MD selection process

Civil society calls for the IMF to ensure the next MD selection process is undertaken in accordance with a merit-based, open and transparent process, underpinned by criteria involving a demonstrated commitment to international human rights, feminist principles, green and equitable development, as well as  publicly available shareholder votes.

26 March 2024 | Letters

Knowledge

Background

Bretton Woods Project Annual Report 2023

In 2023, BWP continued its work as a watchdog of the World Bank and the IMF, supporting and amplifying the voices of critical civil society groups to capitalise on calls for substantive change, with a focus on four advocacy areas: Gender equality and macroeconomics, the environment, governance reform and accountability, and financialisation and human rights.

21 February 2024 | Annual report (BWP)
Pile of books from the Tibet Green Library. Credit: Bart Heird

Knowledge

Background

Recommended Resources on the World Bank and the IMF 2023

As every year, BWP published its collection of reports, briefings, CSO letters and other resources with a critical angle published in the past year on the World Bank and the IMF.

19 February 2024

Gender

Background

(CLOSED) Gender Equality and Macroeconomics (GEM) Project Lead

BWP is seeking a Gender Equality and Macroeconomics (GEM) Project Lead to manage BWP’s ongoing GEM Project and lead BWP’s work on gender equality and women’s rights.

11 January 2024 | Recruitment

IFI governance

News

Civil society calls for a meaningful Quota Reform that accurately reflects the changes in the global economy to ensure a fair representation of all member countries

Civil society calls upon the IMF to implement a meaningful quota reform by June 2025 and prioritise realignment of shares to reflect more accurately the changes in the global economy and address representation issues

18 December 2023 | Letters

Accountability

Analysis

A proposal for Ajay: No evolution without remedy

While World Bank President declares the benefits of a “bigger and better” Bank, the scandal of alleged child sexual abuse and cover up relating to IFC investments in Bridge Academies demonstrates the urgent need for the Bank to establish a robust remedy framework.

13 December 2023
Suralaya Power Station, Indonesia. Credit: Melvinas Priananda, Trend Asia.

Environment

Analysis

Coal not yet confined to the “old days” by World Bank Group

Despite the World Bank’s commitment to move away from funding coal, a series of loopholes in its financial intermediary lending remain that will continue to allow finance to support coal power projects.

13 December 2023 | At Issue

Finance

Analysis

Decolonising the global economic architecture: The prerequisite for a just transition

Global South faces severe structural deficiencies that weaken its economic sovereignty and put it at the mercy of a neo-colonial global financial architecture.

13 December 2023
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva participates in the Joint Climate Seminar during the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Marrakech, Morocco on October 11, 2023. Credit: IMF Photo/Kim Haughton

Conditionality

Analysis

World Bank and IMF promoting private finance and fiscal consolidation despite mounting evidence of harmful impacts

Civil society research documents clear harms from privatisation and fiscal consolidation on public services and human rights, as Bank and Fund push for their deepening.

13 December 2023

Finance

Analysis

UN Secretary General's New Agenda for Peace calls for urgent financial architecture and policy reform

UN Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace report identifies growing threats to global peace and stability, and proposes urgent reforms to the unjust economic system. World Bank and IMF resist policy and governance reform.

13 December 2023

Environment

News

Selection of World Bank to host new Loss and Damage Fund draws ire of developing countries and civil society advocates

Developing countries insist on lengthy list of conditions as Bank is named host of new Loss and Damage Fund on interim basis.

13 December 2023
Matthew Martin presents new debt database to IMF at a Civil Society Policy Forum event during the October 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco. Credit: Iolanda Fresnillo/Eurodad

Finance

News

New data show Global South is in worst debt crisis ever, with another lost decade looming

Civil society alliances call to prioritise sustainability of life over debt, while IMF continues to insist situation is not "systemic", in contrast to what the UN Secretary General has called a "systemic failure".

13 December 2023