World Bank’s pandemic bond instrument scrapped after high visibility Covid-19 failure
International
IFI governance
News
Changes at the top for IFC and its accountability mechanism
IFC and CAO will undergo changes in leadership at a pivotal time for both institutions, with merit-based selection of new leaders essential.
Accountability
News
Struggle for IFC accountability for Tata Mundra continues despite landmark immunity ruling
IFC continues to avoid responsibility for its investments in Tata Mundra coal power plant as US federal court rules that harmful acts took place outside the United States.
Social services
Background
World Bank Group’s ‘Maximizing Finance for Development’ in times of Covid-19
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum at the 2020 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 5 October session on the World Bank's 'Maximizing Finance for Development' and the Covid-19 response.
Conditionality
Background
Fiscal space for universal health and social protection post Covid-19 pandemic: How to prevent austerity
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum Session on 2 October.
Gender
Background
Building a feminist recovery for all: Gender transformative policies are more urgent than ever
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 1 October.
Accountability
Background
Tracking the trillions: Emergency funds, corruption and making the Covid-19 recovery work for all
Notes from Civil Society Policy Forum at the 2020 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings 29 September session on corruption and Covid-19 recovery.
Finance
Background
Covid-19 and debt: Going beyond debt suspension towards a systemic response to debt crises
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum 28 September Session at the IMF and World Bank 2020 Annual Meetings on Covid-19 and debt.
Environment
Background
Climate change and the Covid-19 recovery – the role of the IMF in building back better
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 28 September.
Finance
Analysis
World Bank’s rating obsession will negate debt justice
The international financial system’s reliance upon credit ratings – usually based on dubious premises – needs urgent rethinking.
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
Rights
Analysis
Fears of lawsuits at World Bank’s tribunal constrain efforts to fight pandemic
Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for ICSID and wider ISDS reforms as cases threaten to undermine state efforts to protect public health.
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.