To prevent repression and retaliation at their Annual Meetings in Marrakesh, World Bank and IMF must work proactively with MENA civil society and Moroccan authorities on safeguarding civic space and upholding free speech.
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Middle East & North Africa
Environment
News
World Bank’s update on Paris alignment fizzles at COP27 as countries demand MDBs evolve to face climate emergency
Despite continued public rhetoric about importance of civil society engagement, Bank is yet to commit to holding a public consultation period on its Paris alignment approach.
IFI governance
Analysis
Spring Meetings 2022 Wrap-Up: Progress on key issues side-tracked by Ukraine invasion and BWIs’ own sense of drift
Spring Meetings conclude with frantic calls for stronger multilateralism, but few advances in key issues such as Covid-19 unequal recovery, debt, inequality and climate crises, while Russia participation prevents G20, G24 and Development Committee from releasing a communique.
IFI governance
Analysis
Spring Meetings 2022 Preamble: War in Ukraine risks deepening divergent recovery as World Bank and IMF prepare for Spring Meetings
War in Ukraine will have significant spillover effects as Global South continues to carry the burden of vaccine inequity. Debt, austerity and evolving food crisis key talking points of Meetings while unequal recovery, gender, RST and surcharges key issues at CSPF.
Finance
News
IMF’s punishing surcharges strain Covid-19 response and recovery efforts
Civil society and economists unite in calls for IMF to abolish unethical and harmful surcharges on member countries that undermine financial stability and Covid-19 recovery.
Finance
Analysis
Latest IMF gender research: Making the economy work for women, or women work for the economy?
IMF gender research direction shifts away from macroeconomic drivers of gender inequality.
Rights
Analysis
Repairing harm caused: What could a reparations approach mean for the IMF and World Bank?
It is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own responsibility and decolonise their approach.
Conditionality
Commentary
An IMF bailout for Lebanon can make things worse
Amidst multiple financial and economic crises, a classic IMF intervention in Lebanon could exacerbate inequalities and social tensions.
Other news
Finance
News
Egypt reaches agreement for IMF programme, but proposals for debt relief are still lacking
Egypt’s new EFF program will likely deepen the country’s debt crisis, instead of helping improve its socioeconomic conditions.
Knowledge
News
Doing Business Report to be published after temporary suspension over data irregularities
World Bank plans to publish latest DBR in March and undertake an external review of the report’s methodology.
IFI governance
Background
Coup d'états and political instability: The roles of national, regional, and international actors
Notes from a Civil Society Policy Forum on 12 October titled: "Coup d'états and political instability: The roles of national, regional, and international actors."
IFI governance
Background
Are we heading towards an austerity-based recovery?
Notes from Civil Society Policy Forum event on April 13, 2022 on "Are We Heading Towards and Austerity-Based Recovery?"
IFI governance
Background
Covid-19 recovery: from government response to private sector-led sustainable growth
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 29 September on fiscal measures to promote sustainable growth during the longer-term recovery phase.
Private Sector
Background
Private sector accountability in times of crisis
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum session on 29 March.
Environment
News
World Bank cancels Bisri dam project in Lebanon after years of community resistance
Environmental groups and activists claim victory after years of campaigning.
IFI governance
News
World Bank and IMF delay Morocco’s hosting of Annual Meetings until October 2022
Marrakesh was due to host 2021 meetings prior to announcement.
