Shayda Naficy argues that water infrastructure and distribution should be financed and managed by public entities rather than through privatisation.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Environment
Analysis
Climate of controversy
Despite efforts to boost its influence within climate finance circles and a call to “decarbonise development”, the World Bank continues to support fossil fuels.
Social services
News
World Bank’s “wakeup call” on universal health
New World Bank report shows lack of access to basic health services has pushed six per cent of the global population into poverty, as the IFC continues to support private health providers.
IFI governance
Background
Ebola debt relief – Implications and next steps
Notes from a meeting on Ebola during the World Bank spring meetings.
Social services
Analysis
The elephant in the classroom: the World Bank and private education providers
World Bank’s high-level support for private education providers is condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur, NGOs and academics.
Social services
Commentary
Public water: the antidote to failed World Bank water policy in Lagos
The World Bank's push for water privatisation in Nigeria is harming people's access to safe, affordable water.
Environment
Analysis
Clean Technology Fund (CTF)
Concerns have been raised about a projected shortfall of resources for the Clean Technology Fund, with an early warning mechanism due to be discussed. Questions were raised about development benefits of a Colombia project and on safeguards for a Vietnam project.
Environment
Analysis
Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)
The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience has invited new countries apply for participation and is also expanding the private sector set-aside to non-PPCR countries. Biodiversity and gender impacts were questioned on a Grenada project and the gender focus on a Haiti project.
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.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Indicative funding allocations have been agreed for 14 new Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries pilot countries, however, cautions remained about “unrealistic expectations” about funding availability. Questions were raised about incentives for diesel in a Kenya project.
Gender
Background
Gender and development: What is happening now?
Notes from a meeting on gender and development during the World Bank spring meetings.
Finance
News
The IMF’s newest bailout in Ghana
The IMF and Ghana have reached a long-anticipated loan agreement.
