Doing Business scandal once again highlights that geopolitical wrangling is key driving force behind Bretton Woods Institutions’ governance structure and policy prescriptions.
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Western Europe
IFI governance
Analysis
Annual Meetings 2021 Preamble: IMF and World Bank face existential questions in midst of global health and climate crises
Doing Business scandal, likely conditions attached to SDR rechannelling and lack of Bank and Fund support for an intellectual property waiver for vaccines highlight links between undemocratic governance structures at Bank and Fund and the uneven recovery from the pandemic.
Finance
News
IMF debt sustainability review lacking in ambition and transparency
New methodology fails to meet long-standing civil society calls to put needs of people before debt service.
Finance
Analysis
G20 debt proposal continues to favour creditors
New common framework for debt relief announced at G20 Leaders’ Summit maintains prominent role of IMF and fails to include World Bank debt relief.
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.
Environment
News
EIB rules out most fossil fuel funding from 2021, setting new benchmark for MDBs
New energy policy sees European Investment Bank end support for unabated coal, oil and gas from 2021.
Environment
News
IMF joins discussion on greening financial sector, as climate risks threaten macro-stability
Fund and central banks increasingly pondering macroeconomic policies to tackle climate risks.
IFI governance
Commentary
Tout change et rien change pas: Global power and IMF leadership
The present IMF leadership 'contest' makes a mockery of the institution's multilateral character and further diminishes its legitimacy.
Other news
IFI governance
Background
IMF surcharges: A necessary tool or counter-productive obstacle to a just and green recovery?
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 6 October on the governance and resourcing implications of IMF's surcharges.
IFI governance
Background
Making the Most of Special Drawing Rights: Approaches to maximise impact and create a sustainable and just recovery
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 4 October on the ways to maximise the impacts of the recent allocation of $650 billion Special Drawing Rights.
Environment
News
Dutch government sued at World Bank tribunal for fossil fuel phase out plan
ICSID suit against Dutch government’s fossil phase out highlights threat to climate action posed by investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanisms
Social services
Background
Leveraging Private Sector Engagement in Health: Maximizing or Obstructing Progress towards Universal Health Coverage?
Notes from CSPF on 18 October on the growing trend of directing public finance to support business in healthcare.
Social services
Background
The role of the World Bank in ensuring universal and equitable COVID-19 vaccines for all
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum event on March 26.
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.
Infrastructure
News
EIB's draft energy plan proposes ending finance for fossil fuels after 2020
Move comes after concerted civil society campaign calling for ‘fossil-free EIB’.
IFI governance
Background
UK civil society meeting with UK World Bank Executive Director Melanie Robinson
Notes from a meeting with the UK World Bank Executive Director on 6 July 2018.
