European governments, who hold eight chairs and have over 30% of the vote at the Bank, have a special responsibility to push for reform. We, the undersigned organisations, call upon our European governments to back a progressive proposal for transformation of the World Bank that includes the key reforms below.
Western Europe
Environment
Background
Highlights: Meeting of UK NGOs with UK Alternate Executive Director to the World Bank
Meeting between UK NGOs and UK Alternate Execituve Director to the World Bank Caroline Sergeant on 5 September 2008.
IFI governance
Background
UK NGO meeting with the Secretary of State for International Development, on the World Bank
Summary of meeting: the main agenda items were (1) World Bank governance; and (2) Climate change.
Accountability
News
Bank plays blocking game in Accra aid negotiations
The influence of the World Bank was felt in Accra when developing countries and donors met at a resplendent conference centre for the recent High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness.
Finance
News
Financial crisis: IMF chases its own tail
As global finance dries up and economic markets crash, criticisms mount of the IMF and its inability to convince its largest members to curb speculation or better regulate the financial sector.
IFI governance
News
Jesse Griffiths joins as project coordinator
We are delighted to welcome Jesse as the new Bretton Woods Project coordinator, taking over from Jeff Powell, who has joined academia.
Environment
Background
Highlights: Meeting of UK NGOs with UK Alternate Executive Director to the World Bank
Meeting between UK NGOs and UK Alternate Execituve Director to the World Bank -Caroline Sergeant- on July 22, 2008.
IFI governance
News
Jeff Powell leaves the Project
Jeff Powell is leaving his position as coordinator of the Bretton Woods Project after over six years with the organisation.
Rights
News
Dutch conference on the future of the Bank
A conference hosted by the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs and the World Bank July 12-13 in Amsterdam will bring together officials and researchers to discuss "the challenges faced by the Bank in delivering its long-term strategic priorities".
IFI governance
News
Much needed increase in UK WB oversight
Susanna Moorehead, former DFID head in India, has been appointed UK executive director (ED) to the World Bank; Alex Gibbs will remain ED to the Fund (formerly the ED covered both the Bank and Fund).
Accountability
News
Lots of rhetoric, few specifics: DFID defends its policy on the World Bank
The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) has sheepishly defended itself in its government response to the International Development Committee's (IDC) report DFID and the World Bank.
Finance
News
IFC challenges highlighted in the Middle East
The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, is rapidly increasing its investment in the Middle East, raising questions about the development value of its activities. A Norwegian study of the IFC's Doing Business indicators questions the usefulness of the index to making real-life improvements to a country's business environment.
