Bretton Woods Observer
G20 review calls for increased MDB lending as World Bank ignores urgent need for policy changes
G20 independent review calls for increased lending by multilateral development banks to address multiple crises, but lack of reform in World Bank crises response framework raises concerns about how it would use additional resources.
Monetary power and sovereign debt crises: The renewed case for a sovereign debt restructuring mechanism
The sovereign debt crises threatening states in the Global South are less about fiscal mismanagement and more about monetary power…
World Bank’s failure to disclose details of climate finance accounting opens its claim to be leading green financier to scrutiny
Newly released study by Oxfam finds that the Bank’s claims of climate finance for FY2020 could be off by as…
Quota reform needed at IMF in order to address 21st century challenges
As economic conditions worsen and the Fund’s legitimacy comes under increasing pressure, IMF leaders gathering for the Annual Meetings must…
IMF debt sustainability analysis in times of compounding crises: Still unfit for purpose
New IMF debt sustainability framework fails to alleviate concerns over transparency and overoptimism in midst of large-scale debt crisis, as countries face severe austerity and private lenders wait for bailouts.
IMF seeks to ‘unleash’ private climate finance, as experts question ‘de-risking state’ model
In the face of growing calls to ‘de-risk’ green investments for the private sector, academic experts call for developmental allocative green credit regimes, rather than market-led approaches.
Pakistan calls for climate reparations, as CSOs push for fresh SDR allocation to ease multiple crises
Non-debt forms of financing essential, as many countries on front line of climate change face ‘polycrisis’ that threatens macroeconomic stability.
World Bank issues new guidance on PPPs legal frameworks, ignoring long-standing concerns with the model
New World Bank guidance on PPP legal frameworks evidence of institution’s continued reliance on PPPs as key to addressing SDG financing gap despite well-documented failures. Previous World Bank PPP contracts template criticised for incompatibility with human rights norms.
World Bank’s accountability mechanisms – still a long way to go
57 CSOs highlight need for operational changes in the World Bank’s new accountability scheme to ensure its effectiveness.
Nigerians set for higher bills as Bank pushes for removal of ‘inefficient’ energy subsidies
Nigerians set for higher energy bills amidst deep economic crisis as Bank pushes for removal of ‘inefficient’ energy subsidies.
‘Uber Files’ and ‘Back off BlackRock’ campaign expose ‘pink washing’ as the heart of corporate women’s economic empowerment agenda
Uber Leaks and cancelled BlackRock and UN Women partnership highlight contradiction of corporate ‘pink washing’ interests with IFI gender commitments.
New deal allows for ICSID claims on fossil fuel investments until 2033
Loophole in renegotiated Energy Charter Treaty could see companies sue countries for losses related to fossil fuel projects until 2033.
Will IMF Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States escape traditional focus on austerity?
The IMF’s new Fragile and Conflict-Affected States strategy has incorporated many civil society concerns, but civil society and international actors like the UN must also have input into its implementation.
World Bank appoints Indermit Gill as new chief economist
Gill replaces Carmen Reinhart as she returns to Harvard after a two-year public service leave from the institution.
