Bretton Woods Observer
World Bank rolls out the carpet for “troubled megaprojects” and PPPs
The World Bank and other multilateral development banks continue to push for public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects, despite concerns of debt risks and lack of transparency.
Powerless: a call for World Bank community engagement in Nepal
Following a longstanding conflict over a World Bank-funded power line in Nepal, communities call for a fair dispute resolution process…
PPPs as a model for development: An analysis of the African context
Public-private partnerships are pushed in Africa, but the risks and costs must be fully understood and minimised, including the impact…
China goes global with development banks
This briefing examines the trajectory of China’s evolving leadership in international development finance, including the impact of it’s massive increase…
What is left of the rise of the South?
While the recent reforms to the IMF and World Bank governance reforms and the establishment of new Southern-led IFIs are symbolically important, they are thus far not a rupture with the Western-dominated international financial architecture.
IFC investments through financial intermediaries linked to human rights abuses in Honduras, again
A new complaint was lodged with the CAO regarding an IFC financial intermediary investment in Honduras, while another financial intermediary case, previously linked to the IFC, escalate into violence.
The World Bank’s updated international poverty line, a case of poor measurement?
World Bank updates the International Poverty Line and claims a continued decrease in numbers of poor, but long-standing questions about the methodology used and whether the instrument is fit for purpose persist.
IMF reopening case for capital controls?
An IMF policy paper on the international monetary system considers its future policy on capital controls and proposes a review of the IMF’s institutional view on the liberalisation and management of capital flows.
Gender equality at the IFIs: progress or PR?
The World Bank and the IMF have increased their rhetoric on gender equality, but concerns remain about Fund and Bank impacts on gender equality in practice.
UN independent expert: “IMF programmes worsen income distribution”
A report by the UN independent expert on foreign debt, exploring inequality, financial crises and human rights, claims that IMF programmes are associated with a worsening of income distribution.
IFC claims “absolute immunity” to avoid justice. But will it hold up in court?
This briefing provides an overview of the immunity of international organisations in US law, looking at a lawsuit brought against the IFC regarding the Tata Mundra coal power plant in India.
Spring meetings coverage
The World Bank and the IMF will be meeting in Washington DC for the spring meetings 15-17 April 2016.
Investigation on World Bank support for Mongolia mining project deferred
The Inspection Panel has deferred a decision to investigate a complaint regarding environmental, social and economic damage related to a World Bank funded mining project in Mongolia.
World Bank and IMF prepare Tunisia loan programmes
As the IMF initiates negotiations with Tunisia, concerns have been expressed that renewed reforms will not be inclusive or target deep-seated economic and social issues.
World Bank’s proposed standards “gravely weaken” investment safeguards
As the World Bank closed the third and final round of public consultations on its new draft social and environmental standards, further concerns have been raised about problematic and weak language.
Taxes rise in Ghana as IMF loan approved
The IMF has approved the third disbursement of a loan agreement to Ghana, however, concerns were raised regarding associated tax rises.
