Bretton Woods Observer
IMF in Greece: a “slush fund” for “its political masters”
As Greece agrees a loan extension which excludes an IMF contribution, commentators condemn the impact of IMF’s previous loan conditionalities on the Greek economy.
Impasse at the IMF
This briefing shows that multilateral governance is at risk if long-overdue IMF quota and board reforms are not ratified.
How will the Global Financing Facility deliver for sexual and reproductive health and rights?
The Global Financing Facility, hosted by the World Bank, aims to scale up support for sexual and reproductive health, however,…
World Bank pitches mining to drive energy investment in Africa
A World Bank report calling for closer collaboration between mining and energy companies in Africa is criticised for underplaying risks…
Will the World Bank get truly climate smart?
World Bank is criticised for focusing on climate-smart agriculture, including industrial approaches, instead of more sustainable agroecological approaches.
Eroding accountability? The World Bank’s lending mechanisms under review
The World Bank safeguards review leaves out key Bank lending mechanisms despite potential significant impacts, leading to questions around accountability.
Women’s work: IFIs focus on gender inequalities
New IMF report highlights the impact of legal barriers on women’s employment, as World Bank’s message on gender equality is undermined by the absence of a gender safeguard.
Palliative treatment? IFIs follow up on Ebola
The World Bank and IMF have announced new facilities to support countries hit by public health disasters.
The World Bank admits serious flaws in resettlement policy
World Bank president has expressed concerns about internal findings of the Bank’s breach of its resettlement safeguards, raising further doubt about it’s proposed draft safeguard framework.
World Bank support for mining expansion criticised
Criticism of World Bank-supported mining activities in Haiti, Honduras and Armenia reveal that the Bank is still associated with controversial extractives projects.
World Bank trust funds
World Bank trust funds are financing arrangements through which the Bank and other donors provide development finance. This Inside the Institutions looks at the three types of Bank trust funds, including applicability of the Bank’s safeguards.
The IMF’s newest bailout in Ghana
The IMF and Ghana have reached a long-anticipated loan agreement.
US abstains from IFC investment in Mozambique paper plantation
US has abstained from voting on an IFC investment in a forestry project in Mozambique, raising concerns about environmental and social impacts.
World Bank rejects investigation into Uzbek child and forced labour
The World Bank’s Inspection Panel has declined a request to investigate the use of forced and child labour in Uzbekistan.
IMF in Ukraine: $5bn for $15bn haircut?
The IMF has approved a $17.5 billion loan arrangement for Ukraine, however, it has been criticised for relying on debt forgiveness by its creditors.
Bank implicated in Kenya Maasai eviction
The World Bank’s Inspection Panel has found the Bank breached its own standards through its involvement in a Kenyan electricity project which has displaced Maasai communities.
