Bretton Woods Observer
IFC 3.0: superficial upgrades, same problems?
As the IFC sets out a new strategy, CAO and CSO reports have raised further criticism over its investment in financial intermediaries, and a new law suit challenges its immunity.
IMF and debt restructuring: just talk?
An IMF staff blog has acknowledged weaknesses in IMF’s approach to debt sustainability, meanwhile civil society continues to demand human…
World Bank-IMF spring meetings 2017
Bretton Woods Project coverage of the 2017 spring meetings in Washington DC with analysis of the communiqués and notes from…
How will the World Bank reform after its disastrous Uganda transport project?
The World Bank closed a Uganda road project after serious problems were revealed, however, civil society remain concerned that the…
IFC investments in basic education: marginalising the poorest
As the IFC increases investments in for-profit, commercial education, CSO RESULTS finds this marginalises the poor and calls on the IFC to enhance free public education instead.
The IMF returns to Zambia: How will gender and income inequality be addressed?
The government of Zambia has approached the IMF for financial assistance, however, Zambian civil society is concerned that the required reforms will worsen gender and income inequality.
World Bank undermines right to universal healthcare
The IFC’s push for the PPP model, as well as its preference for healthcare ‘provision’ and the results-based payment approach, collectively undermine the human right to universal healthcare and the achievement of the SDGs.
World Bank policy lending undermines climate goals
A CSO report has found that the World Bank’s development policy lending is supporting incentives for fossil fuels in Egypt, Indonesia, Mozambique and Peru.
IMF and World Bank labour policies criticised by UN expert
The UN expert on foreign debt has published a report critical of IMF and World Bank policies related to labour rights, claiming that the evidence does not support their pproach.
Concerns over World Bank’s WDR on education
CSOs raise concerns about content and consultation process of World Bank World Development Report 2018 on education.
CSOs refuse to participate in World Bank PPP consultation
CSOs have refused to participate in a World Bank PPP consultation until transparency and accountability concerns are addressed.
IMF lending freeze “pushing Tunisia to the brink”
IMF freezes second payment of $2.8 billion loan to Tunisia, demanding accelerated reform programme despite concerns this will push Tunisia “to the brink”.
Who pays for the Fund and the Bank?
This Inside the Institutions looks at the funds available to the IMF and the World Bank, including the origins of IBRD and IFC resources and an overview of the most recent changes in the IMF and IDA’s funding streams and mechanisms.
Indonesian CSOs demand World Bank stop funding infrastructure funds
Indonesian organisations have demanded that the World Bank stops funding harmful infrastructure funds, highlighting impacts on the environment and indigenous communities.
WDR on governance: paradigm shift or cosmetic procedure?
World Bank’s 2017 World Development Report on governance introduced the importance of politics, but its impact has been questioned.
New IMF Mongolia deal: extracting sovereignty
IMF reaches new loan agreement with Mongolia, amidst civil society concerns about impacts on Mongolian people.
World Bank-funded Kenya company targets complainants
Community representatives involved in a World Bank Inspection Panel complaint have been targeted with a court injunction by a Bank-funded company.
Peru CSOs demand World Bank accountability
Peruvian CSOs have raised concerns about the development of Peru’s Country Partnership Framework in an open letter to the World Bank.
