Bretton Woods Observer
The IMF gender strategy: Will it lead to real change for women’s rights?
While the strategy’s first concept note outlines an ambitious vision to mainstream gender across the Fund’s core operations, civil society emphasises that a deeper analysis of on the effects of Fund-endorsed policies on women’s rights is still missing.
IMF programme in Pakistan undermines renewable energy roll-out
Loan programme in Pakistan undermines country’s plans for low-carbon transition, as tax breaks on renewables and EVs slashed from IMF-mandated…
New IMF Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) – how to make it work for the Global South
RST must support low- and vulnerable middle-income countries to recover from the pandemic and tackle economic and climate-related structural challenges.
How IMF and World Bank support for financialisation undermines human rights
IMF and World Bank policies and programmes work in tandem to expand and deepen financialisation, exacerbating the inequality crisis and…
World Bank announces support for CCUS in Nigeria despite criticisms it reinforces fossil fuel dependence
World Bank trust fund ESMAP will provide support for domestic market, while IFC will support private sector investment in CCUS.
World Bank’s re-labelled Business Enabling Environment Project does little to address substantial flaws of Doing Business Report
Civil society calls for urgent evaluation of Doing Business impacts as the World Bank announces a rebranded Business Enabling Environment Project, failing to address underlying issues.
IMF capital control review: A missed opportunity to support a just recovery and stability
IMF review of institutional view on capital controls disappoints as it largely maintains the policy framework of its predecessor
Argentine civil society denounces new IMF agreement as illegitimate
Civil society rejects new Agreement arguing IMF loan will be used to pay odious debt and result in reforms damaging to human rights.
Ineffective G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative ends as world faces worst debt crisis in decades
As countries resume debt payment obligations amid unequal pandemic recovery CSOs call for debt cancellation and a multilateral debt workout mechanism.
Staff changes in key positions at the IMF reflect adherence to out-dated gentleman’s agreement
IMF announces leadership changes as Gita Gopinath promoted to First Deputy Managing Director, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas named Chief Economist, and Nadia Calviño heads IMFC.
Calls for Ukraine debt relief grow as IMF and World Bank provide fresh loans amidst crisis
The country – reeling from the Russia invasion – owes a total of $22 billion to the IMF, World Bank and other international financial institutions.
Report implicates IFC investments in human rights abuses of Uyghur and other minorities in China
New CSO research alleges that IFC investments have contributed to forced displacement and labour, detention, and other human rights violations of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, China.
Civil society campaign urges IMF to stop using punitive surcharges
Over 250 civil society experts urge the IMF to eliminate its punitive surcharges on countries in debt distress as they undermine an equitable economic recovery and exacerbate the global debt crisis.
Civil society hails IFC’s divestment from for-profit education provider Bridge International Academies
The divestment follows a 2020 freeze in new IFC direct and indirect investments in for-profit education providers.
