Bretton Woods Observer
Democratic deficit in World Bank presidential appointment: Where is the evolution?
The World Bank Group needs to address its democratic deficit and lack of accountability. As it prepares to elect a new president and implement its “evolution roadmap”, it should use these key opportunities to embrace a profound reform.
The IMF at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The need for governance reform
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is time the IMF’s shareholders…
The global financial architecture and the international debt crisis: An urgent call for reform
Influence of unreformed international financial institutions and creditor interests in debt solutions in low- and middle-income countries plagued by delay…
Against regressive taxes and austerity: IMF and World Bank must pivot tax policies to support a just and green transition
This year, 85 per cent of the world’s population lives under austerity measures, while multinational enterprises and the wealthy have…
Civil society calls on World Bank and IMF to safeguard civic space and prevent retaliation around Marrakesh Annual Meetings
To prevent repression and retaliation at their Annual Meetings in Marrakesh, World Bank and IMF must work proactively with MENA civil society and Moroccan authorities on safeguarding civic space and upholding free speech.
Lagging behind: World Bank and IMF rank poorly against other IFIs as their approach to macro is still gender-blind despite reform promises
Newly released ranking report on IFI gender and climate policies reflects mounting frustration with the gender-blindness of Bank and Fund, especially the Bank’s promised reform.
Resilience and Sustainability Trust’s first loans promote climate PPPs, raising concerns they may create fiscal risks
Initial financing for Costa Rica, Barbados, Rwanda, Bangladesh and Jamaica tied to efforts to ‘green’ PPP frameworks.
World Bank’s financial inclusion agenda blind to growing gendered over-indebtedness
The World Bank’s financial inclusion agenda in time of cost-of-living crisis, austerity and financialisation promotes indebtedness of the poor, especially women.
Between a rock and a hard place: How can IMF provide support amidst debt restructure deadlock?
IMF’s lending into arrears policy can be a way to break out of the debt restructure deadlock and provide the much-needed financing for countries in debt distress.
IMF continues to disregard UN Human Rights Commission concerns about its surcharge policy
IMF managing director continues to refuse to answer letter from UN Human Rights Council concerning the negative impact of IMF surcharges as world celebrates 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Civil society calls to move away from PPPs grow, while World Bank doubles down on private finance-led approach
Civil society ramps up calls to move away from public-private partnerships (PPPs) with Santiago Declaration for Public Services.
MIGA’s support for gas projects raises concerns about its climate credentials
World Bank’s commercial insurance arm provided nearly $850 million in guarantees for gas projects in Bangladesh and Mozambique in fiscal year 2022.
A different ‘evolution roadmap’: Havana conference calls for changes in world order hierarchy
As IMF and World Bank tinker at margins, 50 policymakers, diplomats and academics from over 26 countries issue Havana Declaration calling for an assertion of Southern power and the building of a new “planetary bloc”.
World Bank announces management staff changes, including key players in the ‘evolution roadmap’ process
Anna Bjerde appointed as Bank’s managing director of operations as Axel van Trotsenburg replaces Mari Pangetsu as managing director of development policy and partnerships.
Corporations are expanding control over Ukraine’s land with help from the IMF and the World Bank
New report from the Oakland Institute exposes the stealth take-over of Ukrainian agricultural land known as the “breadbasket of Europe”.
