Bretton Woods Observer
Development to the rescue of finance – the Bank’s ‘cascade’ approach
World Bank unveils cascade concept that privileges private over public finance. De-risking in order to attract private sector investments threatens to shift risks to public sector and result in third wave of privatisation.
Protecting the victories of the ‘IMF Spring’
The IMF’s recognition of the importance of inequality is under threat. Concerns have been raised about complacency and even the…
The truth behind IMF’s claims to promote social protection in low-income countries
Newly published self-congratulatory IMF policy paper on impacts of loan programmes on social protection is self-referential and ignores available evidence.
Landmark community dialogue in Nepal: Is the World Bank learning?
Following longstanding conflict over a World Bank-funded power line project in Nepal, dating back to 2009, communities express hope that…
IFC investments implicated in land grabs in Africa
IFC investments through financial intermediary investments linked to land grabs and displacement in Africa. CSOs critique proposed changes to IFC lending policies.
Deepening World Bank and AIIB cooperation: Locking in a failed development model?
Co-financing arrangements and increased World Bank-AIIB cooperation on mega-infrastructure projects represent a dangerous global trend that threatens human rights and locks in a failed development model.
IMF Ukraine programme’s impact on women’s rights criticised at Human Rights Council
WILPF submitted a statement to Human Rights Council criticising the IMF’s Ukraine programme. The statement argued that the programme’s harsh conditionalities hurt women in particular and called for a human rights based approach to macroeconomic policy making.
Sub-Saharan Africa IMFC statement warns against protectionist trends
Sub-Saharan Africa IMFC statement warns against protectionist trends in developed world, and the impacts of capital outflows. The statement calls for tighter financial sector regulation and for third chair for sub-Saharan Africa on the IMF Board.
IMF conditions weaken labour rights, World Bank labour policy inconsistent
March IMF policy paper advocates liberalisation and lowering of labour market protections although makes case for stimulus when there is ‘available fiscal space’. World Bank displays inconsistent labour policy implementation. IMF U-turn on advice regarding Germany’s introduction of minimum wage.
World Bank appoints Georgieva as CEO of IBRD and IDA
In October, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim announced the appointment of Kristalina Georgieva as chief executive officer of IBRD and IDA.
IPN calls for improved supervision of environmental assessments
IPN launched third Emerging Lessons Series report on the environmental assessment of World Bank projects at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.
CAO opens case in Chile on World Bank project Alto Maipo
In March CAO found a complaint on behalf of communities affected by IFC’s investment in the Alto Maipo hydroelectric project in Chile eligible for further assessment.
Civil society calls for greater independence of Inspection Panel
In April, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) wrote a letter to the World Bank executive directors calling for the inclusion of independent external stakeholders on the selection committee of the Inspection Panel.
Suriname walks away from IMF conditionalities
The government of Suriname has cancelled its loan programme with the IMF, claiming its conditionalities were too much to bear for its citizens.
CSO letter raises concerns about World Bank security personnel safeguards
CSO ICAR submitted a letter to the World Bank about safeguarding provisions on the use of public and private security personnel. Concerns were raised about the inappropriate use of force and high-risk situations.
IEO request for input in future evaluations
The IMF’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) is requesting input on topics for its future evaluations.
World Bank’s Doing Business report
This Inside the Institutions looks at the Doing Business report and retraces key steps in its history and development, explains how ratings are calculated and outlines some of the main criticisms regarding its methodology and ideological background.
