Bretton Woods Observer
Here we go again: Surprise IMF leadership change litmus test for its legitimacy
Lagarde resignation kicks-off another leadership race overshadowed by gentleman’s agreement.
The Bretton Woods Institutions and the second crisis of multilateralism
At 75, the World Bank and IMF face a crisis of multilateralism in no small part of their own making…
IMF framework on social spending out of step with international standards
Fund publishes social spending strategy, civil society deems outcome too little too late.
Structural adjustment is dead, long live structural adjustment
As Fund publishes its first comprehensive review of conditionality since the financial crisis, questions arise about the Fund’s capacity to…
Confronted with climate emergency, IMF belatedly attempts to “get real”
Fund turns its attention to carbon pricing to support Paris Agreement alignment, as climate vulnerable countries see rising cost of climate impacts.
Landmark report finds attacks on human rights defenders in name of ‘development’ on the rise
World Bank and IFC identified as key funders of projects that endanger human rights defenders.
World Bank’s women entrepreneur initiatives just “smoke and mirrors”
As We-Fi launches regional West Africa summit, feminists criticise narrow focus of women entrepreneur initiatives, while funding for women’s rights is in decline.
Quota reform impasse likely as IMF faces legitimacy crisis
Latest Review of Quotas expected to be quashed, as US signals it will block reform.
IFC’s Green Equity Strategy faces set-back at Board
As climate crisis deepens, IFC’s Green Equity Strategy faces delay from World Bank’s Board, with CSO activists calling Board’s foot-dragging a ‘scandal’.
Human Rights Council resolution challenges World Bank approach to education
Abidjan Principles recognition by UN HRC states confronts World Bank privatization push in education.
New IMF surveillance tool launched
Bretton Woods Project publishes new online tool to search IMF Article IV reports.
IMF and World Bank complicit in “climate debt trap” following Mozambique cyclones
International community fails to deliver on ‘Loss & Damage’ while poorest countries become further indebted.
IFC capital increase not a priority for US Congress
US Congress yet to approve World Bank’s proposed capital increase agreed in 2018.
Civil society left unconvinced as World Bank promotes PPPs as tool for gender equality
The World Bank launches a new primer on PPPs and gender equality as civil society and women’s rights groups highlight concerns around risks and harmful impacts to gender equality and sustainable development.
Climate Investment Funds quietly postpone decision on how to implement ‘sunset clause’
CIFs indefinitely postpone decision on when they will close, prompting concerns CIFs recapitalisation drive will rival GCF replenishment.
IFC announces changes to environmental and social framework after loss of immunity in the US
IFC announces changes to environment and social safeguards after historic United States Supreme Court ruling.
