Bretton Woods Observer
Democratic deficit: The IMF, Ecuador, and central bank independence
IMF’s continued push for central bank independence criticised as undemocratic, unequal and for curtailing countries’ capacity to respond to the pandemic.
The IMF’s Comprehensive Surveillance Review: A bungled attempt at meeting the moment
Review maintains inadequate and inconsistent approach to economic and gender inequality, as well as climate change.
Economic stability with social instability: The IMF and austerity protests in Colombia
Mario Valencia of Latindadd explains the context of ongoing protests in Colombia following proposed tax increases from the IMF.
World Bank must place economic transformation at heart of IDA20 replenishment
IDA20 must take urgent action to ensure tangible support for economic transformation and decent jobs, and the establishment of a…
Latest IMF gender research: Making the economy work for women, or women work for the economy?
IMF gender research direction shifts away from macroeconomic drivers of gender inequality.
World Bank’s new Climate Change Action Plan fails to deliver much-needed transformative agenda
Plan lacks detail in key areas, including concrete commitments to end fossil fuels support.
Former UN Independent Expert calls for end to IMF surcharges
Open letter calls for an end to IMF surcharges that penalise middle-income countries, limit their capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and meet their human rights obligations.
IFC faces critical questions over investments in gig economy
IFC’s investments in gig economy platform companies come under scrutiny
World Bank’s oil revenue outlook for Guyana at odds with climate action
Bank’s lofty projections for oil-based growth contradict more sober estimates that account for uncertainty in sector.
Malpass makes World Bank a pariah with opposition to TRIPS waiver
World Bank President comes out against temporarily waiving intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccines
Civil society calls for IFC and MIGA to build upon CAO reform
Civil society urges IFC and MIGA to act to maximise the benefits of CAO reforms
World Bank gender-based violence mechanism raises “serious concerns”
World Bank procurement mechanism faces questions over community engagement
Dutch government sued at World Bank tribunal for fossil fuel phase out plan
ICSID suit against Dutch government’s fossil phase out highlights threat to climate action posed by investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanisms
IMF faces wave of calls to suspend loan disbursements in Africa
Activists call for suspension of IMF disbursements, raising alarm about lack of accountability for several African loans.
