Bretton Woods
Update 41
Haitian jobs hang in the balance in IFC-funded plant
The International Finance Corporation, the Bank’s private-sector arm, has brought in labour mediators in an attempt to resolve a dispute that threatens to leave hundreds of employees at an IFC-funded plant in Haiti without work.
Georgia puts BP pipeline project on hold
The Georgian government has put a two week halt on BP’s controversial Caspian oil pipeline project citing a breach of the environmental permit and other security concerns
Guatemalan gold project gets financing
Campaigners worry that community rights will be disregarded by a Guatemalan gold mine backed by the IFC.
African directors capacity fund underway
The Analytical Trust Fund for sub-Saharan executive directors at the Bank and Fund will hold its inaugural steering committee meeting in September.
Annual meetings update: NGO press pass cancelled
A decision has been taken to discontinue the NGO press pass for the meetings, marking a serious step backwards in relations with civil society.
The World Bank’s project cycle explained
The World Bank’s public-lending institutions (IDA and IBRD) lend about US$ 15-20 billion annually to 100 countries to Projects ranging from infrastructure, education, health and government financial management.
Conditionality: two steps forward, two steps back
The World Bank’s forum on conditionality was held at the World Bank Conference Centre in Paris in early July. The majority of participants were representatives of bilateral and multilateral aid agencies and the Bank.
Debt sustainability debates; new proposals for cancellation
Preliminary analysis of the Debt Sustainability framework, early June by US based CNES, points out that if implemented this proposal will emphasise the rights of creditors over all other development challenges, the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) included
Bank review: ‘one-size fits all’ solutions persist
The World Bank’s Operation Evaluation Department released its 2003 Annual Review of Development Effectiveness, finding that the Bank’s efforts are hampered by “attempts to transplant policies and institutions without adequate analysis of the context”.
Infrastructure privatisation: “Oversold, misunderstood” … and heavily subsidised
While Bank critics welcome increased flexibility in infrastructure investment, there are fears that a planned expansion of the commercialised model may undermine poverty reduction efforts.
“Middle-income country”? Over half live in poverty
The recently announced four-year programme of the World Bank for Mexico overstates the involvement of civil society and fails to address the real causes of poverty.
Wolfensohn meets with Congolese groups
A videoconference was held in July to bring together Congolese organisations, international forest activists and Bank President James Wolfensohn to discuss a Bank-supported forest zoning plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bank response to oil, gas and mining review “completely inadequate”
The Bank management response to the recommendations of the Extractive Industries Review was released 18 June to widespread criticism.
Who will assess the assessments?
Civil society organizations remain concerned that impact assessments will not not deliver the desired outcomes.
Bank trade hymn out of tune once again
Pouring cold water on a progressive trade proposal from the EU, the Bank’s trade director has once again crossed the boundary from advocacy into ideology.
Bank and Fund evaluation vindicates PRSP critics
The World Bank’s Operations and Evaluation Department (OED) has just released the report of an evaluation they have conducted of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper approach.
Moving the goalposts: Zambia’s misery prolonged
Despite intensive efforts to implement the necessary conditions, Zambia has been told that it will have to wait even longer for debt relief.
Landmark decision: Canadian company debarred
Anti-corruption campaigners are applauding the World Bank’s decision to debar Acres International, a Canadian company found guilty by Lesotho courts of engaging in corrupt activities in a Bank-funded water project.
Lucy Baker joins BWP team
Lucy Baker will start with the Bretton Woods Project in September in the new role of policy and networking officer.
Bank constructs “governance states”
A new book by Graham Harrison at the University of Sheffield examines the role of the World Bank in constructing “governance states” in Africa.
Brazilian bill requires approval of IFI reps
The lower house of the Brazilian parliament is considering a bill which would require the appointment of posts in international organisations such as the Bank and Fund to receive confirmation by the senate.
Environment safeguards bypassed in Poland
A group of NGOs has called for a halt to Bank support for a highway modernisation project which threatens serious environmental impacts.
IFIwatchnet in your region … and in video!
IFIwatchnet has established regional animators and will soon add multimedia resources.
ICSID to hear Cargill case against Poland
US-based agricultural giant Cargill has filed a $130 million claim against Poland at the International…
Indigenous issues still unresolved
Indigenous leaders have said that a meeting with the World Bank legal team was inadequate.
Another water war?
Bank involvement in the dual privatisation-decentralisation of water provision in Peru runs ahead of the establishment of the capacity of local governments to regulate and could undermine fiscal stabililty.