Bretton Woods Observer
World Bank’s vision of work leaves it isolated from the international community
World Bank’s vision of the changing nature of work clashes with the feminist community, civil society, trade unions and international organisations.
World Bank’s investment in Seven Energy in Nigeria once again calls Bank’s due diligence into question
World Bank’s due diligence processes highly suspect as it invests a quarter of a billion dollars in Nigerian Seven Energy,…
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings marred by clampdown on People’s Global Conference
Clampdown on civil society leaves stain on this year’s Annual Meetings, as global civic space is increasingly under threat
Bretton Woods Institutions’ instrumental gender approach ignores structural elephant in the room
IMF and World Bank continue to undermine gender equality through bulk of macroeconomic policy advice.
Civil society apprehensive as World Bank launches new Environmental and Social Framework
Despite years of preparation, civil society organisations remain unconvinced that reform of Bank’s safeguards has been for the better
The IMF in Argentina: Can an old dog learn new tricks?
As IMF increases Argentina loan, its policies continue to ignore root causes of crisis with predictable impacts for Argentinians
Doing Business 2019: World Bank’s tunnel vision obscures calls for reform
The Doing Business Report 2019 criticised by civil society over its promotion of deregulation and low business tax.
IMF and World Bank’s support for privatisation condemned by UN expert
A new UN report shines light on how IMF and World Bank support for privatisation contributes to the elimination of human rights
As climate crisis bites, World Bank further distances itself from coal
International Finance Corporation announced new ‘green equity’ policy to encourage financial intermediaries to divest from coal, while Bank pulled plug on mooted Kosovo coal project.
Bank and Fun(d) speak of the year: 12 days of Christmas – an ode to the World Bank & IMF’s 2018
At the end of every year, the Bretton Woods Project highlights some of the most farcical remarks of Fund and World Bank staff. This time, it’s set to music.
Inspection Panel and Compliance Ombudsman Advisor reviews: Will World Bank fill the half-empty glass?
Civil society press for review of Inspection Panel and Compliance Advisor Ombudsman to result in reserve funds, community-led monitoring systems and greater power for accountability mechanisms.
Civil society calls for more protection of human rights defenders in development as IFC publishes position
Defenders in Development Campaign welcomes IFC’s position on retaliation against human rights defenders in development but call for more specific actions
IFC launches consultation on draft Operating Principles for Impact Management
As IFC launches consultation on draft Principles, its declining development outcome performance as ‘first impact investor’ provides useful point of departure.
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on challenge to IFC’s absolute immunity
Plaintiffs make case for ending IFC’s ‘absolute immunity’
IMF quota reforms: The fight for democratic governance continues
Uneven votes shares and global power imbalances shape the IMF voting shares, as it prepares to shake up its voting quotas
World Bank dispute arbitration mechanism publishes proposed rule changes
The World Bank-funded International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has published its proposed changes to its rules for resolving disputes between states and foreign investors, with ongoing consultation.
IMF appoints Gita Gopinath as its first female chief economist
IMF’s new chief economist views on exchange rates considered unorthodox
Workers unite after IFC fails to comply with its labour standard
Malaysian workers certify union of choice despite efforts of IFC-backed company.
