US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicates US will stay in the Bank and Fund, claiming “America First does not mean America alone,” as tariffs and rising debt vulnerabilities prompt gloomy forecast.
Finance
IFI governance
Background
IFC Sustainability Framework Review: a pivotal opportunity to protect human rights and the environment
Notes from the 24 April Civil Society Policy Forum session, titled IFC Sustainability Framework Review: a pivotal opportunity to protect human rights and the environment.
IFI governance
Background
Hidden debt: Tackling grand corruption in debt management to safeguard financing for development
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum on 23 April 2025 titled 'Hidden debt: tackling grand corruption in debt management to safeguard financing for development'.
IFI governance
Background
Catalyzing climate finance in fragile contexts - What’s being done and what still needs doing?
Notes from the 23 April Civil Society Policy Forum session titled “Catalyzing climate finance in fragile contexts - What’s being done and what still needs doing?”
IFI governance
Background
Decoding IMF accounting, unlocking the full potential of SDRs
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 23 April 2025, titled "Decoding IMF Accounting, unlocking the full potential of SDRs".
Finance
Analysis
Civil society calls for FfD4 to revive 'spirit of Monterrey' and reassert UN's role in global economic governance
The role of Bretton Woods Institutions remains a key point of contention, amidst their stark governance deficits.
Finance
Analysis
Breaking free from the aid trap: time for Africa to halt international financial institutions' austerity policies
The ‘aid trap’ continues in light of significant ODA cuts amidst political change in donor countries, as the BWIs continue to facilitate the financialisation of essential services like healthcare.
IFI governance
News
New Independent Evaluation Office findings expose political pressures and over-optimism in IMF’s Exceptional Access Policy
Evaluation finds Exceptional Access Policy has been applied inconsistently, influenced by political pressures, and used as a substitute for debt restructuring while failing to attract private capital.
Finance
News
Private lenders’ resistance to Ethiopia's debt relief highlights urgent need for debt architecture reform
Ethiopia becomes the latest victim of the dysfunctional Common Framework, as private lenders continue to hold out on its debt restructuring with significant human rights, social and economic consequences.
Accountability
News
IFC ends investment in waste-to-energy incineration projects in Gujarat, India, following civil society campaign
While IFC’s withdrawal is welcome, civil society urges the Bank to stop funding WTE projects and move towards zero-waste solutions instead.
