Infrastructure

Rights

News

Bank directors bound by rights obligations

A report by a coalition of German NGOs finds that Germany extra-territorial obligations extend to its role in multilateral development banks.

31 January 2007

Environment

News

Global energy solutions bank on carbon trading

In the midst of climate talks in Nairobi and the release of the Stern review on the potential catastrophic economic impacts of climate change, the World Bank has been touting the most recent draft of its investment framework on clean energy and development, and stepping up its role in devising market-based solutions to climate change. Critics have decried the hypocrisy of the Bank's role in funding fossil fuel projects, and the perverse rationale behind carbon trading

23 November 2006

Infrastructure

News

High-risk water infrastructure at any cost

After a decline in the late 90s, World Bank lending for water projects has been rapidly increasing over recent years, reaching $1.8 billion in FY05, and is set to continue.

23 November 2006

Accountability

News

German firm debarred over Lesotho fraud

In November, the Bank debarred German engineering firm Lahmeyer International over bribery convictions in the Lesotho Highlands Water project.

23 November 2006

Infrastructure

Background

Highlights of UK NGO meeting with Paul Wolfowitz

Highlights from a UK NGO meeting held with Paul Wolfowitz, head of the World Bank, in London on 13 November 2006. Issues covered include: the Bank's anti-corruption framework; financing 'fragile' states; conditionality; debt; and the extractive industry, energy infrastructure and climate change

15 November 2006 | Minutes

Environment

News

World Bank energy policy under scrutiny

A new report published by a coalition of international environment and development non-governmental organisations concludes that the World Bank's promise to seriously support alternative energy sources remains unfulfilled.

17 September 2006

Environment

News

Bank environmental commitment under fire

Details of the World Bank's current sustainability disasters in light of the dismantling of ESSD

11 September 2006

Accountability

Commentary

Time to listen to Lesotho! - The World Bank and its new anti-corruption agenda

Comment piece by Hennie Van Vuuren on corruption and bribery in the Bank-supported Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme

11 September 2006 | Guest comment

Environment

News

Sustainability dismantled

World Bank president Wolfowitz announces his move to disband the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (ESSD) network within the Bank. It will be merged with the Bank's infrastructure department and report to the current head of the infrastructure department, Kathy Sierra.

28 June 2006

Environment

News

Barrage of criticism over IFC safeguards review

A number of new reports have come out in criticism of the IFC's recent revision of its lending standards.

19 June 2006