http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.5.aspx The latest news on IFI Governance from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.5.aspx BIC is happy to announce the publication of our new Executive Director advocacy toolkit. Built around our ED advocacy workshop held during the 2010 Annual Meetings, this guide provides strategies for civil society actors to engage and build relationships with the World Bank's Executive Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx The dossier contains a summary of proposals submitted by a group of civil society organizations to the Inter-American Development Bank. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:33:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx In a new study, BIC's Vince McElhinny examines recent IEG findings that point to a significant accountability gap with regard to a lack of cost benefit analysis at the institution and what this implies in the context of the ongoing investment lending reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12161.aspx Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:21:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12161.aspx Pending Board approval, Zambia will represent a number of Anglophone African countries on the World Bank's Board of Directors, effective October 21, 2010. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to identify which countries will comprise the newly-formed third African seat on the Board. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Andrew Steer will begin his role as climate change envoy at the World Bank on July 1. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:20:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Press Release from civil society groups present at the IDB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Cancun, Mexico http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:53:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx Severe doubts have been raised by some of the IDB's own members regarding Luis Alberto Moreno's management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:35:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx Brazilian Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega: "we will propose at the meeting that the IDB elect a new administration that is more efficient and beneficial to the region". "Our joint evaluation is that his performance has been unsatisfactory". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx While Moreno prays for "white smoke" at the IDB Annual Meetings in Cancun, both critics within the Bank and civil society offer sharp criticism of the leader's performance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11810.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:27:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11810.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11739.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:00:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11739.aspx In December 2009, the U.S. Treasury released a guidance note intended to be adapted by individual MDBs and incorporated into their respective operational policies, country and sector strategies, and other procedures that are related to the public or private project cycle for coal-powered generation operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:25:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx The World Bank released the final adopted version of "Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy," effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor and looks forward to policy implementation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx A new report prepared by GAP shows that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the most important multilateral lender to Latin America, fails to promote racial equality adequately. The issue affects the identification, preparation, and implementation of IDB programs and projects in the region, as well as the Bank’s hiring, retention, and promotion practices. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11627.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:18:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11627.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:04:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx Guadalajara Civil Society Meetings in Guadalajara, Mexico open with increased demands for consultation process accountability, transparency guarantees. Good faith participation by CSOs rests on Bank decision to disclose and discuss a second draft of the proposed revisions to the Independent Consultation and Inspection Mechanism (ICIM). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:29:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx The represenatives of the Interamerican Development Bank (BID) and World Bank (WB) in Washington for Honduras rejected the suggestion that IFI funds assigned to Honduras had been "unfrozen." The pause in IFI funding announced on June 28 will be sustained. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11326.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:06:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11326.aspx As member countries assess the 9th replenishment proposal advanced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on July 2 in Santiago, Chile, eight civil society organizations submitted recommendations on leadership steps the IDB should take in several critical areas before qualifying for any capital increase. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx The bank, having already increased lending from $11.2bn in 2008 to as much as $18bn this year, is weighing both alternatives for further expanding lending in the short-term and an extensive capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11224.aspx Sat, 30 May 2009 13:49:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11224.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 10:57:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx The IDB looks to recapitalize their resources according to the recommendations in the report written by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Finance minister of Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx The World Bank's procedures for detecting fraud in its main program of assistance to poor countries were classified as a "structural weakness" in an internal report, increasing the bank's problems in dealing with issues of corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:04:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx On the one hand, Brazil made some improvements reducing the rate of deforestation. On the other hand, IIRSA prevents the country from achieving its national environmental goals while deforestation puts the survival of the entire planet at risk. Deforestation is the cause of 20% of the world's global warming - more than the effects of all automobiles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx As the World Bank launches a review of its policy on access to information, the Global Transparency Initiative will track the review process and provide analytical support to civil society groups concerned with transparency standards at the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx The reported scale of the Inter-American Development Bank's investment portfolio losses of $1.9 billion — 10 to 100 times higher than the losses of the other development banks http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11042.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:55:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11042.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:50:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx The President of the Directors of IIRSA and current Director of the Ministry of Planning of Colombia, Carolina Renteria, reported on Monday, November 10 the decision to reject a hearing on IIRSA requested by 20 civil society organizations from 8 countries. The CSOs submitted a proposal to create mechanisms to ensure the participation of civil society in the planning process of integration within the framework of IIRSA, in addition to other potential integration processes as well as for the implementation of Strategic Environmental Studies (SEA) for groups of IIRSA projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2008 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:30:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx The Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cleared Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn of abuse of power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3925.aspx Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:25:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3925.aspx Sign-on to the civil society letter, BY OCTOBER 28, supporting the fundamental and far-reaching transformation of the international financial and economic system. The letter supports the major international conference convened by the UN to review the international financial and monetary architecture, its institutions and its governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:34:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is investigating whether its Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn abused his power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3919.aspx Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:47:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3919.aspx In a deal brokered by the United Kingdom's development secretary, the selection of the next World Bank president will be open to candidates from any country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3912.aspx Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:33:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3912.aspx To broaden its use among civil society organizations in China, the Bank Information Center’s World Bank Toolkits for Activists is now available in Chinese. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:47:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx The International Finance Corporation (IFC) fails to provide adequate links to government payment disclosures by its extractive industry clients. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx For the first time, the Europeans have decided to stay out of the bidding for the chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3835.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:58:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3835.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3792.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3792.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3794.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3794.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the Kyrgyz Republic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3795.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3795.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3796.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3796.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Georgia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3797.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3797.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Russia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3798.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3798.aspx Read highlights from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) Annual Meeting, held last month in Kiev, Ukraine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3787.aspx Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:52:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3787.aspx Skyrocketing food prices have forced the international financial institutions (IFIs) to articulate responses to the situation. The World Bank has conjured a "New Deal for Global Food Policy" to pump agriculture-oriented loans and programs into Africa and to address emergency financing needs. The IMF has voiced concern over the likely macroeconomic shocks of the food crisis in low-income countries. But the Bretton Woods Institutions must wrestle with a legacy that helped set the stage for diminished food security in many low-income countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 10:31:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Less than a week after 591 employees at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opted to take a buyout package, the IMF’s chief economist announced his resignation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3761.aspx Wed, 07 May 2008 16:25:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3761.aspx As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to face escalating deficits and a crisis of credibility, almost a quarter of its 2,400 full-time staff in Washington, D.C. have voluntarily applied for resignations. At the same time, the Board of Governors of the IMF has approved the proposed quota and voice reforms with a 92% majority vote. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3747.aspx Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3747.aspx While the U.S. remains committed to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its mission of reducing poverty in Asia, objections to the Bank's lending policies and its function are causing concerns that U.S. funding commitments could be cut because of the dispute. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3741.aspx Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:01:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3741.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx A struggle over selecting the successor to the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has divided donor and recipient countries in a manner that is reminiscent of the recent debates over succession at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3705.aspx Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:28:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3705.aspx World Bank Group General Counsel Ana Palacio is resigning her position, effective April 15, further diminishing former World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz's legacy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:21:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx Panel's suggestions include merging of the African Development Fund (ADF) with the African Development Bank (ADB), and eliminating the performance-based allocation (PBA) system. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:37:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Iraq’s renewed Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) includes macroeconomic policy reforms that may restrict fiscal space for public spending, particularly on the public wage bill. It also continues the deep involvement of international financial institutions in Iraq’s oil sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3671.aspx Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3671.aspx World Bank hopes leading academic's appointment will help strengthen ties with China. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:50:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Addressing the African Union Summit on Thursday, January 31, 2008, World Bank President Zoellick committed to expanding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:11:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn attempts to fix the IMF’s fractured legitimacy and financial fiasco through an ambitious, opaque, and inaccessible "Interim Work Program." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3664.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3664.aspx Following the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the previous head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit and the embarrassing revelations of extensive fraud in several of its health projects in India, the World Bank announced on January 23, 2008 that it would implement all the recommendations of the Volcker Panel Review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Leading donors to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have demanded that the institution overhaul its staffing and oversight procedures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3655.aspx Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:57:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3655.aspx Ecuador's actions are part of a wider dissatisfaction among some Central and South American countries with international investment law and particularly its dispute settlement regime. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx Seven South American leaders launched the Bank of the South (Banco del Sur) on Sunday, touting it as the continent's alternative to U.S.-backed lenders. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3614.aspx Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:20:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3614.aspx In an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the new Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reveals plans for significant layoffs at the institution, by as many as 300-400 jobs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3607.aspx Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:11:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3607.aspx Eight countries are planning to inaugurate the Bank of the South in December 2007. The Bank of the South represents the cornerstone to a more wholesale renovation of the regional financial architecture long dependent on Northern banks. Read Vince McElhinny's new info brief on the Bank of the South and what it means for Latin America, and the continued relevance of the international financial institutions for the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3573.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:58:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3573.aspx A people's tribunal against the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank was announced in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday, hours before World Bank President, Robert Zoellick's arrival in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:34:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx On November 1, Jubilee South and other civil society organizations unveiled an open letter to the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela calling for a sovereign, supportive, sustainable and integrated Bank of the South. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3557.aspx Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3557.aspx Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former Finance Minister of France, takes over as the new Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on November 1. DSK, as he is generally known, inherits an institution experiencing crises of legitimacy, identity, and solvency, yet is unlikely to implement real changes at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3554.aspx Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:49:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3554.aspx As yet another top post at the International Monetary Fund goes to a European, critics question the institution's committment to increasing the voice and representation of developing country constituencies in the Fund. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3528.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:51:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3528.aspx World Bank President Robert Zoellick has named former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as a new managing director of the Bank, effective December 1, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:50:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Controversial both inside and outside the institution, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) strategy in low-income countries was debated at a recent panel that questioned whether or not the IMF should exit low-income countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.aspx Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:24:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:57:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx A review of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity and its Governance and Anti-corruption strategy finds that weak management, employee resistance and internal distrust is contributing to the Bank's ineffectiveness in combating corruption in its operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:45:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx The U.K. confirms its support of the EU nominee Dominique Strauss-Kahn for the leadership of the IMF; Luxembourg's prime minister assures a non-European leader in the future; and emerging countries such as India call out for real reform of governance in the IMF. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3483.aspx Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:22:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3483.aspx In a report released today, the Government Accountabilty Project finds that the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity is undermined by a conflict of interest at its top ranks and serious, long-term problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:10:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx Journalists confirmed that former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, personally intervened in removing the words "climate change" from Bank progress reports, and that it may be years before the World Bank considers greenhouse gas emissions in its projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), found that 41% of the IFC projects studied had low development ratings. IFC performed particularly poorly in Africa and Asia, where only half of its projects had positive development outcomes. In Africa, the quality of IFC work was particularly poor, rated as “high” in only 45% of projects, as compared to 68% in other regions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx While western European countries continue to assert naming rights to run the IMF, Russia makes a surprise nomination. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3469.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3469.aspx The Asian Development Bank has completed the consultation process on its draft Energy Strategy. Civil society organizations from throughout the region have called on the ADB to incorporate current international best practices in sector, and at minimum to adopt the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:54:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx The U.S. backing of Dominique Strauss-Kahn will likely confirm his nomination to head the IMF, continuing the "old boy's club" tradition. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3452.aspx Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:12:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3452.aspx The new World Bank President spoke of middle income countries, good governance and the need to diversify services at a town hall meeting earlier this month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Whatever else you might say of him, Luis Alberto Moreno does not waste time. Named fourth president of the Inter-American Development Bank in 2005, he announced IDB would remake its role in Latin America at his first annual meeting just one year later. Read Vince McElhinny's new policy brief on the realignment process, components and concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:52:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx European countries are rushing to protect their patronage rights to name the head of the IMF after Rodrigo Rato's surprise resignation announcment just two weeks ago. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3434.aspx Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:34:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3434.aspx Will the International Monetary Fund learn from the recent World Bank crisis, and reform the outdated process through which European countries basically appoint the Managing Director? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3430.aspx Sun, 08 Jul 2007 22:38:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3430.aspx The Executive Directors of the World Bank unanimously selected Robert B. Zoellick to succeed Mr. Wolfowitz, effective July 1, 2007, as the 11th President of the Bank for a five-year term. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:02:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx Despite all the public outcry about the flaws in the World Bank's governance and the need for an open, democratic, and merit-based process for the selection of the next World Bank President, NOT A SINGLE COUNTRY proposed an alternate candidate to the US's pick for the job, allowing the US to continue its grip on the leadership of the institution. The Board is expected to confirm the Bush administration's choice for the job - Robert Zoellick - by the end of June... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:02:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx The White House’s announcement that it will nominate former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick to be the next World Bank President, and the widespread assumption that the choice is a fait accompli, serve as a reminder that the lessons of the Wolfowitz scandal have yet to be learned. Read BIC's May 31 Press Release on the Zoellick nomination. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx Demands join a chorus of voices from civil society and beyond expressing concerns about the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx The Wolfowitz scandal should serve as a sobering wake-up call to the World Bank on the need for meaningful governance reforms. Its archaic 1940s convention of allowing the US to name the Bank’s leader undermines the institution’s legitimacy as well as the accountability of the Bank’s president. The Bank does not need to look very far for reform proposals - including its own 2001 proposals for an open, competitive selection process that were summarily ignored. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx The EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum will be held 20-21 May 2007 in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. One hot topic of conversation will be over the institution's profits. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 12:43:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx With all eyes on Wolfowitz, few are looking deeper at the true scandal about the World Bank – that the governance of the world’s leading development agency is shrouded in secrecy and fundamentally undemocratic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3294.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:50:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3294.aspx The chair of the World Bank Staff Association, Alison Cave, said that Paul Wolfowitz "must acknowledge that his conduct has compromised the integrity and effectiveness of the World Bank Group and has destroyed the staff's trust in his leadership. He must act honorably and resign." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3248.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:08:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3248.aspx Testimonies were presented by nominees Margrethe Lundsager, Eli Whitney Debevoise II and Curtis S. Chin to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and statements were followed by a question and answer period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3212.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:47:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3212.aspx The EIB is launching a public consultation as part of a review of its anti-fraud policy from February 12-April 18, 2007. If required, this process will be extended to include another 20 working-day consultation, taking into account stakeholder comments from the first round. Comments accepted until April 18, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3208.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:38:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3208.aspx The German company Lahmeyer, found guilty of bribery while involved in the World Bank's Lesotho Highlands Water Project, has been placed on a list of firms that are ineligible of working with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) following the EBRD's examination of World Bank reports. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3183.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:40:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3183.aspx The Department plays a critical role in rooting out fraud and corruption within the World Bank - a focus many claim is underplayed in the institution's development of its Governance and Anti-Corruption Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:26:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx Consultation period closed on January 26. Management to update the current draft in preparation for a March 20 Board of Directors meeting. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3146.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:57:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3146.aspx Referencing key board documents, investigative journalist Richar Behar exposes deep tensions between World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and the Bank's Board of Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3119.aspx Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:39:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3119.aspx Concerns include the draft's failure to adequately address the Bank's internal governance and the role of the private sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3118.aspx Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:43:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3118.aspx The Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, called for "modernization and reform" of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, at a keynote speech in India on January 17, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:09:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx The IDB has announced that it will hold its 48th Annual Meeting in Guatemala City, Guatemala between March 14-20. The official agenda is not yet known, but participants are speculating that the hot issues at the 2007 Annual Meeting will be announcements about the heralded IDB realignment, Camisea, and HIPC debt relief. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3097.aspx Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:44:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3097.aspx An overview of the "why" and "what" of the recently announced IDB reorganization and realignment. Analyzes the risks and opportunities based on the best information BIC has obtained through extensive interviews with IDB staff and leadership. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3096.aspx Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:17:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3096.aspx The World Bank’s anti-corruption strategy is trudging forward, in spite of continuing tensions over the content and tone of the framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3031.aspx Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:21:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3031.aspx Comments on the controversial strategy will be accepted for an unspecified amount of time. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3016.aspx Thu, 16 Nov 2006 23:51:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3016.aspx An article from Ethical Corporation on the Global Transparency Initiative's Charter for International Financial Institutions... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3003.aspx Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:02:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3003.aspx An article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today, featuring a quote by BIC's Executive Director, provides a comprehensive account of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's continued drive to chart Iraq's future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2995.aspx Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:00:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2995.aspx The World Bank's controversial Governance and Anti-Corruption Framework was the subject of intense debate prior to the Annual Meetings, raising important questions about the appropriate role for the Bank in fighting corruption, and the need for the institution to clean up its own act before dictating strategies to others. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2986.aspx Sat, 21 Oct 2006 19:23:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2986.aspx Details on the International People's Forum and the official meetings, a boycott timeline, and links to additional resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2966.aspx Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:39:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2966.aspx World Bank management presented its highly-anticipated governance and anti-corruption strategy to the Development Committee on September 18 at the Annual Meetings in Singapore. The strategy was met with some resistance by member governments, who demanded greater Board oversight of the framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2958.aspx Tue, 19 Sep 2006 04:36:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2958.aspx In a statement released on the last day of the IPF, the organizers celebrate the success of the event and renew demands for multilateral debt cancellation, transparency and participatory audits of IFI lending and policies, and an end to IFI involvement in privatization of public services and environmentally destructive projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 23:56:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx Read the second issue of BIC's new monthly newsletter: the IF-EYE! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2652.aspx Mon, 27 Feb 2006 13:27:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2652.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2347.aspx Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:04:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2347.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2180.aspx Fri, 24 Jun 2005 15:23:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2180.aspx A coalition of over 60 activist groups from more than 25 countries have signed onto a statement criticizing the World Bank’s Global Policy Forum. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2091.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2005 14:01:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2091.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2052.aspx Wed, 30 Mar 2005 13:54:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2052.aspx The IFI Democracy Coalition demands a transparent and accountable process, open to candidates from all countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1927.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:49:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1927.aspx According to FT article, IFC head Peter Woicke claims a secretive deal between the US and Europe to replace James Wolfensohn would damage the credibility of his successor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1885.aspx Thu, 03 Feb 2005 15:21:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1885.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1878.aspx Fri, 28 Jan 2005 12:41:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1878.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1866.aspx Thu, 13 Jan 2005 09:59:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1866.aspx This report distills some key themes and messages that emerged from a January 2004 meeting in Penang. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1638.aspx Mon, 23 Aug 2004 12:00:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1638.aspx World Bank influence on Indian development policy condemned http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1565.aspx Wed, 11 Aug 2004 14:28:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1565.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1449.aspx Sat, 24 Apr 2004 16:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1449.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2004 17:21:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx