http://www.bicusa.org/en/WhatsNew.aspx The latest content posted to the Bank Information Center website 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/WhatsNew.aspx A new report released by an independent researcher from the Burmese community says that many victims of Cyclone Nargis are still not getting adequate relief material from international aid groups, including the United Nations agencies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx On July 11th a bus carrying activists from different social movements collided with a truck transporting gas. The explosion of both vehicles caused the death of fourteen people, four of them activists of the Movement for Dam-Affected People (MAB). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.aspx Civil society access to information is often impeded by the Asian Development Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3854.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:34:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3854.aspx Over 50 civil society experts on International Financial Institution (IFI) issues and former IFI staff gathered in Ecuador in late June with the hope of playing a fundamental role in the configuration of the Bank of the South. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3853.aspx Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3853.aspx The World Bank Caucus aims to foster dialogue between the World Bank and members of the U.S. Congress on development, poverty and trade issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:26:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Europe’s pursuit of new energy routes has helped secure Central Asia’s eligibility for funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), leading to concerns about further extractive industry financing in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3851.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3851.aspx On July 8-9, 2008, Indonesian NGOs held a two day workshop in Bandung, West Java on the ADB’s pipeline Integrated Citarum Water Resource Management (ICWRM) Project. The occasion marked the launch of the Peoples Alliance for Citarum (Aliansi Rakyat untuk Citarum-ARUM). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3850.aspx Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3850.aspx On July 9-10, 2008, the International Monetarty Funds’s (IMF) Working Group on Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) held a two-day meeting in Singapore to address concerns around SWFs and consider possible guidelines. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3849.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3849.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx البنك الدولي يشتري 325,480 طن من تخفيضات لإنبعاثات غاز الإحتباس الحراري من شركة مصرية تعمل في مجال معالجة النفايات الصلبة وذلك نيابة عن الحكومات والشركات المنتمية لمنظمة دول التنمية والتعاون الإقتصادي (OECD) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3847.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:11:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3847.aspx On June 16, 2008, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) agreed to loan up to $3.7 billion for the controversial oil and gas project in Russia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3846.aspx Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3846.aspx Audio from the panel discussion on the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Safeguard Policy Update at the ADB's 2008 Annual Meeting is now available online. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3845.aspx Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:07:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3845.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:42:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx The World Bank has agreed to additional financing for electricity and water projects in the West Bank and Gaza. But the reach of the assistance to the most needy, and the effects on curbing high utility bills are still questionable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx The World Bank will buy 325,480 tons of carbon credits from Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Utilization (ECARU) on behalf of governments and companies in Organisation for Econmic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:02:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Una carta enviada al Presidente Moreno explica una serie de argumentos que sugieren mayor control de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil en un cambio que supondría un cambio drástico en la forma de diseñar las reuniones. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3839.aspx Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:41:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3839.aspx A letter sent to President Moreno lays out a series of arguments suggesting greater control by civil society organizations in a change that would mark a dramatic shift in the Bank designed meetings of the past. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3838.aspx Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:54:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3838.aspx July riots signal the importance of transparency and responsible revenue management for Mongolia’s political stability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx Bank Information Center has recently released it's new "Handbook for Advocacy on Extractive Industry Revenues: Good Practices and the IMF’s Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:34:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.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 قدمت حلقة العمل شرحاً لوسائل الإعلام ومنظمات المجتمع المدني في مصر حول نشاطات مركز معلومات البنك ، إضافةً الى التركيز على انشطه المؤسسات المالية الدولية في مصر http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3832.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:35:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3832.aspx On June 24, 2008, the Jubilee Act passed the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bill must now be considered and passed by the full U.S. Senate before it can go to the President and be signed into law. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx أعلنت المؤسسة التنموية التي تتخذ من جدة مقراً لها عن مساهمتها بمبلغ 1.5 مليار دولار في برامج الأمن الغذائي في البلدان الاعضاء http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3830.aspx Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:34:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3830.aspx يثير موضوع دعم البنك الدولي لدراسات الجدوى بتكلفة تصل الى 15.5 مليون دولار تساؤلات حول التزام البنك بتطبيق سياسات الحماية المتعلقة ببرامجه حول هذا المشروع http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3829.aspx Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:32:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3829.aspx Los artículos que componen Aguas Turbias pretenden servir de instrumento para aquellos que buscan comprender mejor la historia del proyecto y sus implicaciones para la región amazónica. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3828.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:48:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3828.aspx A major new book, jointly published by the Bank Information Center, International Rivers and other partners, aims to explain the contradictions of the Hydroelectric Complex and the hydroways of the Madeira River. "Aguas Turvas" will serve as a tool for those that seek to understand the history of the project and its implications for the Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3827.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:40:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3827.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick praised Kazakhstan for its role in reviving the Aral Sea, on a recent visit to the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3825.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3825.aspx The Bota Foundation, administered by the World Bank, held its first Board of Trustees meeting in June. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3824.aspx Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3824.aspx El pasado 4 de junio el Consejo Directivo de AIDESEP envió una carta al Presidente del BID en relación al nuevo Decreto Legislativo 1015. Con dicho decreto los derechos de propiedad colectiva quedarán debilitados. Al aprobar dicho decreto el Gobierno del Perú esta actuando de forma inconstitucional y en detrimento de la violación de los derechos humanos. Con ello, AIDESEP solicita al Presidente Moreno la revisión del financiamiento del Proyecto “Programa de Titulación y Registro de Tierras – PTRTIII Inversión” (PE-L1026). Lejos de ayudar al desarrollo de las comunidades campesinas y nativas, dicho decreto llevará al desplazamiento y posterior migración forzosa de estas comunidades a las ciudades lo cual resultará en un incremento del desempleo y la pobreza. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3823.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:58:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3823.aspx World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx As Newmont, the world's largest mining company prepares for gold mining operations in Ghana, civil society groups challenge the purported benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has come under fire for the environmental and social legacies of its gold mining investments in Ghana and its plans proceed to begin the next phase of Newmont's controversial Ahafo gold project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:45:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx The World Bank's Country Director for Kenya, who was criticized over the Bank's portfolio in the country as well as a controversial leaked memo during the country's recent elections, will be the new Bank Director of Operations and Strategy for Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:36:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Egyptian media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx In a Statement issued June 17, the Ethnic Community Development Forum (ECDF) of Burma cautioned the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) against any engagement with Burma's military rulers in the post-Cyclone Nargis scenario given the human rights situation in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx اختتم مؤتمر فلسطين للإستثمار أعماله بتعهدات باستثمار ما يقارب 1.4 مليار دولار في القطاع الخاص، من ضمنها 75 مليون دولار من قبل مؤسسة التمويل الدولية. في غضون ذلك، تثير الشروط التي وضعها البنك الدولي على رسوم المرافق والخدمات وكذلك الحد من وظائف القطاع العام، شكوكاً حول التزام البنك بمبدأ محاربة الفقر http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3811.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3811.aspx The World Bank's Tiger Conservation Initiative aims to raise global awareness about the plight of the endangered tiger and to work with local and international communities to stave off its extinction. The initiative is unprecedented for an institution whose stated mission is to fight poverty in developing countries rather than conserve endangered species. But a day after the launch, India is reported for have refused the World Bank's "offer" for a loan for the inititiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Russian oil and gas companies Gazprom and Lukoil discovered a major oil and gas condensate deposit in the Caspian Sea. The deposit will be developed along with Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3806.aspx Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:15:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3806.aspx The recent Palestine Investment Conference concluded with pledges amounting to $1.4 billion in private sector investment in the Palestinian Territories, including $75m from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Meanwhile, the World Bank’s conditionalities on utility fees and eliminating public sector jobs raises doubts about the institution’s adherence to its poverty reduction mandate. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx Kazakhstan has signed into law a 2006 agreement to transport oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, while making plans to connect its oil to the BTC route through additional domestic and trans-Caspian pipelines. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will earmark 40% of its Russian lending to infrastructure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx Jeddah-based development institution announces $1.5 billion contribution toward food security programs in its member countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3799.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3799.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 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 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 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 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 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 The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.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 The World Bank’s support for the $15.5 million feasibility studies continues to raise questions about the Bank’s application of its operational safeguard policies on the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx The World Bank announced today that it has set up a financing facility in the order of $1.2 billion to assist with the global food crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx Thu, 29 May 2008 15:16:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending is at an all time low, and the institution is forced to redefine its role as developing countries benefit from the availability of other sources of finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx Wed, 28 May 2008 11:57:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx خلال زياتها لمصر، شرحت إيمي عقداوي عن دور البنك الدولي وصندوق النقد الدولي في تخفيض الإنفاق الحكومي ، على سبيل المثال، رفع الدعم عن السلع الأساسية، وخصخصة بعض المؤسسات المالية، وايقاف جزء من موظفي القطاع الحكومي عن العمل http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3782.aspx Tue, 27 May 2008 13:21:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3782.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx كتبت ايمي عقداوي، مديرة برنامج الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا في مركز معلومات البنك، حول الزيادة المتسارعة في استثمارات مؤسسة التمويل الدولية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، مما يبرز التناقضات بين تعهد هذه المؤسسة بالعمل على الحد من مستوى الفقر في حين تقوم بتقويض معايير العمل http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3773.aspx Tue, 20 May 2008 12:27:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3773.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved new Environmental and Social Policy as well as a Public Information Policy, a week before the EBRD Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3767.aspx Thu, 15 May 2008 14:37:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3767.aspx Marina Silva's resignation is linked to her opposition to many of the major megaprojects planned and underway in the Brazilian Amazon, including two large hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx Wed, 14 May 2008 11:26:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx After ignoring civil society demands that called for a halt to public consultations, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has finally agreed to issue an additional draft and consultation. The announcement comes a week before the Asian Development Fund (ADF) replenishment wrap-up, and ADB watchers believe the concession was made after the U.S. tied its ADF contribution to a satisfactory resolution of the review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3765.aspx Tue, 13 May 2008 14:59:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3765.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.aspx Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.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 This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.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 In a recent sign-on statement, multiple civil society organizations rejected the Asian Development Bank's new strategy, arguing that it will push for more private sector involvement in development and lead to more harmful impacts on services, livelihoods, food security and the environment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3753.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:37:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3753.aspx Three and a half months after the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the controversial head of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT), the Bank has appointed Leonard McCarthy as the new head of its internal anti-corruption unit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:29:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Civil society organizations warn that Asia's communities and environment will continue to be at risk if the Asian Development Bank (ADB) fails to improve its existing safeguard policies that are currently being revised. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3751.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 13:48:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3751.aspx At the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) annual meeting, the Bank's Long-term Strategic Framework and the global food crisis tops the agenda. Civil society groups attending the meeting have criticized the ADB's pursuit of private sector development at the expense of poverty-alleviation efforts and community and environmental interests. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3750.aspx Mon, 05 May 2008 10:05:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3750.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compliation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.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 As the Asian Development Bank prepares to meet for its upcoming annual meeting, it faces criticism from shareholders concerned about its role and relevance in the region and by civil society over its handling of the global food crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3746.aspx Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:01:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3746.aspx In a recently released audit report, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Office of Compliance, Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) has found that the IFC is out of compliance with safety standards for toxic emissions at the giant Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3745.aspx Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:43:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3745.aspx A confidential report by the Asian Development Bank's evaluation unit reveals that the Bank is violating its own rules by investing more in private equity firms than it is allowed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3744.aspx Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:51:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3744.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 This update provides the most recent information regarding the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank held in Madrid, Spain from May 3-6. It also includes the activities of civil society organizations taking place during the meeting. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3740.aspx Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:45:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3740.aspx In his blog, Jim Schultz of The Democracy Center writes about the World Bank's attempts to improve its image in Bolivia by rewriting its role in the country's history. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3737.aspx Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:46:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3737.aspx Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation Passes House of Representatives with Bi-Partisan Support; Senate Panel to Consider Issue April 24. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3736.aspx Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:07:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3736.aspx In response to requests from the Bank Information Center (BIC) and other civil society organizations, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has begun providing links to where IFC extractive industry clients disclose their payments to host governments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:52:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx Lea la edición especial de la Actualización de Bretton Woods, coproducida por Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike y Eurodad. Esta edición esta disponible también en ingles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3733.aspx Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3733.aspx The new strategic framework of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been criticised by civil society groups as being anti-poor and vulnerable to corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3732.aspx Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:55:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3732.aspx El Banco agravando el Cambio Climático; Promueve Combustibles Fósiles y Deforestación. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3731.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3731.aspx The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC-Asia Pacific represents 18.6 million members in 48 national affiliates from 29 countries in the region. In a letter to President Kuroda of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the ITUC and ITUC-AP point out that the ADB draft omits mention of all labor issues except one brief mention. They urge the ADB to adopt a policy on core labor standards and other basic labor conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3730.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3730.aspx The new Country Assistance Strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the Bank has kept secret, suggests a continued emphasis on the natural resource sectors as sources of growth going forward and predicts at least $1.4 billion in new lending over the next three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx In a victory for environmental groups, the Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of Green Salvation, a environmental group, in a precedent setting lawsuit seeking access to environmental information about atmospheric emissions at the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3728.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:55:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3728.aspx BIC's MENA Program Manager, Amy Ekdawi, writes about the IFC's rapidly increasing investment in the region, and the contradictions of its pledge to reduce poverty while undermining labor standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3726.aspx Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:34:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3726.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 As the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today announced record lending of $9.6 billion in 2007, environmental and human rights groups warned that the milestone had come at the expense of the environment and communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3723.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:07:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3723.aspx South-North civil society call for the IMF to establish a consultations framework in its operations, premised on the automatic and timely disclosure of information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3722.aspx Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3722.aspx Jubilee USA Network heralded the passage by voice vote in the House Financial Services Committee of the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation (HR 2634). The legislation calls on the US Treasury Department to negotiate at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank for an agreement for debt cancellation for up to 24 additional poor countries that need cancellation to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but do not currently qualify for the current IMF/World Bank debt relief initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3721.aspx Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:59:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3721.aspx The Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Private Sector Operations Department, Robert Bestani, notified the Bank’s Board of Directors last week that it will take the Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh out of the Bank’s funding pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3720.aspx Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:29:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3720.aspx DRC mining contract commission to push for a greater share in the Tenke Fungurume mining concession, one of the largest copper-cobalt deposits in the world. Critics charge that EIB's investment in the highly contested project before the conclusion of the contract review was "irresponsible." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wall Street Journal editorial targets corruption in World Bank projects in Kenya, spurring renewed complaints about the Bank’s alleged contribution to a climate of loose ethics and corruption in the Kenyan government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:34:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Updated April 10, 2008: The World Bank's Inspection Panel is recruiting qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in its three-member team. Regional balance considerations could likely mean selection of a candidate from the South East Asia region. The closing date for applications has been extended to April 30, 2008. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:29:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx Bank ignores climate change and development indicators as estimated 250 million Latin Americans live in poverty despite near half-century of lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3715.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:25:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3715.aspx As part of its North America leg of consultations, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held a half day event in Washington, DC on April 1 to seek feedback on its draft Safeguard Policy Statement. Several NGOs declined attendance in support of the position taken by the NGO Forum on ADB which calls for a "halt" in consultations given the weakness of the consultation draft. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3714.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:36:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3714.aspx