http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.18.aspx The latest news on Middle East and North Africa from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.18.aspx 101 organizations and individuals endorse a letter to the World Bank President on disability and Safeguards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12606.aspx Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:30:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12606.aspx A 5% cap will limit P4R Operations over a 2 year pilot period, but questions remain about how P4R expansion will be conditioned upon the results of management and IEG evaluations http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12602.aspx Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:03:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12602.aspx As the World Bank prepares its upcoming Interim Strategy Note for Tunisia - which will outline its engagement in the country for 2012-2013 - it is seeking citizens’ input and feedback which they can submit online through March 2012. As the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to spark the Arab Spring, Tunisia has shown that equitable development cannot take place in the absence of participation and accountability. With the World Bank playing a role not only in economic reforms but also in the areas of institutional and governance reforms, this consultation is one of hopefully several opportunities for citizens to play a role in shaping the economic and political future of Tunisia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12595.aspx Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:14:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12595.aspx The World Bank announced on January 23rd, 2012 that it would be re-establishing a presence in Yemen after several months of suspended disbursements to the country. The re-engagement is limited however; staff travel to Sana'a is restricted to essential missions, with much of the work continuing to be done out of the Bank's Amman and Cairo offices. A reassessment of the security situation will be done after Yemen's scheduled elections in February. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12594.aspx Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12594.aspx The Bank Information Center welcomes the World Bank’s initative to open up and create a larger space for civil society from the MENA region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12593.aspx Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:21:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12593.aspx Nicholas Hamilton of the blog Cairo From Below discusses a proposed World Bank loan of $250 million for a major Egyptian transportation project, in the broader context of envisioning a sustainable transport strategy for the Greater Cairo Region. The Bank's proposed project is called the Urban Transport Infrastructure Development and is scheduled to be approved by the Bank's Board of Directors in early 2013. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:51:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12583.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:39:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12583.aspx BIC/MENA publishes a study which overviews and analyzes the World Bank Group's role in Lebanon over the past five years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:27:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx The long-awaited solar program for the MENA region being co-funded by the World Bank has the potential to provide clean energy and jobs for the region, if it is implemented in consultation with local communities and with their interests and needs as a priority. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12570.aspx Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:43:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12570.aspx MENA civil society representatives met with the Bank’s new MENA Vice President, Inger Andersen, to discuss Bank-civil society relations in the post-revolution era. The Bank responded positively to civil society’s demands for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development with full civil society participation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12543.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:46:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12543.aspx BIC/MENA and civil society representatives from across the region engaged World Bank officials at the 2011 Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, drawing commitments to inclusive and equitable development strategies and greater participation for civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12542.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:10:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12542.aspx Civil society representatives from Egypt, Yemen, and Lebanon find Executive Director Merza Hasan receptive to their concerns and willing to break new ground in future engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:54:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx At the Civil Society Townhall Meeting with World Bank President Robert Zoellick and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Laila Iskandar, an Egyptian activist and chairperson of the Community and Institutional Development Group eloquently spoke on behalf of global civil society outlining the various CSO concerns which had been brought to her attention. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx With goals of achieving greater participation for civil society organizations in World Bank operations alongside a commitment to inclusive and equitable development strategies, BIC/MENA and civil society representatives from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen among others successfully engaged the Bank at the 2011 Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12539.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12539.aspx This piece provides a brief update about the role of the World Bank in post-revolution Tunisia http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:08:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:55:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx Civil society organizations (CSOs) submitted a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick on the World Bank safeguards review on August 31, 2011. The letter includes signatories as of this date and organizations who wish to sign the letter can do so below. On Sep 20, 2011 World Bank Managing Director Caroline Anstey responded to this letter. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:06:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12525.aspx Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:12:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12525.aspx BIC/MENA comments on the string of donors cutting aid to Yemen, including the World Bank which recently stopped disbursing funds to Yemen. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12524.aspx Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:17:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12524.aspx As Egypt's revolution continues to unfold, potential loans from international financial institutions have stoked intense debates. BIC's Amy Ekdawi writes that the fate of these loans must be contingent on open engagement with Egyptian civil society, not backroom deals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:07:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx Three civil society groups have filed a complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel regarding the Bank's studies for the Red Sea - Dead Sea Water Conveyance project that aims to divert water to the Dead Sea, which has been shrinking for years. The Requesters argue that the World Bank should be considering other alternatives which are less socially and environmentally harmful and that Palestinian civil society was not given the opportunity to participate adequately in the consultation process. Read the press release which was put out by the Requesters in July 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12465.aspx Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12465.aspx BIC's MENA program publishes a case study on a controversial IFC project, Omar Effendi (OE) in Egypt. The study examines OE's mismanagement and failure to comply with IFC standards as well as highlights the IFC's poor due diligence and implementation of its Policies and Performance Standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12426.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:50:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12426.aspx Beatrice Edwards of Government Accountability Project argues against the U.S recapitalization of the World Bank for 2012 in light of the Bank’s involvement in projects linked to corruption allegations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:51:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx The recent uprisings that have affected almost every country in the Middle East and North Africa region are indicative of deep structural issues that are facing societies in these countries. Calls for democracy, economic reforms, employment opportunities and greater accountability require us to question the development model pursued in the region by institutions like the World Bank and the underlying assumptions that may have led to the failure of this model. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:25:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx On March 14, 2011, the World Bank disclosed two documents related to the Inspection Panel case filed by 51 residents of the Greater Beirut area against the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project (GBWSP), a water project in Lebanon that is being financed by the Bank. The GBWSP aims to provide potable water for the citizens of the Greater Beirut area and the low-income neighborhoods of Southern Beirut from the Litani and Awali rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:16:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx Fidanka Bacheva of CEE Bankwatch Network questions the European Commission's plan to be involved in supporting democracy in the Mediterranean region in light of the recent uprisings in the region. Many of her concerns about who EBRD and EIB's development efforts have tended to benefit in the past and who they will possibly benefit in the future can further be applied to the World Bank, which is also rethinking its engagement in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12395.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:12:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12395.aspx Revolutions are afoot in most countries in the MENA region, with governments brutally cracking down on activists. In Yemen, the office of our partner, Yemen Observatory for Human Rights, who is reporting daily on human rights abuses in the country, was assaulted by armed thugs on February 24. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12364.aspx Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:39:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12364.aspx On January 20, 2011, the World Bank hosted a dialogue on the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Program in the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt in order to discuss the overall CSP program and any key concerns that stakeholders might have. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:03:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:30:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:39:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.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 Mahmoud Mohielden, Managing Director of the World Bank Group since October, visited Yemen for exploratory talks about how collaboration across the Arab world can help the agenda of this developing nation between the Red and Arabian seas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12300.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:47:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12300.aspx On November 4, 2010 the World Bank’s Inspection Panel received a complaint from a Lebanese citizen representing himself and approximately 50 Beirut inhabitants who say that a World Bank water project will have negative impacts environmentally and economically. Management at the Bank has until December 13, 2010 to respond to the complaint. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:24:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx On the heels of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) approval by the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the World Bank Working Group (WBWG) in Lebanon, a CSO coalition, pushes for increased transparency and broader representation of affected stakeholders in the design and implementation of Bank strategies, programs, and projects in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:03:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx As the World Bank pushes forward with a massive investment in North Africa’s energy sector, it is up to the institution to ensure that this program benefits those who need it most. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:49:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx Egypt and the World Bank on Thursday signed two new loan agreements worth 820 million dollars, in the largest financing provided by the institution to the country's electricity sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:12:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx Relationship between Egypt and the World Bank is gaining momentum with the Bank's hire of a new Egyptian Managing Director http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:51:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx Toby McIntosh of FreedomInfo.org writes about Lebanese CSOs' response to the World Bank's disclosure of Lebanon's Country Partnership Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12143.aspx Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:58:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12143.aspx In an effort to influence the outcome of an August 31st World Bank Board of Executive Directors' meeting where the Board planned to discuss Lebanon's new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), a group of Lebanese CSOs submitted a letter to the Board expressing their concerns with the the CPS and the process through which it was prepared. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:06:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a loan of $1.2 billion Egyptian pounds to support the development of wind energy. 800 million Egyptian Pounds will be provided by the Clean Technology Fund, which will be a first for the fund in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:59:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx Little over a month after the Access to Information Policy came into effect, the first few documents to be released through the "simultaneous disclosure" clause are trickling out of the Bank. The implications of such releases, however, have yet to be seen. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:27:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx In June 2010, the World Bank held its third set of public hearings with respect to the Red-Dead Sea conduit project. Friends of the Earth - Middle East attended the hearings and presented comments. This report comes from the FoEME website. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12037.aspx Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:02:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12037.aspx IFC clients need to adhere to the IFC's Performance Standards and the IFC ought to improve due diligence to ensure positive development outcomes and compliance with Standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11948.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:53:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11948.aspx At an energy consultation on June 29 for which it took weeks to finalize a date, 25 Egyptians from various segments of society, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private firms, all had one clear message for the World Bank to think about when designing its new energy strategy: "focus on renewable energy projects." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:36:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx Just one day after a World Bank Group energy consultation in Cairo where the clear and strong message from both civil society and the private sector was for the World Bank Group to push for renewables, the International Finance Corporation has announced a $120 million investment in Egypt's oil sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11940.aspx Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11940.aspx Writing in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm English Edition, Amr Mohsen of Lotus Solar Technologies and BIC's Amy Ekdawi lay out the case for Egypt to seek a transition to renewable energy now, not later, and to request that the World Bank aid this change of direction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:32:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx According to the World Bank, as part of the public consultation process under the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program, the Beneficiary Parties (the Government of Israel, the Government of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority) plan to hold a series of meetings to update interested stakeholders on the progress under the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program and seek their feedback. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11905.aspx Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:21:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11905.aspx On May 3rd 2010, FDPD and BIC organized a panel discussion to bring together energy experts from NGOs, the private sector, and academia among others, to discuss Egypt's energy sector and the role that the World Bank Group would ideally play in that sector. The event also marked the first collaborative effort within a new BIC-FDPD protocol. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:26:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx In light of the International Finance Corporation's review of its Sustainability Policy, Performance Standards and Disclosure Policy, the Bank Information Center has outlined its major concerns and policy recommendations that it will be presenting to the IFC throughout the review process. BIC highlights the issues of extractive industries revenue and contract transparency; reporting on development outcomes; and the principle of free, prior and informed consent and broad community support for risky projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11894.aspx Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:06:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11894.aspx More than 100 civil society organizations from around the globe signed on to a letter demanding an end to all fossil fuel projects at the World Bank with aims other than energy access for the poor. Until the Bank halts the financing of such projects, bringing them into line with the G20 and APEC pledges to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, these CSOs will oppose the Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx Tue, 18 May 2010 17:08:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx As the World Bank is crafting its new Energy Strategy, BIC has put together a model for how we think the Bank's final strategy should look. The model was created in consultation with civil society and energy experts worldwide. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:49:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx In a moment where the World Bank is reviewing its energy strategy, it is channeling the funds for a major program in the MENA region which may lead to technological breakthroughs with respect to mitigating climate change, but at what cost? This article examines the different factors associated with the development of Concentrated Solar Power in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:19:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx The World Bank Access to Information Working Group and its seven subgroups will provide information about how the policy is being implemented, encouraging civil society to monitor and help. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11844.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:57:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11844.aspx As the World Bank increases cooperation and coordination of development schemes with the Europeans, how might this affect lending trends in the Middle East and North Africa? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:02:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Habi Center for Environmental Rights continues to engage the World Bank and the Egyptian government on the West Delta project. Egyptian CSOs have been urging the Bank to consider an alternative irrigation project which would help poor farmers as well. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11824.aspx Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:01:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11824.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 Find out what the World Bank's strategy is in your country. In some instances, there is a Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), and in others, the Bank has used a more collaborative approach in designing and defining the pillars of their development program, to design a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11805.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:50:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11805.aspx A mining law which the International Financial Corporation has been helping the Yemeni government to draft has recently been completed and will be submitted to Parliament. According to this article, one of the main hindrances for potential investment in Yemen's mining sector is the security issue, leaving us with a few questions: Is the IFC willing and planning to invest? Would the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency provide insurance for investors? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11798.aspx Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:35:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11798.aspx Amy Ekdawi and Nadia Daar of BIC's Middle East and North Africa Program participate in four training sessions for the World Bank's MENA staff on engaging civil society in the region. This training is part of the Bank's Enhanced Action Plan for the MENA region which includes improved consultations, increased translation, and more engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:50:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx On January 13th, nine executive directors representing China, India, and other countries in the Global South wrote a letter protesting the recently announced guidelines from the U.S. for what coal projects it could support. The directors objected to the United States declaring it wouldn't support coal projects while maintaining its own reliance on coal power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:35:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx On January 27, 2010, BIC's MENA Program Manager, Amy Ekdawi spoke at a workshop organized by the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union's Lebanon Budget Project (LBP) which was geared towards educating Lebanese civil society groups on the World Bank's involvement in Lebanon and how to participate in the Bank's decision making process. This workshop was part of LBP's broader mandate to encourage citizen participation in the design of the Lebanese budget. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx What was at first a seemingly simple and non-provocative Inspection Panel case, has now led the Bank to re-evaluate its relationship with civil society across the MENA region and develop an action plan for engagement. Nadia Daar of BIC's MENA program examines the importance of this development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:02:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx In December 2009, the World Bank held two consultative meetings on the Social Welfare Fund Institutional Support Project with Yemeni civil society. These meetings come in the context of the Bank's MENA Management's Enhanced Action Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:20:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx In 2009, Development Policy Operations increased dramatically as a percentage of overall World Bank lending, from an average of about 33% to over 50%. Dogged by concerns that stem from a lack of a strong set of safeguard policies or clear results, this shift to greater dependence on DPLs/DPOs raises concerns about arbitrage by Bank clients to soften or avoid transparency and accountability commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:24:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx The World Bank is quietly preparing the first capital increase in nearly 20 years to replenish the coffers after unprecedented lending in 2008 and the coming two years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx A workshop co-organized by the Bank Information Center (BIC), the World Bank’s Inspection Panel, and the IFC and MIGA’s Office of the Compliance/Ombudsman (CAO) was held in Marrakech, Morocco in late July 2009, and lasted three fruitful days. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx Egyptian NGO, Land Center for Human Rights, has filed an appeal on behalf of farmers in the Egyptian Delta, citing that the joint World Bank and Egyptian government 'West Delta project' violates the Egyptian constitution that should protect the rights of farmers, and not just the interests of wealthy investors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:55:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx The Inspection Panel is to defer its recommendation to investigate into case of the World Bank's "Institutional Reform Development Policy Grant" to Yemen, until after the implementation of Bank Management's enhanced action plan, which seeks to address concerns raised by the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights in their Request to the Inspection Panel in April 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:51:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Egyptian civil society groups suggest an alternative water route for the West Delta Irrigation Project, that could serve poor farmers as well as rich investors, but the World Bank refuses to consider it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx After meeting with World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister of Regional Development, Silvan Shalom, stated that the World Bank had agreed to fund the Red-Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Program that involves Jordan, Palestine and Israel. However, Bank officials say that they have made no promises and that the project is still in the feasibility study phase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:05:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx For the first time in Inspection Panel history, an Eligibility Report is being held for board discussion. With little information, we are left wondering what is happening with the investigation into the Yemeni DPL case. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:32:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx Will the new crisis in the Nile affect the implementation of the West Delta project? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11300.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11300.aspx Read a BIC opinion piece from the FP blog, The Argument, explaining why the World Bank must reconsider its current policies on translation and information disclosure in order to promote substantive civil society engagement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:38:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx BIC highlights the work of Yahya Saleh Mohsen of the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights. Yahya played an instrumental role in bringing a case to the World Bank Inspection Panel involving the Bank's translation policies in Yemen and beyond. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx The World Bank approves loans for renewable energy in southern countries while making sure Europe meets its energy goals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:42:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx Joint Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian venture to see 112-mile pipeline built between Read Sea, Dead Sea. Project meant to explore desalination possibilities, raising Dead Sea declining water levels. Minister Shalom: Project staple of financial peace http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:43:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx The Egyptian government's engagement in the West Delta project raises many questions regarding the repayment of the World Bank's loan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11268.aspx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:52:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11268.aspx The meeting took place during the Inspection Panel's trip to Sana'a to determine the eligibility of a complaint about Yemeni civil society's inability to access a translation of a key Bank document. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:20:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx 1.5 years after the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights first requested a translation of the World Bank's 2008 Development Policy Loan for Yemen, the Bank has finally made this translation available. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11253.aspx Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:16:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11253.aspx Palestinians losing out in access to vital shared aquifer in the occupied territories http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11221.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 11:17:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11221.aspx Yemeni group files complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel and now change might already be in the air? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 17:29:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx The World Bank continues to commission feasibility studies for the proposed Red/Dead Sea Canal, but environmental and political issues remain major issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11124.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11124.aspx Trends in the relationship between World Bank and IFC technical assistance policies and the IFC’s investment portfolio raise questions over possible conflicts of interest. Disclosure at the IFC remains opaque, making details of projects and policies hard to come by. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11117.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:06:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11117.aspx Yemeni civil society group take their complaint regarding the World Bank's refusal to translate a key program document, to the Inspection Panel http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:21:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx This update provides an analysis of the World Bank's Approach Paper entitled "Toward Greater Transparency: Rethinking the World Bank's Disclosure Policy", which was recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx The workshop discussed the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy Review, and introduced the World Bank’s Inspection Panel to our regional partners. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:30:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx The World Bank launched the review of its information disclosure policy on Friday, March 13th with the public release of an Approach Paper. BIC and partners argue the case for greater transparency in Bank procedures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:07:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx On March 11 and March 14 2009, the World Bank will be consulting with civil society in Yemen to discuss their new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) 2010-2013. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11063.aspx Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:07:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11063.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 Now available in both English and Arabic! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11061.aspx Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:18:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11061.aspx BIC to serve as NGO observer at the next meeting of the Committee of Participants for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) that will take place on March 11-13 in Panama, Central America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:17:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx The new country study provides background on the Bank's involvement in Palestine since the Oslo Accords, including recent trends and analyses of its aid coordination role. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11039.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:30:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11039.aspx Bank engages Syria on reforms to its transportation sector, while its technical assistance activities - and its overall strategy for the country - remain unavailable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx Meanwhile, the IFC’s advisory services in revising the region's mining policies reinforce concerns over the lack of transparency of these types of operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10991.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:36:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10991.aspx Concerned parties threaten to file a court case against the Egyptian government if they do not receive satisfactory answers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx A recent meeting between the World Bank and the Yemeni Planning Minister focused on preliminary negotiations on a proposed water sector project. However, the central question remains whether the Bank is ensuring water access for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:22:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx The World Bank Group is adhering to its pledge for greater engagement in the Middle East and North Africa. However, data on the development impacts on the poor are lacking, while other data suggest that many Bank projects in the region are at risk. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3936.aspx Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:27:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3936.aspx A coalition of 630 organizations from 104 countries have issued a statement demanding a truly global response to the global crisis and laying out a set of principles for doing so. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:07:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx In the wake of the global financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is experiencing a resurgence as the world’s "financial crisis firefighter." The upcoming G20 financial summit has placed the IMF as the central institution in charge of “crisis management” and reform of the international financial architecture. While there is much talk of “overhauling” the IMF through fundamental reforms, the same leaders who say this are also talking about broadening the scope of the IMF’s power and influence. Undoubtedly empowered by the contagion of financial meltdown in middle-income countries, the IMF is now scurrying around the globe signing new multi-billion dollar loan deals with a spate of new countries, most notably the Eastern European “Baltic tiger” countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3929.aspx Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:31:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3929.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 project will divert water from the Nile to the reclaimed lands in the West Delta region, while the introduction of the private sector for the first time in Egypt could leave small farmers behind. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.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.3889.aspx Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3889.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.3886.aspx Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.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.3880.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.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.3872.aspx Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx New Arabic pages include institution pages and fact sheets on the IFIs in the MENA region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3868.aspx Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:05:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3868.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.3866.aspx Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.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.3863.aspx Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.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.3856.aspx Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.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 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 "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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Donors, led by the World Bank, still insist on linking aid for the Palestinian Authority to the removal of subsidies from basic services, in spite of a recent Bank study that highlights increasing poverty and unemployment rates in the West Bank and Gaza. The suggested cuts in the wage bill in the security, health and education sectors could further hinder Palestine's ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.aspx Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:24:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.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 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 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 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 While IFC meeting with government and private sector is expected to lower corporate taxes, World Bank and IMF conditions will double the General Sales Tax in 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:03:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) presents investment opportunities that could hurt the poor, who have already been hit by increasing food prices. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3695.aspx Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3695.aspx New threats and opportunities have pushed the World Bank toward a new form of engagement in the Middle East and North Africa region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.aspx Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:20:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.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 The Arab newspaper Azzaman reported last week that the Iraqi government plans to reduce its food rationing program "in line with the obligations it has made to the World Bank." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:07:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx A report issued by the Egyptian Central Auditing Organization accuses the Egyptian government of using misleading financial statistics. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3648.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:47:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3648.aspx BIC's Middle East & North Africa Program is looking for an Arabic-speaking intern to support its work in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3637.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3637.aspx Policy conditions attached to the $50 million grant include a reduction of the civil service, land reform, and lower corporate taxes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:55:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx Favorable World Bank assessment of Palestinian economic reform program helps pave the way for major donor support. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:17:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx The World Bank approved the $50 million grant yesterday without disclosing relevant project documents. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3609.aspx Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:47:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3609.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Yemeni media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx Partners and readers from the Middle East and North Africa region can now access information on BIC's MENA Program in Arabic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3589.aspx Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:35:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3589.aspx Questions remain as to whether the IFC will use its role as a major IDA donor to deflect criticism of its own investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx The World Bank will focus on labor-intensive export to boost employment in the Arab World. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:54:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.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 Egypt tops list of reformers in World Bank's 2008 "Doing Business" report. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.aspx Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:42:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.aspx Civil society in the Middle East demands that the Bank give full consideration to viable alternatives to the costly project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx New economic sanctions bill authorizes President Bush to reduce US contributions to the World Bank if it finances new projects in Iran. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3512.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:33:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3512.aspx BIC's new fact sheets provide a critical overview of the role that international financial institutions play in financing and facilitating private investment in two of the most important sectors in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region: water and energy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3511.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:08:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3511.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 In 2007, IFC financing in the Middle East and North Africa region exceeded lending from IDA and IBRD combined. As the Bank Group heralds high growth in MENA and pumps money to the private sector, equity and employment challenges loom large. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:21:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx A recent article by the World Bank applauds governments in MENA for increasing investment in environmental protection. While the World Bank is encouraging MENA countries to decrease their carbon emissions, it continues to finance extractive industry projects in the region. This apparent contradiction is just one of several reasons to take a closer look at the Bank's recent coverage of the 'greening' of MENA. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Written in November 2005 by the Arab NGO Network for Development, this commentary on the need for more active monitoring of the World Bank and IMF in the MENA region remains relevant today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3465.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:11:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3465.aspx Local CSO observers argue that instead of addressing the root causes of the economic and social challenges facing Lebanon, the World Bank is promoting a "one-size-fits-all" formula of privatization and liberalization in various sectors. To deal with the adverse impacts of these reforms, the Bank is proposing limited social safety net programs. But groups like the Arab NGOs Network for Development say what the country needs is a comprehensive strategy for economic and social development including policitical and administrative reforms. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:41:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx The Egyptian government is facing criticism from members of its parliament over plans to sell off the country’s publicly owned banks. The plan to privatize several national banks within the framework of an $8.7 billion financial sector reform program has the backing of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and US Agency for International Development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:39:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx Sale of gas from EIB-financed LNG plant in Egypt at discount prices raises questions about who benefited from the deal. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3443.aspx Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:18:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3443.aspx The IMF reports that the Lebanese government is "on track" in implementing its fiscal and economic reform agenda. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3442.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3442.aspx A critical article from the Inter Press Service draws on research conducted by BIC's new MENA Program. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3439.aspx Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:26:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3439.aspx The Middle East & North Africa region has become the IFC's fastest-growing portfolio, surpassing $1 billion in new investments for the first time last year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:56:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Find out more about BIC's brand-new Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Program. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3406.aspx Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3406.aspx Find out what extractive industry (oil, gas, mining) and energy projects the international financial institutions (IFIs) are financing in your country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx Amy brings a wealth of experience to her task of managing BIC's brand new Middle East & North Africa regional program. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3389.aspx Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:03:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3389.aspx Reports that a World Bank staffer was shot at an Iraqi checkpoint surfaced in late February. The Bank apparently suppressed the news for several days, presumably in an effort to quell concerns about Bank President Paul Wolfowitz’s recent push to re-open a World Bank office in Baghdad. What should the Bank be doing in Iraq? Following is an overview of current Bank involvement in the country, and some reasons why you should be concerned. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3210.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:34:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3210.aspx