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bicusa.org/wb Home InstitutionsWorld Bank World Bank (IBRD & IDA) Overview Structure Lending Policies Getting Info Projects Updates Resources Contacts RSS Press Clipping \| 17 March 2010 Lobbying intensifies on World Bank's proposed South African power plant loan South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 World Bank to hold fifth meeting of the FCPF Participants Committee March 22 to 25 in La Lope, Gabon The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will hold the fifth meeting of its Participants Committee in order to discuss several reforms and readiness proposals. Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 The World Bank Group's strategies in MENA countries 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). Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 Five NGOs release a joint statement on REDD in the Democratic Republic of Congo Rainforest Foundation Norway, Rainforest Foundation UK, Greenpeace, FERN and Global Witness, released a joint statement on March 12, 2010, criticizing the Democratic Republic of Congo's REDD readiness proposal for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 Invitation: Friends of the Earth meeting on proposed Eskom loan Friends of the Earth is planning a discussion with two South African activists about the proposed $3.75 million loan to Eskom which will fund the construction of the Medupi power station tomorrow at 1 p.m. Read more Update \| 16 March 2010 World Bank Executive Directors Directory Find information about your World Bank executive director, including bios and contact information Read more Update \| 12 March 2010 World Bank research supports renewable energy expansion World Bank research paper debunks conventional views that renewable energy is too costly for large-scale expansion. Read more Update \| 11 March 2010 Ian Solomon confirmed as new U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank The night of March 10, the full Senate confirmed Ian Hoddy Solomon by voice vote to be the Executive Director for the United States at the World Bank. He will replace Eli Whitney Debevoise II. Read more Update \| 11 March 2010 Lugar: No more money for development banks until reform The staff of Senator Richard Lugar released a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations calling for reform of the IFIs before Congress approves upcoming capital replenishment requests for the institutions. Read more Correspondence \| 10 March 2010 CSO sends letters to WB & Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources re: controversial West Delta project 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. Read more Update \| 10 March 2010 World Bank convenes multi-stakeholder energy consultation in DC The multi-stakeholder consultation addressed the World Bank's Energy Strategy Approach Paper which will guide the Bank's energy lending over the coming decade. Civil society, the private sector and international orgs provided feedback to the Bank. Read more Update \| 8 March 2010 World Bank recapitalization update - “New world – same World Bank” The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. Read more Update \| 4 March 2010 New from BIC: CSO participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative In 2009, BIC conducted a survey of civil society organizations in 19 countries involved in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a coalition that works with the World Bank Group to promote transparency in extractives. The survey looked into the effectiveness of CSO participation and the role of the World Bank in the process. Read more Update \| 4 March 2010 New CAP paper on the MDBs and climate change A new report from the Center for American Progress looks into the World Bank's ability to exacerbate or alleviate climate change through its project funding and its ability to set standards for other institutions. BIC's analysis of the Bank's energy lending is cited Read more Press Clipping \| 4 March 2010 World Bank to delay Congo hydro project three years The Bank will delay the proposed refurbishment of the Inga 1 and 2 dams until 2016, and will cut back the size of the project. Staff said that the cutbacks were due to both the world financial crisis and problems specific to the project. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 March 2010 CSOs help train Bank staff on engaging civil society 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. Read more Update \| 23 February 2010 Eskom's R29 billion World Bank loan runs into opposition A broad coalition of civil society in South Africa is mobilizing opposition to the controversial loan proposed to help fund the Medupi coal plant. They threatened a boycott of World Bank bonds if the loan is approved. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 February 2010 MINAM launches consultation on Peru national climate strategy Read more Press Clipping \| 16 February 2010 Bangladesh rejects terms for £60m of climate aid from UK The Bangladeshi government objects to grant money being channelled through the World Bank, which it says will attach unfavourable "strings and conditions." Read more Press Release \| 16 February 2010 PRESS RELEASE: South Africans say no to Eskom's R29 billion World Bank Loan Communities, environmental groups, academics and NGOs today call on the World Bank to cease and desist from a proposed loan of R29 billion ($3.75 bn) to Eskom. If this loan – which may come up for a Board vote in March or April – goes through, poor South Africans will have to bear the burden of Eskom’s debt and the World Bank’s cost recovery programme, and climate change will intensify. A world campaign begins now. Read more Update \| 13 February 2010 GUYANA: Pro-Forest Measures Anger Miners Read more Press Clipping \| 6 February 2010 HAITI: U.S. Lawmakers, NGOs Call for Debt Cancellation On the eve of Friday's meeting by G7 finance ministers in Iqaluit, Canada, 94 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that also called for 'the provision of assistance to Haiti in the form of grants so that the country does not accumulate additional debts. Read more Press Clipping \| 5 February 2010 Brazil Gives Green Light to World's Third Largest Dam Despite Kayapo protests over flawed consultation process, IBAMA has granted a preliminary license to move forward with the 11,000 MW - $20 billion Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Brazilian government officials have threatened the Para Public Ministry not to bring lawsuits to block the dam. Read more Update \| 4 February 2010 Nine Executive Directors write to President Zoellick about U.S. coal guidelines 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. Read more Update \| 3 February 2010 World Bank Amazon Dieback Study Predicts Greater Probability & Severity of Biome Collapse "The World Bank released a study that finally put the impacts of climate change, deforestation and fires together. The tipping point for the Amazon is 20 percent deforestation," and that is "a scary result," Tom Lovejoy, a member of the external review panel for the report, told Tierramérica in an interview. The study, "Assessment of the Risk of Amazon Dieback," released Jan. 22, drew on the expertise of several international research institutions, including Japan's Meteorological Research Institute, Britain's Exeter University, Brazil's Centre for Weather Forecasting and Climate Change (CPET/INPE), Germany's Potsdam Institute and Earth3000. Read more Update \| 1 February 2010 United States reform priorities for MDB capital increases Within the context of the upcoming general capital increase for the World Bank, African Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Treasury Department produced a document outlining U.S. reform priorities for these multilateral development banks. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 February 2010 Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union holds a workshop on the World Bank 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. Read more Update \| 29 January 2010 Ian Solomon has hearing in front of Senate Committee Awaiting his confirmation as the new U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank, Ian Solomon testified about how his experience would inform his time at the Bank, and about the role he sees the institution taking. Also testifying was Walter Crawford Jones, nominee to be U.S. Executive Director at the African Development Bank. Read more Press Release \| 28 January 2010 The Desired Future of the Peruvian Amazon 2021? Book Launch: Jan. 26 & 27, 2009 - Lima, Peru: Peruvian Amazon in 2021-Infrastructure and the Exploitation of Natural Resources: What is happening and what does it mean for the future? by Marc Dourojeanni, Alberto Barandiarán y Diego Dourojeanni is a publication in which the authors fill a informational gap that exists for Peruvian citizens regarding what the government and private investors plan to do in the coming decade in the Peruvian Amazon. Read more Update \| 28 January 2010 World Bank Environment Strategy consultation calendar now available Alongside the Energy Strategy review, the Bank has been working on a revision of its broader Environmental Strategy since September 2009. This calendar shows both the upcoming consultation dates and summaries of previous consultations. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 January 2010 Peru lacks Amazon development plan Expert in envrionmental issues Marc Dourojeanni criticized Peru for its lack of an Amazon Development Plan and warned that the Peruvian jungle will experience irreversible changes if even a third of the planned projects are implemented over the next 12 years. Read more Update \| 25 January 2010 New paper from Heinrich Boell criticizes direction of World Bank lending Nancy Alexander's new report finds several worrying trends in how the World Bank spends its money, namely that it is increasing its lending to middle income countries while loans and grants to low income countries stagnate, that DPOs with less stringent safeguards are outpacing project lending, and that the Gender Action Plan is not achieving its goals. Read more Update \| 25 January 2010 World Bank announces dates for first Energy Strategy consultations The Bank has initiated the first round of consultations on its Energy Strategy by opening online comments to the public and publishing dates for meetings in select countries. The consultations will last until June of this year. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 January 2010 China, India and others hit back at new U.S. coal rules A memo from the U.S. Treasury Department laying out conditions for supporting new coal projects at MDBs has angered several other shareholders in the World Bank. Nine executive directors objected that they were being cut off from financing for cheap coal while the U.S. still produces 26% of coal generated electricity worldwide. Read more Update \| 22 January 2010 Glenn Ross Switkes (1951-2009) Read more Update \| 21 January 2010 Environmental NGOs write to Secretary Geithner about U.S. coal subsidies Last year, the executive directors of Sierra Club and Rainforest Action Network sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner encouraging him to end federal subsidies for coal-fired power plants. Included in the letter is the point that the U.S. subsidizes coal plants through its vote at the multilateral development banks. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 January 2010 Brazil, World Bank to promote water transport investment in 2010 Brazil's Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the National Departament of Infrastructure and Transport (DNIT) will begin to implement water transport projects over the next 20 years. The projects will be supported by the World Bank Strategic Waterway Plan. Read more Update \| 20 January 2010 Five new R-PPs submitted to the FCPF Participants Committee Five countries recently submitted Readiness Preparation Proposals to the Participants Committee of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Argentina, DRC, Ghana, Mexico, and Suriname will have their proposals for grant allocation reviewed at the next meeting of the Participants Committee in March. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 January 2010 E&E News quotes BIC on Treasury Dept. coal guidelines The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released guidelines on the funding of coal power plants by multilateral development banks, prompting mixed reactions from civil society. BIC board member Athena Ballesteros and Sustainable Energy Expert Yong Chen are quoted, expressing enthusiasm as well as concern about the guidelines and their effectiveness. Read more Update \| 14 January 2010 Inspection Panel case plants seeds of cultural change at World Bank 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. Read more Press Release \| 12 January 2010 More involvement of stakeholders in Bank operations in Yemen 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. Read more Update \| 7 January 2010 U.S. Treasury guidance note for MDB coal investments In December 2009, the U.S. Treasury released a guidance note intended to be adapted by individual MDBs and incorporated into their respective operational policies, country and sector strategies, and other procedures that are related to the public or private project cycle for coal-powered generation operations. Read more Update \| 4 January 2010 World Bank reviews civil society engagement from 2007 to 2009 In December, the Bank's civil society team released "World Bank – Civil Society Engagement: Review of Fiscal Years 2007 – 2009", and hosted a discussion of the publication in Washington, DC. BIC founder and Executive Director Chad Dobson participated as commenter, noting both the Bank's improvements and continuing obstacles to civil society engagement. Read more Update \| 3 January 2010 Bolivia convenes Peoples Summit on Climate and the Rights of Nature The Plurinational Government of Bolivia has invited social movements, defenders of Mother Earth, scientists, academics, lawyers, government officials that want to work with their citizens to a World Peoples Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Nature to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia from 20- 22 of Abril, 2010. Bolivia. Read more Press Release \| 23 December 2009 PRESS RELEASE: World Bank approves revised Policy on Disclosure of Information The World Bank released the final adopted version of "Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy," effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor and looks forward to policy implementation. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 December 2009 Foreign Policy: Coal for Christmas Phil Radford, executive director of Greenpeace USA, writes a rebuttal to the World Bank on their energy lending and argues that they are still quite far from being a "climate-friendly" bank. Read more Update \| 22 December 2009 Greenwashing hydropower In the new issue of Worldwatch, Aviva Imhof of International Rivers and Guy Lanza of the University of Massachussetts, Amherst lay out the case that large hydropower projects achieve neither environmental nor social sustainability. Read more Press Clipping \| 15 December 2009 Carbon dating the World Bank Using BIC's recently published numbers on World Bank energy lending, Richard Mahapatra of InfoChange India writes about the "carbon trap" that the World Bank is locking developing countries into for the next 30 to 40 years. Read more Update \| 14 December 2009 Ugandan environmentalist speaks out on large dams, renewable energy, and poverty alleviation In his op-ed featured on All Africa, Frank Muramuzi of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists analyzes the World Bank’s disastrous approach to energy lending, focusing specifically upon large hydropower projects in Uganda. He emphasizes the point that the Bank’s current policies lead to more poverty, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Read more Press Release \| 14 December 2009 BankTrack calls upon banks to help fight runaway climate change New position paper outlines hard choices banks must make if they wish to be part of the solution to the climate crisis Read more Update \| 14 December 2009 The human rights dimensions of the World Bank’s energy policy Former Argentinian Environment Secretary Romina Picolotti and Center for Human Rights and the Environment co-founder Jorge Daniel Taillant have authored a new piece laying out the case for the World Bank to determine its energy agenda on a human rights based approach. Read more Update \| 14 December 2009 GroundWork/Friends of the Earth South Africa publish new report on the World Bank and Eskom As the World Bank is expediting a $3.75 billion dollar loan to the South African power utility Eskom, mostly for the coal fired Medupi power station, a new report from South African NGO GroundWork looks at the state of Eskom, and what the influx of money will mean for the company and the country. Read more Press Clipping \| 9 December 2009 Banking on coal: Why is the World Bank subsidizing one of the planet's dirtiest fuels? Phil Radford, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, has written an Op-Ed for Foreign Policy on the World Bank and coal. He argues that there is a contradiction between the Bank's stated goals about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the continued funding for coal centered projects. Read more Update \| 9 December 2009 Heinrich Boell Foundation publishes new paper on forestry in Congo Basin BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. Read more Update \| 8 December 2009 BIC cosigns letter to the World Bank about Land Management and Administration Project in Cambodia BIC and several key partners sent the letter to encourage the Board of Directors to approve a full investigation of a how communities have been affected by the project. Though the Cambodian government ended the agreement after seven years, the forced displacement suffered over that time is still weighing heavily on the Cambodian people. Read more Press Clipping \| 8 December 2009 NASA scientist calls for urgency on climate change action James Hansen, the scientist who drew attention to the Bush administration's manipulation of climate change data, says that despite improved rhetoric, politicians are still engaged in "greenwash" and that they are seeking to continue business as usual. Read more Update \| 3 December 2009 BIC publishes new numbers on World Bank Group energy lending trends Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs published today numbers examining World Bank Group energy investments over the last three years. The factsheet contrasts data on Bank lending for fossil fuels, large hydropower, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Read more Press Clipping \| 3 December 2009 No-shows among South American leaders at Amazon summit Read more Press Clipping \| 2 December 2009 International banks join to support strong climate deal The major IFIs have appealed to the governments meeting at Copenhagen to come to a comprehensive agreement on climate change mitigation, pledging to use their own resources to contribute. Some are critical, however, of how ready these institutions are to tackle the issues involved. Read more Update \| 1 December 2009 Expanding global cooperation on climate justice Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson and Senior Fellow at the Miller Institute Alice Miller have written a new article about the social impacts of climate change. They argue that if the World Bank is going to be the default institution for climate financing, it can vastly improve its practices to live up to this role. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 November 2009 The Evaluation of Health Impacts of the Madeira Hydrolectric Dams Read more Press Clipping \| 24 November 2009 Eskom official sees World Bank loan decision in H1 2010 South Africa's power company believes that the World Bank will make a decision about whether to loan up to $5 billion to the company in the first half of 2010. The money would go toward the construction of the Medupi coal fired power station, as well as other energy projects throughout the country. Read more Update \| 24 November 2009 Faulty systems at the Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility As the Bank seeks to position itself as the vehicle of choice for future climate finance, the experience of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) calls its competence into question. Read more Press Clipping \| 23 November 2009 Rising sea levels threaten Caribbean region According to a World Bank study, Cartagena and the rest of the Caribbean coastal zone could see sea levels rising as much as 2 feet by the end of the century. Read more Update \| 19 November 2009 Text of Senator Kerry's speech at the World Bank In a speech titled “Building a Twenty-First Century Development Bank: New Challenges, New Priorities,” Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry laid out his vision for the role of the US and the World Bank in tackling climate change, energy investment, and economic development. Read more Update \| 18 November 2009 Senator Lugar and Secretary Geithner discuss the G-20 and the World Bank The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today addressed the role the G-20 will play in the changing global economy, including as leaders in the World Bank. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 November 2009 IDB and World Bank to invest US$ 43 million in plans for hydro basins in Peru The Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank will invest in the development of six hydrological basins, located in mining areas around the country during the next five years, according to the coordinator of the hydrological resource management modernization project of the National Water Authority (ANA). Read more Press Clipping \| 16 November 2009 Payback time for causing climate chaos The rich world fails to understand that loans to developing countries are not the answer to climate change. An avalanche of new loans to developing countries who are already repaying debts at a rate of five times what they receive in aid every year solves nothing. Even more troubling, the World Bank will oversee these loans - an institution at the very heart of carbon-fuelled growth and Third World debt. Read more Update \| 13 November 2009 IIRSA: Development for business, an attack on lives The following video was presented to the Inter-American Comission on Human Rights in Washington, protesting the construction of mega-projects financed by the World Bank and IDB. Read more Press Clipping \| 11 November 2009 Stringent conditions to be met before Norway funds to Guyana released Guyana and Norway on Monday inked an agreement that will see Oslo paying up to a total of US$250 million by 2015 for Guyana to preserve its forests. Norway will provide financial support to Guyana based on its success in limiting emissions, enabling Guyana to begin implementation of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Terms of the deal stipulate Guyana must take action on issues of transparency and accountability before any money is disbursed. Read more Press Release \| 10 November 2009 OAS CIDH Tracks Impacts of Megadams in Latin America AIDA, International Rivers, and IMDEC present evidence of human rights violations from dams. Read more Update \| 10 November 2009 $100 Billion Recapitalization of BNDES makes it the largest development bank in Latin America Read more Update \| 8 November 2009 Obama memo on implementing State duty on consultation of indigenous peoples Within 90 days, all US federal agencies must submit a plan for implementation of regular, meaningful, previous consultation processes with indigenous peoples. Read more Update \| 6 November 2009 Climate financing and the World Bank – The IMF and the World Bank to the rescue? The World Bank is moving to become one of the major institutions taking on climate change through its Climate Investment Funds, among other policies. However, Heinrich Boell Foundation president Barbara Unmuessig believes that without reforms, the Bank will not be able to effectively or fairly alter the course on global warming. Read more Update \| 5 November 2009 DPLs now over half of World Bank lending: Gaping hole in transparency and accountability 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. Read more Update \| 5 November 2009 BIC co-sponsors workshop in Southeast Asia The workshop, held this Spring in Ho Chi Minh City, brought participants from the region together to learn how to successfully engage the Multilateral Development Banks. Read more Update \| 5 November 2009 World Bank recapitalization conditioned on reforms 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. Read more Press Release \| 3 November 2009 GTI applauds World Bank on improved disclosure policy, though significant weaknesses remain The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) released its analysis of the World Bank’s new draft disclosure policy, Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy. GTI found that despite gains in access to information, significant policy weaknesses remain. Read more Press Clipping \| 30 October 2009 The Bujagali Hydro BIC's Africa Program Manager, Josh Klemm, is quoted in a This is Africa article about the problematic $860 million Bujagali Hydropower plant project in Uganda, financed, in part, by the IFC. Read more Update \| 30 October 2009 Over-priced Bujagali Dam to raise power costs With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 October 2009 BICster rebuts World Bank talking points on renewable energy BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs was quoted in an IPS article about the World Bank's energy portfolio. While the Bank argued that renewables can only be a secondary part of a large country's energy production, Mainhardt-Gibbs pointed out that current Bank policy locks developing countries into fossil fuel dependence rather than moving them forward on a path toward clean energy. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 October 2009 US$ 34.7 million approved for environmental licensing automation The legal council of the Ministry of Environment of Brazil approved last Wednesday a financing package of 34.7 million dollars for the National Environmental Program (PNMA). 24.3 million will be provided by the World Bank (IBRD) and the rest will be financed by the Brazilian government. Read more Update \| 29 October 2009 Forests Much More Than Carbon Storage The bid to include forests in initiatives to mitigate climate change is turning out to be a sensitive issue for the planet. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 October 2009 Ecuador President says rich world should pay poor countries not to pollute "Climate change has been produced principally by the rich countries, but it most affects the countries of the third world," President Rafael Correa said in London. Read more Press Clipping \| 26 October 2009 350 reasons why carbon trading won’t work There are many reasons to oppose carbon trading. The most important is that carbon trading will not address climate change. Rising Tide North America together with Carbon Trade Watch and the Camp for Climate Action is launching a new website, 350 Reasons. Governments should not be looking for innovative ways to create loopholes for polluters or to create fortunes for carbon traders. Instead we need to dramatically reduce emissions – quickly. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Rondonia State Assemby Seeks to Expedite Road Infrastructure Investment On June 5th, the Legislative Assembly of Rondônia convened a public hearing to seek alternatives for expediting resources amounting to approximately one billion reais, to be applied works directly on the federal highways in Rondônia. Read more Press Release \| 25 October 2009 Specialists question studies and vulnerability of Belo Monte Hydroelectric dam According to specialists, the unprecedented energy inefficiency of the project and the accelerated public hearing process demonstrate that the government and contractors will push for a large project at any cost. The Panel of Specialists warned the government and public about this grave mistake, whose real costs are unknown and whose environmental impact studies are incomplete. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Jirau dam problems related to relocation After work was halted for 45 days, the licensee Sustainable Energy of Brazil, in charge of building the Jirau hydroelectric project on the Madeira River, is cautious about formalizing a request for an advance schedule for the entry into operation of the plant. The president of the company, Victor Paranhos, says it is entirely possible to begin generation of the first megawatts, but fears that new strikes could delay the work further. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 World Bank Brazil Project Seeks to Automate & Integrate Environmental Licensing With funding from the World Bank, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment is planning to expedite and integrate the environmental licensing processes now divided between Federal, State and Local authoriteis. In an effort to speed up large infrastructure with the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the move could lead to licensing regional of river basins. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 Brazil Environment Ministers Wants to Facilitate Regional Licensing of Dams According to the executive secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Isabella Teixeira, the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA) is studying a way to streamline licensing by issuing regional licenses to address the country's increasing energy demands. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 Civilization in crisis and Living Well: "Vivir Bien" Education in the Context of Multiple Crises Read more Press Clipping \| 21 October 2009 Fonam predicts investments in carbon market will reach US$ 1 billion this year On Wednesday, Fonam will host the IV International Carbon Market Seminar: Carbon Projects as a new business opportunity. The event is sponsored by the Minister of Environment, the UN Development Programme and and the World Bank Carbon Finance Unit. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 October 2009 Mexico: World Bank Loans $1.5 Billion To Lower Emissions Read more Press Clipping \| 21 October 2009 World Bank approves 1.5 billion dollar loan for Mexico It was confirmed yesterday that Mexico will receive 1.504 billion dollars in financing for “encouraging green growth”; the loan will focus on economic strengthening and environmental programs. Read more Update \| 8 October 2009 World Bank and Camisea: A Missed Opportunity The problems of the Camisea I project should be more carefully examined before the IFC approves another $300 million loan in February for the Camisea II project. Read more Update \| 8 October 2009 Peru approves regulations for National Environmental Impact Assessment System Peru approves Law Nº 27446, which establishes a national Environmental Impact Assessment system Read more Update \| 8 October 2009 IFC Board Approves Gas Investment to Support Economic Growth in Peru Read more Update \| 5 October 2009 World Bank releases new draft of disclosure policy. The new draft was completed based on public consultations in 33 member countries and online comments. Read more Update \| 5 October 2009 BIC report: World Bank needs to translate independent evaluations into practical reforms The report, entitled "The Potential of Evaluation: Creating Political Space for Dialogue and Action," examines the impact of the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group's (IEG) findings through the last decade. It finds that Bank management rarely adopts the recommendations of the IEG. Read more Press Release \| 2 October 2009 Cambodian communities facing forced eviction launch Inspection Panel complaint against World Bank Phnom Penh residents facing the largest forced displacement of Cambodians since the Khmer Rouge era have filed a complaint to the World Bank Inspection Panel stating that they have suffered serious harm from a Bank-funded land-titling project. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 October 2009 SEDEPAL recieves proposals from AFC and World Bank to guarantee next disbursement of bonds “Backing from AFC and the IFC would allow us to improve the structuring of bonds”, the Andean agency said today. Read more Update \| 1 October 2009 2009 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. Read more Update \| 30 September 2009 Info Brief: World Bank Environmental Policy Loan to BNDES In November of 2008, the WB announced a US$ 1.3 billion development policy loan to the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The DPL is the first operation in a series of two loans which span the period 2008-2010. In this article, we review the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, specifically the lack of transparency, accountability, and a clear public consultation plan. We then offer a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. Civil society firmly believes that until practices of transparency and dialogue between the World Bank, the Brazilian government and civil society organizations are truly adopted, the laudable goals of the SEM DPL will not be achieved. Read more Update \| 29 September 2009 WB and Egyptian government before Egyptian courts for violating rights of Delta farmers 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. Read more Press Release \| 29 September 2009 PRESS RELEASE: Civil society to address World Bank at Annual Meetings in Istanbul The World Bank/IMF Annual General Meetings in Istanbul October 2-7th provide a window of opportunity for civil society to impact ongoing policy reviews. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 September 2009 Obey the agreement, Nam Theun 2 investors told As the commercial operation date of the controversial hydropower project in Laos is about to begin later this year, the International Rivers found that the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the Nam Theun Theun 2 Power Corporation are still far from complying with the Concession Agreement, which includes livelihood restoration for resettled villagers. Read more Update \| 23 September 2009 WB commits to enhanced action plan in MENA region: more translation and better consultations 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. Read more Update \| 22 September 2009 New member appointed to World Bank Inspection Panel Ms. Eimi Watanabe, a Japanese national, will replace Mr. Werner Kiene, whose term will expire on October 31, 2009. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 September 2009 Lula to ask for reform of the UN, IMF and World Bank at General Assembly President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the General Assembly of the United Nations, will ask for reform of the UN itself, as well as of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, a government spokesperson said. Read more Update \| 17 September 2009 House Committee on Financial Services examines transparency at the World Bank The full committee hearing addressed the 2009 World Bank Disclosure Policy Review and the role of civil society participation in achieving successful development outcomes. BIC board member, Richard Bissell testified. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 September 2009 World Bank spends billions on coal-fired power stations An article in The Times highlights the inconsistencies between the World Bank's continued finance of coal projects and the rhetoric in their recently released 2010 World Development Report on climate change. Read more Update \| 17 September 2009 GTI WB Update 4: World Bank to complete Disclosure Review The World Bank is preparing to complete its disclosure policy review by late October 2009. Read more Update \| 16 September 2009 BNDES looking for new sources of financing The National Development Bank of Brazil (BNDES) nearly quintupled its loan volume between 1997 and 2008, making it one of the largest development banks in the world. Last year, it disbursed loans in the amount of R$ 92.2 billion; as of July this year, it has already disbursed R$ 75.1 billion. Total 2009 loans could reach R$ 131 billion. Read more Update \| 15 September 2009 Development banks to hopefully be held accountable in North Africa – Morocco workshop a great succes 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 11 September 2009 US Rep Frank threatens to withhold money from World Bank BIC Board Director Richard Bissell testified alongside other IFI experts about access to information at the World Bank during a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee. Chairman Barney Frank stated his intention to withhold any further money for the Bank until the suggestions of the panel were incorporated into policy Read more Press Clipping \| 11 September 2009 World Bank: Renewable investments surge, but enviros continue to question bank's energy portfolio A Climate Wire article cites BIC data to show that World Bank increases in renewable energy investment are outweighed by more investments in fossil fuels. Read more Update \| 11 September 2009 World Bank pledges support for DRC's Grand Inga dam Observers, however, are skeptical that the proposed project presents a solution to Africa's energy problems and whether the millions of Africans without access to electricity stand to benefit. Read more Update \| 9 September 2009 Brazil and BNDES: The Threat of Development for the Amazon In this month's bulletin, we examine some of the concerns about whether the Bank’s and the Brazilian government’s policies address climate change issues and the social and environmental impacts of these projects. Read more Update \| 9 September 2009 World Bank DPL to Brazil: Moving Money or Mainstreaming Environmental Sustainability? This article discusses the changing relationship between the Bank and Brazil within the context of a new $1.3 billion Development Policy Loan. It includes a review of the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, and then offers a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. Read more Update \| 9 September 2009 Amazon Dieback Recent evidence suggests that there will be irreversible loss of up to 85% of the Amazon forests by 2100. Still, the prospect of Amazon die-back remains a somewhat misunderstood threat due to perceived uncertainty with the climate models, but also because of the lack of visibility by development institutions. Read more Update \| 8 September 2009 Press kit: House Committee on Financial Services hearing on access to information at the World Bank The full committee hearing addressed the 2009 World Bank Disclosure Policy Review and the role of civil society participation in achieving successful development outcomes. Read more Update \| 4 September 2009 Lula's Veto of PM 458 Considered by many to be a significant step towards protecting the Amazon forest, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently vetoed parts of one of the most important and controversial environmental bills in years. Read more Press Clipping \| 4 September 2009 Ministry of Economy and Finance approves external debt measure The loan will finance an environmental sustainability reform program in the country. Read more Update \| 4 September 2009 The World Bank on the West Delta Project: Sorry we can’t consider other options! 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 4 September 2009 BNDES will need to be recapitalized after Petrobras capital increase says Energy Minister Brazil's national development bank BNDES will need to be recapitalized in order to be able to keep up other investments and lending activities, after it joins in on new pre-salt oil production and the capital increase for federal energy company Petrobras. Read more Press Clipping \| 31 August 2009 Animal Droppings can replace "Jirau" Waste, particularly manure, can also generate income for farmers, FAO study shows. Read more Update \| 28 August 2009 Where is the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Program going? 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 August 2009 BNDES Portfolio for South America Totals $US 15.6 Billion A significant increase in the number and value of projects approved or under analysis by BNDES for the South American region will bring a commensurate increase in the purchase of Brazlian goods and services over the next four years, says BNDES President Luciano Coutinho. Read more Update \| 27 August 2009 Where is the Inspection Panel's Eligibility Report for the Yemen case? 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 23 August 2009 Urban renewal mission plagued by delays, cost overruns: study This is one of several articles spotlighting the findings of a BIC commissioned study by Lalitha Kamath and Vinay Baindur. Findings reveal how India's urban poor are meted out injustice as local needs are left unaddressed. Read more Press Release \| 21 August 2009 Report seeks greater accountability in urban infrastructure projects Money for urban infrastructure in India is being spent on megaprojects that benefit only a tiny, wealthy minority of the population, while access to basic services like clean water and health facilities remains rare. A new report by Vinay Baindur and Lalitha Kamath shows how governance of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank allows privileged access to money for some while the poorest are left in the dust. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 August 2009 Beyond the world creditors’ cartel In Latin America and elsewhere, the IMF may be re–emerging—but in a changed landscape. Read more Update \| 3 August 2009 World Bank: A Carbon Bigfoot The International Herald Tribune/New York Times Global Edition printed a BIC Letter to the Editor on the role of the World Bank in climate change. Read more Update \| 30 July 2009 Put the Brakes on the Bank: Carbon Finance in Indonesia Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 July 2009 Continued resilience: Regional Report Latin America One way to stem this rising tide, said ministers, would be for Latin American countries to "increase public infrastructure integration to reduce transport and energy costs in order to make their economies more competitive." Read more Update \| 27 July 2009 Letter to the Editor: Hard data on climate change Read a BIC Letter to the Editor of The Washington Post in response to the July 23 George Will op-ed on climate change. Read more Update \| 24 July 2009 COGAM and CODE members Below find the current executive directors who serve on the World Bank's Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) and the Committee on Governance and Executive Directors' Administrative Matters (COGAM). For contact and biographical information of each executive director, click on their hyperlinked name. Read more Update \| 24 July 2009 US Treasury position on the World Bank Energy Strategy Concept Note The US Department of Treasury released a statement on July 16, 2009 describing their position on the recent World Bank Energy Strategy Concept Note. The Concept Note outlines the World Bank's forthcoming Energy Strategy Approach Paper, which should be released in August, 2009. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 July 2009 Fobomade study warns of Madeira dam effect on dengue and malaria "Under the current" (“Bajo el caudal…”) is a report by Fobomade that details the possible impacts of the construction of two hydroelectric dams over the Madeira river on the Bolivian northern border with Brazil. Read more Update \| 17 July 2009 Climate Follies: Bankrolling dirty power in developing countries A recent article by Mindy S. Lubber reveals that while the industrialized world is struggling to cut its emissions, it is simultaneously bankrolling the construction of thousands upon thousands of megawatts of new coal-fired power in developing countries through international financial institutions such as the World Bank. Read more Update \| 16 July 2009 Reflections on environmental and social program and the indirect impacts on Interoceanico Sur In order to help mitigate the effects of the economic crisis, Peru has created an "Anticrisis Plan" which in part will serve to finance big infrastructure proyects. These projects, given their scale and the government's poor management of such projects are bound to create problems. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 July 2009 IFIs restate freeze on funding to Honduras The represenatives of the Interamerican Development Bank (BID) and World Bank (WB) in Washington for Honduras rejected the suggestion that IFI funds assigned to Honduras had been "unfrozen." The pause in IFI funding announced on June 28 will be sustained. Read more Update \| 13 July 2009 Clarification of FCPF Meeting Outcomes In response to concerns raised from World Bank and US Government staff about the characterization of the outcomes of the Third Participants Committee (PC) meeting of the FCPF in Switzerland in June, the Bank Information Center would like to clarify that R-Plans are now called R-PPs. The R-PPs of Panama and Guyana were not approved by the PC, but advanced to the next stage in the process. Read more Update \| 7 July 2009 Rights and Development: What progress at the world's largest aid agency? A new article by Dr. Korinna Horta of the Environmental Defense Fund outlines the World Bank's commitment to human rights to date and advocates that the institution integrate a human rights approach into its own policies and programs. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 New crisis in the Nile: geologist warns that Egypt may lose 8mn cubic mtrs of water for next 20 yrs Will the new crisis in the Nile affect the implementation of the West Delta project? Read more Update \| 4 July 2009 Honduras coup stalls $450 million of World Bank and IDB finance Honduras' finance minister in exile maintains that the recent army-backed coup could cost the poverty-stricken Central American country $450 million in financing from international organizations this year. Without funding from multinational organizations and foreign countries, many of Honduras' social programs and public investments could be in jeopardy. Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 We want your feedback, as long as you speak English William Easterly, NYU Professor of Economics and independent voice in international development brings attention to the World Bank's problematic policies on translation. Read more Update \| 1 July 2009 Civil society demands suspension of Madeira Dams Numerous irregularities cited in environmental licensing process for the San Antonio & Jirau dams Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 The Bank of Babel 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. Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Activist Q&A: Meet Yahya Saleh Mohsen 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. Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Is the Clean Technology Fund benefiting the poor or simply satisfying the energy needs of the rich? The World Bank approves loans for renewable energy in southern countries while making sure Europe meets its energy goals. Read more Update \| 29 June 2009 FCPF approves R-Plans for Guyana and Panama With the approval of the readiness plans for Guyana and Panama, the World Bank moves its Forest Carbon Partnership Facility forward despite civil society protests. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 June 2009 World Bank to aid Dead Sea Canal project 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 Read more Update \| 24 June 2009 Obama's schooling the Bank on transparency The Huffington Post publishes a BIC Op-Ed contrasting the innovative transparency efforts of the Obama Administration with those of the World Bank. Read more Update \| 23 June 2009 Comment period for World Bank Strategic Framework implementation Submit comments to the World Bank online regarding the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change until July 31st. Read more Update \| 23 June 2009 Egyptian Ministry of finance partners with multinational companies in West Delta project The Egyptian government's engagement in the West Delta project raises many questions regarding the repayment of the World Bank's loan. Read more Update \| 16 June 2009 World Bank's Inspection Panel meets with civil society organizations to discuss transparency issues 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. Read more Update \| 12 June 2009 Yemeni civil society finally get their translation 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. Read more Update \| 5 June 2009 Bank provides only two-day notice for disclosure consultation in India Read more Update \| 1 June 2009 New report on gender and climate finance A new short report by the Heinrich Boell Foundation North America, Gender and Climate Finance: Double Mainstreaming for Sustainable Development, looks at some of the gender implications of the new global climate finance architecture as well as specific climate funds and financing mechanisms and gives some recommendations. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 May 2009 Israelis get four-fifths of scarce West Bank water, says World Bank Palestinians losing out in access to vital shared aquifer in the occupied territories Read more Update \| 27 May 2009 GTI submits model disclosure policy to the World Bank Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) develops a model of transparency for the World Bank to use as a reference during its information disclosure policy review Read more Update \| 27 May 2009 Summaries of World Bank meetings illuminate proceedings A freedominfo.org examination of World Bank board minutes versus summaries further strengthens the case for improved access to information at the Bank. Read more Update \| 27 May 2009 World Bank Transparency comment period extended The deadline to submit comments online for the World Bank's disclosure policy "Approach Paper" has been extended until June 5th. Read more Update \| 26 May 2009 GTI comments on the World Bank’s Approach Paper Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) comments on the World Bank‟s Transparency Approach Paper Read more Press Clipping \| 25 May 2009 Peru seeks US$300mn World Bank loan for transport sector The loan would support an overall US$1.08bn transport infrastructure development program, of which another US$630mn is to be covered by the state and US$150mn by IDB. Read more Update \| 22 May 2009 Bangladeshi NGOs respond to the World Bank's disclosure policy review A consortium of civil society representatives met to discuss access to information at the World Bank in Bangladesh on May 20th. Read more Update \| 21 May 2009 Climate Investment Funds: CSO observer self-selection process Civil society will have the opportunity to apply for observer seats on two World Bank Climate Investment Fund (CIF) committees and one sub-committee. Read more Update \| 20 May 2009 Yemen's Inspection Panel Case: the up-side of bad news traveling fast Yemeni group files complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel and now change might already be in the air? Read more Update \| 20 May 2009 Web-based comment period for World Bank disclosure policy "Approach Paper" closes this week While the deadline to submit comments online for the World Bank's disclosure policy "Approach Paper" is this Friday, remaining in-person consultations will take place as planned and all comments provided at the consultations will be noted. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 May 2009 Huge Bolivian glacier disappears The World Bank warned earlier this year that many of the Andes' tropical glaciers will disappear within 20 years. Read more Press Clipping \| 14 May 2009 Bolivia: To combat the crisis, the World Bank propsoses investing in infrastructure Experts at the World Bank see an opportunity in the face of crisis to invest in infrastructure projects in Latin America. According to the Bank, the deficit in infrastructure is quite noticeable in Bolivia, even below the average for the Latin America region. Read more Update \| 12 May 2009 Memorandum on World Bank Board transparency Read BIC's memo on World Bank Board transparency that has been sent to the U.S. Treasury, World Bank staff, and the office of the United States Executive Director at the World Bank. Read more Update \| 5 May 2009 Civil Society to the World Bank: Adopt Transparency 2.0 BIC and partner NGOs sound off on the Bank's disclosure policy at this year's Spring Meetings Read more Update \| 4 May 2009 Transparency violations common theme for World Bank Inspection Panel The World Bank's Inspection Panel Annual Report highlights the problem of access to information within several World Bank-financed projects. Read more Update \| 4 May 2009 Indigenous rights and climate change Read "The Anchorage Declaration" from the 2009 Indigenous Peoples' Global Summit on Climate Change. Read more Press Clipping \| 1 May 2009 Development banks come to the Caribbean's aid Leading international institutions are working together to increase their collective impact and protect the economic and social gains achieved in the Caribbean over the last five years. Read more Press Release \| 30 April 2009 Frank praises changes to World Bank "Doing Business" report Congressman welcomes Bank decision to reexamine and revise indicators that rewarded countries for having the least amount of labor regulations and discouraged the provision of social protection programs. Read more Update \| 22 April 2009 Yemeni group says lack of translation inhibited transparency Yemeni civil society group take their complaint regarding the World Bank's refusal to translate a key program document, to the Inspection Panel Read more Update \| 20 April 2009 Bretton Woods Update No.65 Read this special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, a co-production of the Bretton Woods Project, with Afrodad, the Bank Information Center, Choike and Eurodad Read more Update \| 20 April 2009 Voices struggling to be heard: Access to information and the World Bank The Huffington Post publishes a BIC Op-Ed that urges the World Bank to adopt a modern information disclosure policy. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 April 2009 New rules for environmental licensing will benefit PAC's highways Criticized by the Ministry of Environment, a streamlined licensing process should reach 40% of the roads listed in the federal program Read more Press Clipping \| 18 April 2009 World Bank fails to combat fraud The World Bank's procedures for detecting fraud in its main program of assistance to poor countries were classified as a "structural weakness" in an internal report, increasing the bank's problems in dealing with issues of corruption. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 April 2009 We must go beyond an agreement between Banks and the Ministry of Environment The Ministry of Environment announced an agreement with the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) incorporating environmental criteria and guidelines for the release of credits to companies and ventures. While representing an improvement regarding to the enviromental impacts made by some investments, the coordinator of the Eco-Project Finance and the organization Friends of the Earth - Brazilian Amazon, Roland Widmer, warns that for the agreement to be effective, more it needs to be done. Read more Update \| 16 April 2009 World Bank to lend US$14bn to Latin America in FY09 The World Bank plans to increase lending to Latin America to suplement decreasing levels of foreign direct investment in the region. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 April 2009 Amazon could shrink by 85% due to climate change, scientists say Scientists say 4°C rise would kill 85% of the Amazon rainforest. Even modest temperature rise would see 20-40% loss within 100 years Read more Press Clipping \| 16 April 2009 The paradox of the Amazon On the one hand, Brazil made some improvements reducing the rate of deforestation. On the other hand, IIRSA prevents the country from achieving its national environmental goals while deforestation puts the survival of the entire planet at risk. Deforestation is the cause of 20% of the world's global warming - more than the effects of all automobiles. Read more Update \| 10 April 2009 GTI Updates 1 and 2 now available in Bahasa-Indonesian Read more Update \| 9 April 2009 World Bank responds to BIC letter regarding disclosure policy review Read correspondence between the Bank Information Center and the World Bank regarding the Bank's review of its Policy on Disclosure of Information. Read more Update \| 9 April 2009 GTI WB Update 3: brief comments on World Bank "Approach Paper" 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. Read more Update \| 8 April 2009 BIC’s MENA program organizes regional workshop in Beirut The workshop discussed the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy Review, and introduced the World Bank’s Inspection Panel to our regional partners. Read more Update \| 6 April 2009 World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility meeting in Panama Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. Read more Update \| 3 April 2009 Workshop on World Bank transparency in Mexico BIC and FUNDAR (Mexico) are jointly organizing a workshop for the civil society of Mesoamerica in order to deepen their knowledge and plan for effecting change at the World Bank. The workshop will take place April 20th in Mexico City, the day before the World Bank's official consultation about their disclosure policy. Please read the document (in Spanish) linked below for information about participating in the workshop. Read more Update \| 22 March 2009 IDB financial losses and glaring lack of accountability invalidate replenishment request The Inter-American Development Bank should not receive public funding unless it becomes fully accountable to member governments and the public. Read more Update \| 20 March 2009 Accountability and Participation at the World Bank & IDB New study by BIC shows that IFIs have fallen far short of matching project design with discourse when it comes to promoting a culture of accountability through their own project loans. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2009 The Red Sea might save the Dead Sea The World Bank continues to commission feasibility studies for the proposed Red/Dead Sea Canal, but environmental and political issues remain major issues. Read more Press Release \| 17 March 2009 World Bank to tackle review of information disclosure policy 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. Read more Update \| 16 March 2009 2009 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings and how to get involved. Read more Update \| 13 March 2009 GTI Update: World Bank to review transparency standards 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. Read more Update \| 13 March 2009 GTI Update 2: World Bank Launches Transparency Review World Bank publicly launches review of its Disclosure Policy Read more Update \| 10 March 2009 The economic crisis frustrates Latin America's efforts to establish the Bank of the South Only a year ago many governments in Latin America expressed their desire to separate themselves from the World Bank and IMF loans. But, because of pressing financial needs, many Latin American governments have been forced to consider accepting funds from multilateral banks. In many ways this change has hindered the creation of the Bank of the South. Read more Update \| 9 March 2009 Yemeni civil society to consult on World Bank's Country Assistance Strategy 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. Read more Update \| 6 March 2009 BIC Country Study: The World Bank Group in the West Bank and Gaza Now available in both English and Arabic! Read more Update \| 5 March 2009 Brazilian NGOs urge World Bank not to approve $1.3 billion loan for environment Several organizations and social networks have asked the World Bank to postpone a decision on a $1.3 billion project in Brazil. The groups argue that prior loans have not adequately addressed environmental concerns and that the pending project-loan has the potential to continue this trend. Moreover, the groups see attractive alternatives. Read more Update \| 27 February 2009 Update on Forest Carbon Partnership Facility 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. Read more Update \| 27 February 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 24 February 2009 Albania criticizes Inspection Panel report The Government of Albania has requested a revision or retraction of an Inspection Panel Report implicating the country's government in corruption. Read more Update \| 23 February 2009 BNDES approves largest loan ever $3 bn for 3.3 GW Jirau dam Brazil's national development bank BNDES has approved 7.2bn reais (US$3.1bn) in financing to build the 3.3GW Jirau hydro plant, the bank said in a statement. Jirau is one of two mega hydro projects on the Madeira river in Rondônia state that will be connected to the national grid. The loan will go to the ESBR consortium and includes support for the transmission system that will link the plant to the city of Porto Velho, according to the statement. The financing, which will cover 68.5% of the required investment, is one of the largest loans ever granted by the bank for a single project. In December 2008, BNDES authorized 6.1bn reais in funding for the 3.15GW Santo Antônio hydro project. Read more Update \| 20 February 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 18 February 2009 World Bank violated policies and misinformed Board in Albania project Panel finds policy violations, provision of false information, and direct support for controversial demolition of homes in an Albanian village Read more Update \| 18 February 2009 World Bank Board acts on Inspection Panel Albania report Zoellick: "Bank's record with this project is appalling." Executive Directors acknowledge mistakes in Jale home demolitions and approve action plan. Read more Update \| 13 February 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Press Clipping \| 12 February 2009 AFP: Philippines summons World Bank official The World Bank Country Director for the Philippines has been ordered to appear before a Philippine Senate inquiry into a corruption scandal involving a multi-million dollar road project. Read more Update \| 10 February 2009 BIC produces new materials on the World Bank's involvement in West Bank & Gaza 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. Read more Press Release \| 10 February 2009 World Bank loans exacerbate climate change BIC assessment finds that even with important gains in renewable energy and energy efficiency in recent years, the World Bank Group’s overall lending approach to the energy sector does not support developing countries’ transition towards a low-carbon development path. Read more Update \| 6 February 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 5 February 2009 World Bank operations in Syria are kept secret Bank engages Syria on reforms to its transportation sector, while its technical assistance activities - and its overall strategy for the country - remain unavailable. Read more Update \| 4 February 2009 BNDES plans $43 billion in investments for Brazil Read more Update \| 3 February 2009 World Social Forum 2009 For the 2009 World Social Forum (WSF), a group composed of various organizations is organizing a two day workshop for updates and strategy building to inform, discuss, plan and act in defense of the rights of affected populations and the environment. The organizations are working to prevent and/or mitigate any type of social and environmental negative impacts caused by the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) and other harmful development strategies. Read more Update \| 30 January 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 30 January 2009 Nabucco's future decided in Hungary A meeting on the status of the planned natural gas pipeline convenes in Budapest. Read more Update \| 21 January 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 16 January 2009 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week Read more Update \| 9 January 2009 Global crisis is good news for IFIs in Latin America While the international financial institutions report sharp lending increases due to the global financial crisis, concerns over lack of transparency and accountability remain. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 December 2008 World Bank to train Brazilian state governments to capture FDI A new agreement between Brazil, the World Bank and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies is intended to train Brazilian state governments on reforms to local regulatory and licensing frameworks to facilitate great foreign direct investment in infrastructure projects. Read more Update \| 29 December 2008 New book by INESC - Financing for Megaprojects A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. Read more Update \| 19 December 2008 $5 billion in World Bank loans in the works for South Africa’s power utility African Development Bank also contributing record loans to address power shortage. Read more Update \| 19 December 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week Read more Update \| 18 December 2008 West African Gas Pipeline comes online at last Meanwhile, people displaced by the project finally receive monetary compensation, nearly four years after being impoverished through a resettlement process that denied them the option of the land compensation they were entitled to. Read more Update \| 16 December 2008 Stakeholders convened in Cairo to debate contentious issues surrounding the West Delta project Concerned parties threaten to file a court case against the Egyptian government if they do not receive satisfactory answers. Read more Update \| 12 December 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week Read more Update \| 11 December 2008 Over 160 CSOs issue joint statement calling for UN climate fund Civil society groups argue that the fund is essential to any new global climate agreement involving the large-scale transfer of financial resources to help poorer nations reduce emissions that cause global climate change. Read more Update \| 10 December 2008 World Bank: culprit in increased hunger? Free market policies as part of the Structural Adjustment Programs that the World Bank attached to their aid throughout the 1980s are partially to blame for increased world hunger. Read more Update \| 8 December 2008 As Yemen suffers from water crisis, Bank support for water sector hinges on private sector solutions 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. Read more Update \| 5 December 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week Read more Press Release \| 3 December 2008 Uganda dam slammed by World Bank appeals body Bujagali deal full of risk for one of world’s poorest countries. Read more Press Clipping \| 2 December 2008 World Bank FCPF: NGOs say it’s “failing forests and peoples”. Indigenous leader calls for suspension of REDD activities. Read more Update \| 21 November 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week Read more Press Release \| 18 November 2008 IMF and World Bank need to bolster transparency measures in the extractive industries 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. Read more Update \| 14 November 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 7 November 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 3 November 2008 As WB Group committments in MENA region surpassed $3bn in 2008, questions about effectiveness remain 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. Read more Update \| 31 October 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 30 October 2008 Corruption and lack of transparency in Tajik extractives industry Talco, a major aluminum mining company controlled by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, is being investigated by the IMF to address issues of extreme mismanagement of funds and lack of openness. Read more Press Release \| 29 October 2008 New and antidemocratic: "Washington Consensus" will not resolve the global crisis A coalition of 630 organizations representing 104 countries have published a declaration demanding an answer that is truly responsive to the world crisis and they spell out various avenues to achieve this. Read more Press Release \| 29 October 2008 New undemocratic “Washington Consensus” won’t fix global crisis, state over 630 groups from 104 countries 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. Read more Update \| 24 October 2008 Urgent Action: Global sign-on statment on the proposed "Global Summit" to reform the international financial system 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. Read more Update \| 23 October 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 17 October 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the News Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 16 October 2008 Hackers breach World Bank servers Intrusion exposes vulnerability of the World Bank Group's computer network by compromising confidential information. Read more Update \| 14 October 2008 International Rivers releases new report on dam building in Laos International Rivers has just released a new report "Power Surge," which chronicles the social and environmental debt created by a boom in hydropower development in Laos. Read more Update \| 14 October 2008 U.S. to lose stranglehold on World Bank presidency In a deal brokered by the United Kingdom's development secretary, the selection of the next World Bank president will be open to candidates from any country. Read more Update \| 6 October 2008 2008 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings and how to get involved. Read more Update \| 2 October 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 2 October 2008 BIC's popular Tools for Activists now available in Chinese To broaden its use among civil society organizations in China, the Bank Information Center’s World Bank Toolkits for Activists is now available in Chinese. Read more Update \| 2 October 2008 New irrigation project in Egypt’s West Delta raises critical questions about the World Bank’s priorities in reducing poverty 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. Read more Update \| 30 September 2008 Joint Bretton Woods Project Update #62 Read the special Annual Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. Read more Update \| 26 September 2008 Weekly update: IFIs in the news Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 24 September 2008 Dramatic increase in World Bank loans to Europe and Central Asia The World Bank Group (WBG) loans to countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) increased by 30% between FY07 and FY08. Read more Update \| 24 September 2008 Independent People's Tribunal report charges World Bank Report by 2007 panel accuses the World Bank of causing "grievous and irreversible damage to those they intend to serve" in India. Read more Update \| 22 September 2008 World Bank excludes indigenous peoples from climate change discussions Amazonian civil society organizations demand that the World Bank adhere to international standards by increasing the participation of indigenous peoples in meetings on forests and climate change. Read more Update \| 19 September 2008 Weekly update: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 12 September 2008 World Bank announces withdrawal from Chad-Cameroon Pipeline after early repayment The World Bank’s request amounts to an admission of failure in one of its most controversial and disastrous projects – once touted as a “model” for high-risk projects - after the Chadian government repeatedly used its newfound oil wealth in contravention of its agreements to invest in poverty reduction. Read more Update \| 12 September 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 5 September 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 29 August 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 28 August 2008 World Bank revises poverty estimates New estimates from the World Bank reveal that there are more poor people in the world than previously thought. Read more Update \| 22 August 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 22 August 2008 The IFIs and financial intermediaries in ECA: Implementation of environmental and social standards International Financial Institution (IFI) lending through financial intermediaries (FIs) has become particularly significant in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, but the IFIs lack adequate policies to ensure social and environmental best practices are applied to subsequent FI lending. Read more Update \| 19 August 2008 Bretton Woods institutions send mixed messages about China’s role in Africa Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. Read more Update \| 18 August 2008 World Bank announces countries eligible for avoided-deforestation credits Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and five other African countries were included in a list of 14 that will take part in the Bank's controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). Read more Update \| 18 August 2008 IFIs cooperate on Central Asian road projects The IFIs are set to invest billions of dollars in transportation infrastructure in Central Asia, primarily under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). Read more Update \| 15 August 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the News The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Press Release \| 14 August 2008 IFC and leading international banks do not have a robust framework for minimizing human rights risks A new study finds that international project financiers, including the leading international banks and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), do not have a robust framework for minimizing the social risks posed by their projects. Read more Update \| 14 August 2008 Possible World Bank role in Azerbaijan’s privatization corruption James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. Read more Update \| 14 August 2008 IFIs respond to Georgian conflict The international financial institutions (IFIs) have offered aid to Georgia, as the conflict winds down. Read more Update \| 8 August 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Press Release \| 5 August 2008 World Bank acknowledges serious flaws in West African Gas Pipeline But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. Read more Update \| 1 August 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 30 July 2008 The World Bank as a Knowledge Producer The author, Shripad Dharmadhikary, examines why being a knowledge provider is so important to the World Bank, and how the Bank uses its research and knowledge services to intervene in the policy making of borrowing countries. The Bank Information Center supported the distribution of this book so as to highlight this little discussed role of the World Bank. Read more Update \| 25 July 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 24 July 2008 Independent Report questions integrity of ASEAN assessment of Burma damages 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. Read more Update \| 23 July 2008 World Bank’s lending for fossil fuel skyrockets as it positions itself as the “climate bank” 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. Read more Update \| 18 July 2008 World Bank provides additional financing to electricity and water projects in West Bank and Gaza 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. Read more Update \| 18 July 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 17 July 2008 U.S. Congress launches World Bank Caucus 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. Read more Update \| 11 July 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 9 July 2008 Michael Hofmann Read more Update \| 8 July 2008 World Bank signs new emission reductions purchase agreement in Egypt 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. Read more Update \| 2 July 2008 Election controversy raises questions for Mongolia’s mining sector July riots signal the importance of transparency and responsible revenue management for Mongolia’s political stability. Read more Update \| 27 June 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 25 June 2008 Jubilee Act passes U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee 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. Read more Update \| 24 June 2008 Bota Foundation established The Bota Foundation, administered by the World Bank, held its first Board of Trustees meeting in June. Read more Update \| 23 June 2008 Zoellick visits Kyzylorda region World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick praised Kazakhstan for its role in reviving the Aral Sea, on a recent visit to the region. Read more Update \| 23 June 2008 World Bank continues to push African hydro despite concerns over vulnerability to climate change 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. Read more Update \| 21 June 2008 Newmont prepares mining operations in Ghana forest reserve 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. Read more Update \| 21 June 2008 Colin Bruce named to #2 post in World Bank's Africa department 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. Read more Update \| 20 June 2008 BIC's MENA program organizes third workshop in Egypt 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. Read more Update \| 19 June 2008 World Bank and ADB cautioned against increasing engagement with Burma's military regime 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. Read more Update \| 18 June 2008 Questions remain unanswered surrounding the Red Sea – Dead Sea Canal as feasibility study begins 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. Read more Update \| 15 June 2008 IFC touts achievements at Palestine Investment Conference, while WB-led reforms threaten the poor 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. Read more Update \| 13 June 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 12 June 2008 World Bank teams with celebrities to save the tiger; India refuses funds 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. Read more Update \| 10 June 2008 Kazakhstan signs BTC agreement into law, plans new pipelines 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. Read more Update \| 6 June 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Azerbaijan Country Update #14 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Kazakhstan Country Update #16 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Kyrgyz Republic Country Update #5 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the Kyrgyz Republic. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Mongolia Country Update #2 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Georgia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Georgia. Read more Country Update \| 4 June 2008 Russia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Russia. Read more Update \| 30 May 2008 Congolese groups denounce disinformation campaign by industrial logging industry 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. Read more Update \| 30 May 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. Read more Update \| 29 May 2008 World Bank sets up $1.2 billion facility for food aid 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. Read more Update \| 23 May 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news 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. Read more Update \| 16 May 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the News 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. Read more Update \| 9 May 2008 Amid food riots and shaken governments IFIs scramble to develop a coherent response 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. Read more Update \| 9 May 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news 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. Read more Update \| 6 May 2008 World Bank appoints new anti-corruption head 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. Read more Update \| 2 May 2008 Weekly roundup: IFIs in the news 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. Read more Update \| 21 April 2008 World Bank tries to re-write Bolivian history 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. Read more Update \| 9 April 2008 Bank plans more infrastructure, mining and forestry projects in DRC 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. Read more Update \| 7 April 2008 Joint Bretton Woods Project Update # 60 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. Read more Press Release \| 4 April 2008 Jubilee Act passes House Financial Services Committee 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. Read more Update \| 3 April 2008 World Bank again accused of tolerating corruption in Kenya 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. Read more Update \| 3 April 2008 Vacancy: World Bank Inspection Panel 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. Read more Update \| 2 April 2008 East Africa dam to face delays; vulnerability to drought raises questions over project’s viability 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. Read more Update \| 25 March 2008 As poverty increases in Palestine, World Bank continues to link aid to austerity measures 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). Read more Update \| 13 March 2008 IFC takes the lead on Yemen’s tax reform 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. Read more Update \| 13 March 2008 Food riots hit West and Central Africa Rising global food prices have led to outbreaks of civil unrest in West and Central Africa. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank plan their responses to the growing crisis, Cameroon, site of worst strife, relaxes IMF policies on wages and prices. Read more Update \| 10 March 2008 World Bank General Counsel resigns World Bank Group General Counsel Ana Palacio is resigning her position, effective April 15, further diminishing former World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz's legacy. Read more Update \| 6 March 2008 President of Chad nullifies World Bank agreement to grab oil money and crack down on opponents As a significant rebel threat to his government appears to recede, Chadian President Idriss Deby has clamped down on political opponents and bypassed controls established by an agreement with the World Bank to redirect oil revenues for military use. Read more Update \| 29 February 2008 World Bank reinventing its role in the Arab world New threats and opportunities have pushed the World Bank toward a new form of engagement in the Middle East and North Africa region. Read more Update \| 26 February 2008 Analysis of implementation of revenue transparency commitments of IFC and EBRD loans Read the preliminary assessment of the implementation of project level revenue transparency commitments for the extractive industry projects financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Read more Update \| 22 February 2008 BIC teams with local partners to train civil society in Indonesia Trainings aim to inform Indonesian civil society about the basics of the multilateral development banks and hold the institutions accountable. Read more Update \| 11 February 2008 Russia to repay World Bank debt ahead of schedule Size of debt to be repaid will depend on the size of the penalties for early repayment. Read more Update \| 8 February 2008 Bank President reiterates support for agriculture at African Union summit Robert Zoellick told Africa's leaders the World Bank wanted to expand its "efforts to help countries produce their own food, instead of relying on imports.” This would represent a complete reversal of Bank policy which has focused thus far on encouraging Africa to devote more land and resources to growing commodities, and to rely on international markets to purchase the food they were no longer growing. Read more Update \| 7 February 2008 Zambia to revise “unfair and unbalanced” mining tax rates set by World Bank While the World Bank has expressed its support for the move, calling the new fiscal regime "more equitable," critics counter that the Bank was responsible for insisting on rock-bottom tax rates in 1998 that have deprived the government of much-needed revenue as copper prices soared. Read more Update \| 4 February 2008 China's Lin named chief economist of World Bank World Bank hopes leading academic's appointment will help strengthen ties with China. Read more Update \| 4 February 2008 Zoellick commits to expanding Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Addressing the African Union Summit on Thursday, January 31, 2008, World Bank President Zoellick committed to expanding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Read more Update \| 1 February 2008 Zoellick pledges support for post-conflict countries during Liberia visit The World Bank President also spoke of the need to “speed up the process of clearing the arrears of countries that have fallen behind in payments to multilateral lenders.” Read more Update \| 1 February 2008 Iraq to cut food subsidies 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." Read more Update \| 31 January 2008 Macedonia to receive $280 million from World Bank The World Bank will be launching four new projects in Macedonia in 2008, for a total amount of $175 million. Read more Update \| 30 January 2008 Civil Society Guide to IFI Policy Reviews Read more Update \| 25 January 2008 World Bank to implement Volcker panel recommendations Following the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the previous head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit and the embarrassing revelations of extensive fraud in several of its health projects in India, the World Bank announced on January 23, 2008 that it would implement all the recommendations of the Volcker Panel Review. Read more Update \| 18 January 2008 Tanzania is awarded nearly $8 million in dispute over failed water privatization A UK tribunal ruled in favor of the government after finding that water services deteriorated following a controversial, non-competitive privatization process backed by the World Bank. A separate case brought by the company against Tanzania worth $20 million is being decided behind closed doors at a World Bank court. Read more Update \| 18 January 2008 World Bank reiterates intentions to collaborate with China in Africa During a recent visit to China, Bank President Robert Zoellick appeared keen to assuage concerns that China’s massive loan packages to Africa could compromise recent efforts to reduce some African countries’ debt burdens. Zoellick also praised China for its decision to contribute for the first time to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Read more Update \| 17 January 2008 Did the World Bank and the IMF use false statistics to build their economic success story in Egypt? A report issued by the Egyptian Central Auditing Organization accuses the Egyptian government of using misleading financial statistics. Read more Update \| 17 January 2008 Indian state seeks World Bank rupee loan First of its kind loan would be invested in health, water, energy and irrigation projects. Read more Update \| 17 January 2008 World Bank, EIB to release funds for Bujagali Dam as investigations into safeguard violations continue Construction of the dam proceeds despite an ongoing investigation into claims presented by civil society groups that the project violates environmental and social standards of both the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Read more Update \| 16 January 2008 Rebuked by internal investigation, World Bank plans to do more in DRC forest sector, but will it do better? An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. Read more Update \| 16 January 2008 Controversial head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit resigns Resignation comes after internal review reveals Bank's ineffectiveness in addressing corruption in health projects in India. Read more Update \| 11 January 2008 World Bank leak suggests support for Kibaki in disputed Kenyan elections Internal memo raises questions about the institution's political neutrality in Kenya. Read more Update \| 4 January 2008 IMF’s internal watchdog criticizes continued reliance on structural conditions On January 3, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report by its Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on the use of structural conditionality in IMF programs. The IEO has a record of often making sharp criticisms of IMF practice, though its recommendations are sometimes criticized for being too moderate in relation to the severity of its critique. Read more Update \| 2 January 2008 World Bank pressed to disclose documents on controversial Yemen reform program Policy conditions attached to the $50 million grant include a reduction of the civil service, land reform, and lower corporate taxes. Read more Update \| 18 December 2007 West Africa Gas Pipeline to start operations by year’s end World Bank's Inspection Panel expected to submit findings of its investigation into claims made by local communities that the project violated the Bank's environmental and social policies. Read more Update \| 17 December 2007 Palestinian Authority to cut spending on wages and electricity to access donor funds Favorable World Bank assessment of Palestinian economic reform program helps pave the way for major donor support. Read more Update \| 17 December 2007 Ecuador rejects ICSID arbitration over extractive industry disputes Ecuador's actions are part of a wider dissatisfaction among some Central and South American countries with international investment law and particularly its dispute settlement regime. Read more Update \| 13 December 2007 Loans to Hunt Oil’s Peruvian fossil fuel project challenged A high level delegation of indigenous, civil society and Parliamentarian leaders from Peru are in Washington, DC to lobby against the expected vote on public loans for the Peru LNG natural gas liquification plant. The delegation argues that by approving the project, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ex-Im Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), would breach their own social and environmental safeguards. Read more Update \| 12 December 2007 Mongolia's Memorandum of Understanding with IFIs The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Mongolia and the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is now available. Read more Update \| 11 December 2007 Press highlights World Bank blunders in Congo's forest Last week, the Financial Times published an article on the World Bank's errors in its forest operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of support for illegal logging in the country by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Just two days later, the IFC announced it would sell its stake in Olam International Ltd., the Singaporean commodity trading company accused of "environmental malpractice" in the world's second largest rainforest. As those gathered in Bali for the United Nations conference on climate change discuss the importance of forests to the future health of the planet, the Bank's missteps in Congo deserve a closer look. Read more Press Release \| 11 December 2007 Press Release: World Bank hands off forests Environmental groups gathered in Bali for the United Nations convention on climate change warn that the World Bank's market-oriented Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), launched today, will have negative social and environmental impacts. Citing the Bank's poor track record in the forest sector and ongoing support for fossil fuels, the groups are demanding that forests be kept out of the carbon market and that governments increase their funding for other approaches to forest protection and climate change mitigation. Read more Update \| 7 December 2007 World Bank to support Yemen's economic reform agenda The World Bank approved the $50 million grant yesterday without disclosing relevant project documents. Read more Update \| 6 December 2007 Malawi wins results and recognition for rebuffing World Bank prescriptions A prominent New York Times article describes how Malawi went from food aid recipient to regional food provider in just two years after re-introducing fertilizer subsidies for its low-income farmers. The move contravened years of policy guidance from the World Bank and IMF, which warn against such distortions of the “free market.” But donors find it hard to argue with success, especially because in violating what its wealthy benefactors in Europe and North America say, Malawi is doing precisely as they do. Read more Update \| 4 December 2007 Seeing the forest for the carbon? As the World Bank prepares to launch the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) -- its flagship initiative to address deforestation-related greenhouse gas emissions -- at the United Nations climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, we offer some background on the FCPC and outline the concerns surrounding this controversial new mechanism. Read more Update \| 4 December 2007 BIC hosts working session on international financial institutions in Indonesia Working session aims to update the Indonesian civil society organizations and movements on the old and new trends in the governance and operations of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as they relate to Indonesia. Read more Update \| 4 December 2007 BIC's MENA program organizes first workshop in Yemen 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. Read more Update \| 27 November 2007 Comment: Try as it might, the World Bank cannot hide its failings The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." Read more Update \| 21 November 2007 World Bank asked to implement NDP Action Plan In 2006, the World Bank’s Inspection Panel (IP) issued its investigation report for the Bank-funded Pakistan National Drainage Program (NDP). The inspection requesters strongly feel the World Bank Board should ask the Inspection Panel to monitor progress of Management's Action Plan so as to provide the Board with an independent assessment of progress or lack thereof. Read more Update \| 19 November 2007 U.S. coalition calls for World Bank reforms A coalition of U.S. development and environmental groups has released a joint platform containing needed World Bank reforms, ahead of the 15th replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) negotiations in Dublin, Ireland. Read more Update \| 14 November 2007 BHP Billiton eyes Congo's Inga dam complex to power new $3 bn aluminum smelter According to Bloomberg, the plant would require the use of up to two-thirds of the dam's output. The World Bank previously indicated that it may be willing to support the expansion of the dam. Read more Press Release \| 12 November 2007 Press release: Taman tries the taste of oil Guilt for the environmental catastrophe in the Strait of Kerch lies with the authorities in Russia and Ukraine, as well as with the companies transporting dangerous cargo Read more Update \| 7 November 2007 NGO coalition calls for release of report on mining contracts in the DRC A coalition of non-governmental organisations from Europe, North America, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched an international appeal today demanding the publication of the final report of the ministerial commission on the review of mining contracts without delay. Read more Update \| 5 November 2007 People's tribunal in Bangladesh announced A people's tribunal against the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank was announced in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday, hours before World Bank President, Robert Zoellick's arrival in the country. Read more Update \| 1 November 2007 NGOs urge World Bank to stop funding mega-projects in Pakistan As the World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, embarks on his first official visit to South Asia, non-governmental organizations in Pakistan urge the Bank to cease funding for large infrastructure projects. Read more Country Update \| 1 November 2007 Mongolia Country Update #1 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. Read more Update \| 30 October 2007 WB/IMF Annual Meetings 2007: Little Flash, Some Substance Robert Zoellick’s first World Bank annual meeting passed with little fanfare or flak – a marked contrast to the boisterous semi-annual meeting in April, when the pressure on his predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz, to resign reached a fever pitch. Read more Update \| 29 October 2007 U.S. Senator urges Zoellick to reform the World Bank As World Bank President Robert Zoellick works to secure IDA funds, an influential U.S. Democratic senator calls for changes at the institution. Read more Update \| 19 October 2007 Internal watchdog slams World Bank agriculture programs in Africa since 1991 As the World Bank launches its latest flagship World Development Report, this year on "Agriculture for Development," the Independent Evaluation Group's report clearly acknowledges that the Bank's engagement with the most important sector in its highest-priority region has largely been a failure. Read more Update \| 18 October 2007 World Bank's relevance in Latin America wanes as region continues economic growth and Bank of the South presents emerging competition Continued macro-economic prosperity in Latin America furthers decline in World Bank relevance in the region as worries grow about competition with Bank of the South. Read more Update \| 18 October 2007 In bid to spur increased pledges from donor governments, IBRD & IFC commit $3.5 billion of their profits to IDA Questions remain as to whether the IFC will use its role as a major IDA donor to deflect criticism of its own investments. Read more Update \| 18 October 2007 2007 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings and how to get involved. Read more Update \| 17 October 2007 AfDB, World Bank and WTO push Aid for Trade initiative at Tanzania conference Critics claim that Aid for Trade schemes could aggrevate rather than alleviate poverty, particularly in Africa. Read more Update \| 15 October 2007 South Asia Early Warning Update #1 This is the first of a series of periodic electronic updates on World Bank projects in South Asia, from BIC's South Asia office. Read more Update \| 9 October 2007 World Bank tribunal in The Hague 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. Read more Update \| 9 October 2007 Zoellick carries US trade policies into the World Bank The World Bank will focus on labor-intensive export to boost employment in the Arab World. Read more Update \| 5 October 2007 Zoellick overhauls top management 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. Read more Update \| 1 October 2007 World Bank muddled in corruption once more Whistleblowers have found evidence of large scale fraud in Armenia, but the World Bank's Institutional Integrity Department (INT) has deemed the case to be of only "medium priority," and is holding off inquiries into the allegations. Read more Update \| 27 September 2007 World Bank applauds Egypt's pro-investment reforms as workers go on strike Egypt tops list of reformers in World Bank's 2008 "Doing Business" report. Read more Update \| 26 September 2007 Independent People’s Tribunal charges World Bank with serious violations of democracy, human rights and sovereignty In its preliminary findings, the first ever Independent People’s Tribunal on the World Bank in India found that the Bank had an undue and disturbingly negative influence in shaping India’s national policies disproportionate to its contribution, financial or otherwise. Read more Update \| 26 September 2007 World Bank feasibility study on Dead Sea Canal overlooks alternatives Civil society in the Middle East demands that the Bank give full consideration to viable alternatives to the costly project. Read more Update \| 25 September 2007 Questions loom large as Bank pushes carbon finance for forest protection The World Bank has approved plans to proceed with the development of the controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, although many critical issues remain unanswered. Civil society groups are concerned that the initiative may end up being profitable for governments, companies and investors without any real reductions in carbon emissions, true protection of forest resources, or equitable benefits for the poor. Read more Country Update \| 24 September 2007 Kazakhstan Country Update #15 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. Read more Country Update \| 24 September 2007 Azerbaijan Country Update #13 Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. Read more Update \| 24 September 2007 Zoellick faces aid shortfall World Bank President faces an uphill battle to raise money from donors to support the Bank’s work in poor countries. Read more Update \| 21 September 2007 Independent People's Tribunal on World Bank gets underway in Delhi The four-day Independent People's Tribunal on the World Bank, the first of its kind in India, begins today. The Tribunal is an opportunity for impacted commununities and concerned groups to discuss how the World Bank has influenced their lives. Read more Update \| 20 September 2007 UN adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 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. Read more Update \| 20 September 2007 Zoellick names chief of staff In his first high-level appointment since taking office, World Bank President, Robert Zoellick has named Caroline Anstey as his new Chief of Staff. Read more Update \| 19 September 2007 Balance shifts to private sector in Bank Group support for MENA 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. Read more Update \| 14 September 2007 World Bank recommends privatization and fiscal reforms in the ECA region A recent World Bank report on Eastern and Central Asia "proposes structural reforms in areas where expenditure pressures are acute and suggests how to create fiscal space in other areas critical for growth." Read more Update \| 14 September 2007 Volcker report finds Bank ineffective in addressing corruption A review of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity and its Governance and Anti-corruption strategy finds that weak management, employee resistance and internal distrust is contributing to the Bank's ineffectiveness in combating corruption in its operations. Read more Update \| 7 September 2007 Zoellick's Wall Street Approach The new approach aims to reinvigorate the World Bank with high quality products and financial services. Read more Update \| 6 September 2007 World Bank launches market-driven initiative to "light up" Africa The Bank's new "Lighting Africa" program, which was launched this week, seeks to catalyze business interest in developing innovative ways to bring light to millions of Africans who are not connected to the electricity grid. While the attention to off-grid and non-fossil fuel based electricity supply in Africa is welcome, it remains questionable whether the private sector can meet the Bank's goal of delivering affordable lighting to 250 million people on the continent by 2030. Read more Update \| 6 September 2007 GAP details serious issues with World Bank's anti-corruption unit In a report released today, the Government Accountabilty Project finds that the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity is undermined by a conflict of interest at its top ranks and serious, long-term problems. Read more Update \| 6 September 2007 As the Bank trumpets record lending to Africa, is it pushing quantity over quality? While the World Bank pumps more money to sub-Saharan Africa, much of it to finance large-scale infrastructure projects, poverty levels across the continent continue to rise. How effective is the Bank's aid to Africa? Read more Update \| 6 September 2007 World Bank tries to hide scathing corruption report The Wall Street Journal has leaked a 2005 report by the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT) that documents consistent fraud and corruption under Bank-financed health care projects in India. Read more Update \| 5 September 2007 Inspection Panel appoints new member The World Bank's Inspection Panel has named Roberto Lenton as its newest member. Read more Update \| 27 August 2007 Bujagali dam continues to make headlines Although construction of the controversial hydropower project in Uganda began last week, debate continues over the dam's design, cost and impacts. A recent article in the Baltimore Sun provides details. Read more Update \| 23 August 2007 Communities in Ghana appeal to Inspection Panel about Bank landfill project The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) filed a request for inspection of the World Bank's Kwabenya landfill project in Accra, the capital of Ghana. They argued that the project would displace a significant portion of the Agyemankata community and cause health problems for residents, who were not adequately consulted. Read more Update \| 23 August 2007 NPR covers Bujagali dam controversy Last week, National Public Radio's Morning Edition broadcast a story on the debate surrounding the World Bank-financed Bujagali dam in Uganda. Read more Update \| 23 August 2007 Prospect of profits is making more MENA governments see 'green', says World Bank 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. Read more Update \| 22 August 2007 Journalists confirm Wolfowitz censored "climate change" Journalists confirmed that former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, personally intervened in removing the words "climate change" from Bank progress reports, and that it may be years before the World Bank considers greenhouse gas emissions in its projects. Read more Update \| 22 August 2007 Zoellick skims over corruption in Cambodia During his recent visit to Cambodia, new World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, mentioned corruption reform in the county only in passing. Global Witness called on Zoellick to do more to tackle corruption in Cambodia. Read more Update \| 22 August 2007 Independent evaluation finds over 40% of IFC projects fail to deliver development results The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), found that 41% of the IFC projects studied had low development ratings. IFC performed particularly poorly in Africa and Asia, where only half of its projects had positive development outcomes. In Africa, the quality of IFC work was particularly poor, rated as “high” in only 45% of projects, as compared to 68% in other regions. Read more Update \| 22 August 2007 Arab NGO Network challenges World Bank's reform agenda in Lebanon 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. Read more Update \| 21 August 2007 2007 Annual Meetings of the World Bank/IMF Read more Update \| 16 August 2007 Reflecting Africa-wide trend, China emerges as key investor in Chad China's "no-strings-attached" investments in Africa appear to many a welcome alternative to the conditional loans offered by the World Bank and IMF. But what consequences will China's growing involvement on the continent have for Africans? Read more Update \| 8 August 2007 From Australia to Japan and back; Zoellick concludes trip New World Bank President Robert Zoellick recently returned to Washington, DC following a Pacific tour. Read more Update \| 1 August 2007 WB, IMF and AfDB-backed program to privatize Egyptian banks arouses controversy 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. Read more Update \| 1 August 2007 World Bank to trade carbon credits for forest preservation The Bank's $250 million Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will offer some nations carbon credits in exchange for preserving their forests. The fund is anticipated to launch in December. Read more Update \| 26 July 2007 World Bank calls for improved family planning, particularly in Africa A new World Bank report warns reproductive health services are being overlooked in the fight against poverty. Read more Update \| 21 July 2007 World Bank governance report paints rosy picture of Africa Meanwhile, divisions on the Bank's Board of Directors over the report's findings could present Zoellick with his first test of leadership. Read more Update \| 20 July 2007 Where will Zoellick steer the World Bank? The new World Bank President spoke of middle income countries, good governance and the need to diversify services at a town hall meeting earlier this month. Read more Update \| 20 July 2007 World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group offers some advice to the new President Africa, middle-income countries and cross-border problems are but some of the issues needing Robert Zoellick's attention. Read more Update \| 13 July 2007 Chevron's Nigeria pipeline under investigation World Bank-backed project to receive Inspection Panel visit. Read more Update \| 9 July 2007 Amid ongoing discussions, Bank of the South nears launch While the specific role and activities of the new Latin American regional development bank are still being debated, plans are moving forward to formalize an agreement between members that would create an alternative to the World Bank and IMF. Read more Update \| 6 July 2007 Africa is Bank’s selling point as it seeks donor dollars for IDA Critics argue that the Bank and many of its borrowers are ill-equipped to effectively utilize the substantial increase in aid requested on Africa's behalf. Read more Update \| 5 July 2007 World Bank removes pollution death toll from report at urging of Chinese government The World Bank allegedly removed inflammatory findings on pollution-related deaths from a report under pressure from the Chinese government. Read more Update \| 5 July 2007 Zoellick begins term at World Bank Robert Zoellick spoke to hundreds of World Bank employees on his first day at the job Monday. The Economic Times reported he was greeted by applause and high hopes from a staff demoralized by recent scandal. Read more Update \| 3 July 2007 Update: Inspection Panel vacancy at World Bank Civil society groups are calling for candidates with clear commitments to accountability and deep understanding of civil society and grassroots impacts of World Bank investments. Read more Update \| 3 July 2007 IDA 15 replenishment meeting wraps up in Mozambique The issues discussed at the second replenishment meeting in Maputo included the role of IDA in the global aid architecture and IDA's role in fragile states. Read more Update \| 25 June 2007 Zoellick officially selected as next World Bank President The Executive Directors of the World Bank unanimously selected Robert B. Zoellick to succeed Mr. Wolfowitz, effective July 1, 2007, as the 11th President of the Bank for a five-year term. Read more Update \| 22 June 2007 Little news from World Bank Board meeting with presidential nominee Robert Zoellick Zoellick met with the 24-member Board on June 20 in a four hour, informal meeting. The discussion will continue on Monday June 25. The Board is expected to formally appoint Zoellick by the end of the month. Read more Update \| 21 June 2007 Paulson testifies about state of international financial system In his testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed the need to upgrade global governance structures and operations. He also touched on U.S. and global economic developments, strategic economic dialogue with China, promoting open trade and investment, foreign direct investment, helping small businesses in Latin America and strengthening the international framework against illicit finance. Read more Update \| 20 June 2007 World Bank Directors meet with presidential nominee Zoellick today They will discuss "key issues of interest to the World Bank Group, including the challenges of development...governance and leadership as well as future strategic directions". The Board is expected to confirm Zoellick on June 30. Read the most recent statement from the Executive Directors on the process. Read more Update \| 19 June 2007 Zoellick highlights challenges facing next World Bank President The only official nominee for the post of World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, recently concluded a two week tour of Africa, Europe and Latin America and commented on what it will take to steer the institution back on track. Read more Update \| 18 June 2007 Deadline for nominating candidates for World Bank presidency passes Despite all the public outcry about the flaws in the World Bank's governance and the need for an open, democratic, and merit-based process for the selection of the next World Bank President, NOT A SINGLE COUNTRY proposed an alternate candidate to the US's pick for the job, allowing the US to continue its grip on the leadership of the institution. The Board is expected to confirm the Bush administration's choice for the job - Robert Zoellick - by the end of June... Read more Update \| 14 June 2007 Bank to pilot carbon fund for avoided deforestation The World Bank is preparing to announce a new $250 million fund aimed at using carbon finance to reduce emissions from deforestation. According to recent news reports, world leaders have encouraged the Bank to move forward with plans to create a Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which would leverage private investor money and donor contributions to help countries develop strategies for avoiding forest degradation and secure payment for forest-related emissions reduction, through the creation of tradable carbon credits. Read more Update \| 14 June 2007 Zoellick pledges to keep Africa atop agenda Uncontested World Bank presidential nominee makes no major break from Wolfowitz's agenda during Africa tour. Read more Update \| 12 June 2007 World Bank ‘sees green’ in G8 declaration While NGOs express disappointment at the G8’s failure to take any bold steps on climate change during the recent summit in Heligendamm, Germany, the World Bank has praised the meeting outcomes and applauded the emphasis on market mechanisms to combat climate change. Read more Update \| 8 June 2007 Who's saying what about Robert Zoellick Reactions to the United States' nomination of the former US Trade Representative for the next World Bank President... Read more Update \| 7 June 2007 US candidate for World Bank President on 'goodwill tour' Robert Zoellick will travel to Africa, Europe and Latin America in an effort to "listen and learn". Read more Update \| 4 June 2007 World Bank and China Exim bank team up on lending to Africa Collaboration to focus on large infrastructure; move seen as attempt by World Bank to avoid growing competition with Chinese counterpart. Read more Update \| 1 June 2007 World Bank promotes carbon trading to reduce poverty in Africa Critics counter that carbon market amounts to "a carbon accounting loophole for industrialized countries, instead of a tool for climate protection." Read more Update \| 31 May 2007 US picks its winner for one-horse race to head World Bank; other countries must step up to the gate The White House’s announcement that it will nominate former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick to be the next World Bank President, and the widespread assumption that the choice is a fait accompli, serve as a reminder that the lessons of the Wolfowitz scandal have yet to be learned. Read BIC's May 31 Press Release on the Zoellick nomination. Read more Update \| 30 May 2007 Bush to name Robert Zoellick World Bank head In spite of international calls for an open, merit-based process for choosing Paul Wolfowitz's successor, President Bush is expected to name Zoellick later this afternoon. His nomination must still be approved by the Bank's Board of Executive Directors. Read more Update \| 29 May 2007 US House Committee Chairmen call on Bush to seek "right mix" of skills in next World Bank President Representatives Frank, Obey, Rangel and Lantos furthermore note that the best candidate for the job need not be American. Read more Update \| 29 May 2007 Australia joins Brazil's call for merit-based World Bank presidential selection process Demands join a chorus of voices from civil society and beyond expressing concerns about the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President. Read more Update \| 29 May 2007 Updated: Who will be the next World Bank President? A final decision may be announced this week. Robert Zoellick, former US Trade Representative and Deputy Secretary of State, is rumored to be the frontrunner. Read more Update \| 29 May 2007 As fiscal year nears end, World Bank accelerates Africa lending Civil society fears that Bank is cutting corners in safeguards review in rush to approve loans, posing potentially serious risks to affected communities and the environment. Read more Update \| 18 May 2007 World Bank Staff Association concerned with terms of Wolfowitz's departure Following World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's resignation, the Staff Association said, "we are shocked by the statement from the Board today which represents a full reversal of their own findings". The SA is asking that Wolfowitz be placed on administrative leave, an acting-President be appointed and staff are protected against any retaliation while ensuring Wolfowitz "prevented from making any decisions affecting the work of the Bank or its staff". Read more Update \| 17 May 2007 WOLFOWITZ RESIGNS PRESS RELEASE: World Bank housecleaning has only just begun. Wolfowitz's resignation is the first step to broader governance overhauls at the institution. Read more Update \| 17 May 2007 World Bank governance challenges: what must be done The Wolfowitz scandal should serve as a sobering wake-up call to the World Bank on the need for meaningful governance reforms. Its archaic 1940s convention of allowing the US to name the Bank’s leader undermines the institution’s legitimacy as well as the accountability of the Bank’s president. The Bank does not need to look very far for reform proposals - including its own 2001 proposals for an open, competitive selection process that were summarily ignored. Read more Update \| 16 May 2007 Wolfowitz lasts another day; rumors of pending resignation continue Although a decision on the fate of Paul Wolfowitz was expected this afternoon, the Board of Directors has adjourned discussions until Thursday. Read more Update \| 16 May 2007 Wolfowitz submits statement to Executive Directors World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz responded to the Board of Directors' Ad Hoc Committee's recent report on the President's alleged improprieties. At a Board meeting on Monday evening, Wolfowitz stated: "It is quite apparent that this matter has ceased to have much to do with the case itself--and everything to do with issues about my management style and my policy choices." Read more Update \| 15 May 2007 Bush administration officials change tune on Wolfowitz Although Bush administration officials came to the President's defense in recent days, the White House has recently stated that "all options are on the table" Read more Update \| 15 May 2007 Urgent recommendations on leadership selection reforms at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Read the letter to World Bank and IMF executive directors, signed by over 165 individuals Read more Update \| 14 May 2007 Updated: World Bank Board committee releases findings on Wolfowitz affair The committee has been investigating whether World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz inappropriately arranged for salary raises and promotions for his former girlfriend, Shaha Ali Riza. Also: links to a new letter from 37 World Bank Country Directors calling for quick resolution of the crisis. Read more Update \| 14 May 2007 While African governments continue to support Wolfowitz, NGOs demand his resignation African civil society rejects the idea of Wolfowitz as Africa's friend, arguing that the Bank continues to undermine development on the continent. Read more Update \| 10 May 2007 Wolfowitz granted more time to respond to committee findings The President will have until Friday May 11 to comment. The Board of Executive Directors will meet with Wolfowitz on Tuesday May 15, after which they will reach a decision. Read more Update \| 8 May 2007 Who Rules the World Bank? Opaque, unilateral control over leadership selection highlights major flaws in the governance of the institution. Read more Update \| 8 May 2007 Updated: Wolfowitz exit deal may be in the works The New York Times reports that European governments may allow the US to continue to choose the leader of the institution in exchange for Wolfowitz's resignation. Read more Update \| 7 May 2007 Wolfowitz Senior Advisor Kevin Kellems resigns Kellems was a key member of Wolfowitz's close cadre of advisors, and thus one of the sources of tensions with World Bank staff. He also served as Director of Strategy in External Affairs. Read more Update \| 2 May 2007 Update: Point, counterpoint, counterpoint... An overview of the back and forth between Paul Wolfowitz, Former World Bank Managing Director Shengman Zhang, Former World Bank General Counsel Roberto Dañino, Former World Bank Ethics Committee Head Ad Melkert, and some civil society critics. The Rashomonian drama continues... Read more Update \| 1 May 2007 Update: Wolfowitz plays defense, denounces "smear campaign" Embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz defended himself against allegations that he secured an improper salary raise for his girlfriend at a meeting with the Board committee investigating the situation on Monday morning. Read more Update \| 29 April 2007 Who's saying what Quotes from World Bank's shareholding country representatives, US Government, and civil society on the Wolfowitz affair. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 BIC statement on the Wolfowitz scandal and the need for deeper governance reforms With all eyes on Wolfowitz, few are looking deeper at the true scandal about the World Bank – that the governance of the world’s leading development agency is shrouded in secrecy and fundamentally undemocratic. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 World Bank gives green light to controversial Bujagali Dam in Uganda Bank approves $360 million financing package for dam on Victoria Nile despite concerns about climate change, environmental impacts and cost. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 World Bank's governance team calls on Board to uphold "highest standards of integrity in leadership and accountability" The team that oversees the World Bank's recently-approved Governance and Anticorruption Strategy sent a letter on Thursday expressing concern about the current Bank leadership. "We call upon the Board of Executive Directors and the President to take clear and decisive actions to resolve this crisis quickly." they wrote. Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 World Bank takes stock of its strategy in Africa The World Bank produced a progress report on its Africa Action Plan in advance of the Spring Meetings in Washington, DC earlier this month. How has the Bank measured up to its commitments, and what should Africa expect moving forward? Read more Update \| 27 April 2007 Update: NGOs worldwide demand World Bank overhaul Global sign-on letter regarding the current scandal at the Bank demands not only Wolfowitz’s resignation but fundamental reforms in the governance of the institution itself. Please provide an organizational sign-on if you agree with the demands and pass on to others who may also be interested. Read more Update \| 26 April 2007 World Bank deputy attempted to omit references to climate change World Bank Managing Director, Juan Jose Daboub, apparently tried to delete the words "climate change" from the institution's main environmental strategy paper, reports the Financial Times. Read more Update \| 26 April 2007 Wolfowitz update: Wednesday April 25 Some of the latest news and musings about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Read more Update \| 26 April 2007 Civil society responds to WB approval of financing for Bujagali In a press release following yesterday's decision, NGOs accuse the Bank of ignoring inconvenient truths about climate change, hydrology and fisheries. They warn the project may threaten Lake Victoria and leave the majority of Ugandans in the dark. Read more Update \| 22 April 2007 Former World Bank senior staff call for Wolfowitz's resignation In a letter to the Financial Times, over 40 former senior managers call Wolfowitz's resignation a "regrettable but essential step". Read more Update \| 20 April 2007 Wolfowitz wrap-up: Friday April 20 Some of the interesting press and commentaries circulating about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz today. Read more Update \| 20 April 2007 Back to the drawing board A number of names have emerged as possible candidates to take over the reins of World Bank President if Wolfowitz is removed from his post. Read more Update \| 19 April 2007 World Bank Board asks committee to issue verdict on Wolfowitz After long deliberations yesterday the World Bank's Board of Directors issued a statement saying that they have asked the Board's Committee on Governance and Administrative Matters (COGAM) to make the final recommendations "on issues of internal governance". Read more Update \| 19 April 2007 Civil War inside the World Bank... The www.worldbankpresident.org blog reviews the various camps concerned with the recent allegations surrounding World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Read more Update \| 18 April 2007 World Bank has split personality on global warming The World Bank Group's pledge to reduce greenhouse gases rings hollow as the organization increases assistance for the development of fossil fuels. Read more Update \| 17 April 2007 Inspection Panel vacancy at World Bank Applications are being accepted for the next member of the Inspection Panel. Candidates should have a clear commitment to accountability and a deep understanding of civil society and grassroots impacts of World Bank investments. Read more Update \| 17 April 2007 The Wolfowitz saga: a guide to all the angles The blog www.worldbankpresident.org posts a handy summary of ten allegations circulating about World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. Read more Update \| 16 April 2007 Wolfowitz wrap-up: Monday April 16 Some of the interesting press and commentaries circulating about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz today. Read more Update \| 16 April 2007 Wolfowitz wrap-up: Sunday April 15 Some of the recent comments and happenings related to the Paul Wolfowitz affair Read more Update \| 16 April 2007 Environmental groups release new "non-completion" report on Chad-Cameroon pipeline Report highlights disrepancies between conclusions of the World Bank and the official project monitors. Read more Update \| 15 April 2007 Wolfowitz wrap up: Saturday April 14 Summaries of some recent press and civil society commentaries on embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Read more Update \| 14 April 2007 Latest news and commentary on Paul Wolfowitz Check out www.worldbankpresident.org! Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 Will Paul Wolfowitz resign tonight? Rumor is that the World Bank President will step down this evening. While this would be a small victory, it is only one step towards remedying the fundamental governance flaws within the institution. Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 Danny Glover joins civil society calls to put World Bank on trial Danny Glover joined civil society representatives and activists at a press conference just blocks from the World bank on Friday afternoon, lending his voice to the growing calls for change at the institution. Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 Bank Board releases statement regarding Wolfowitz's involvement in girlfriend's salary Read more Update \| 13 April 2007 World Bank dialogue suggests potential support for controversial Cameroon dam Civil society remains concerned about limited public participation and energy planning, risks to Chad-Cameroon pipeline and forest reserves, and expectations that the dam would serve industrial interests. Read more Update \| 12 April 2007 Staff Association calls for Wolfowitz's resignation The chair of the World Bank Staff Association, Alison Cave, said that Paul Wolfowitz "must acknowledge that his conduct has compromised the integrity and effectiveness of the World Bank Group and has destroyed the staff's trust in his leadership. He must act honorably and resign." Read more Update \| 12 April 2007 CSOs register complaint with World Bank Inspection Panel over proposed Bujagali hydroelectric project Ugandan groups highlight risks of project to hydrology of Lake Victoria, sustainability of the energy production, lack of comprehensive needs and options assessment, anticipated impacts on local communities Read more Update \| 11 April 2007 Greenpeace releases new report critical of World Bank's role in DRC's forest sector Report entitled "Carving up the Congo" reveals that the world's second largest rainforest is under threat. Read more Update \| 10 April 2007 All's fair in love and war? Apparently yes, if you’re Paul Wolfowitz. The embattled World Bank President has come under new fire for the inappropriate salary adjustments his girlfriend Shaha Ali Riza received shortly after his assuming leadership of the institution in 2006. Read more Update \| 9 April 2007 World Bank review could shift aid away from social sector projects President Paul Wolfowitz called on Francois Bour-guignon, the Bank's chief economist, to develop a new strategy for World Bank aid effectiveness. Read more Update \| 29 March 2007 China threatens to stop borrowing due to anti-graft investigations China, the World Bank's second biggest borrower, has suggested that Wolfowitz's anti-corruption drive might be overstepping its boundaries and that it might begin turning down loans according to an article by investigative journalist, Richard Behar. Read more Update \| 29 March 2007 Anti-corruption advocate endorses renegotiation of Zambia’s mining contracts Eva Joly encourages Zambian parliamentarians to demand greater revenues so that the country could benefit from its lucrative copper industry Read more Update \| 27 March 2007 World Bank to bypass restrictions in lending for infrastructure to Sub-National entities (May 2006) By Aldo Caliari and Paul Martin Read more Update \| 23 March 2007 New Governance and Anticorruption Strategy approved by World Bank Board President Wolfowitz announced that all 24 members of the Board of Directors at the World Bank approved the new GAC strategy set to rid corrupt and fradulent practices from its lending portfolio. Read more Update \| 19 March 2007 World Bank set to confirm new VP for Africa Reuters reports that Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, is expected to become the next Vice President for Africa at the World Bank. Read more Update \| 16 March 2007 Wolfowitz's pledge to Africa has hollow ring NGO reports dramatic drop in World Bank lending for Africa during current fiscal year, predicts decline in quality of loans during final quarter if the Bank attempts to meet its commitments. Read more Update \| 14 March 2007 US nominates new Executive Directors for World Bank, IMF and ADB Testimonies were presented by nominees Margrethe Lundsager, Eli Whitney Debevoise II and Curtis S. Chin to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and statements were followed by a question and answer period. Read more Update \| 13 March 2007 Why you should care about the World Bank and Iraq 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. Read more Update \| 13 March 2007 NGOs demand revision of unfavorable DRC mining contracts A coalition of NGOs launched an appeal to the Congolese government, the World Bank and other international partners to "renegotiate, revoke or cancel" disadvantageous mining contracts made during the war and under the transitional government, in order to ensure that the Congolese people derive a "fair share" from the exploitation of the country's natural resources. Read more Update \| 7 March 2007 European NGOs launch 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' Over 60 NGOs from 16 European countries are lobbying European governments to demand that the World Bank stop policy conditionality and phase out fossil fuel projects. Read more Update \| 7 March 2007 Paul Wolfowitz to visit Democratic Republic of Congo Visit signals heightened World Bank interest in the country following the inauguration of a new government, as well as in the wake of controversy around the forest and mining sectors. Read more Update \| 2 March 2007 World Bank staff wounded in Iraq A World Bank staffer was shot in the shoulder at a security check point in Baghdad last week. Read more Update \| 26 February 2007 EBRD blacklists German firm found guilty of fraud by World Bank The German company Lahmeyer, found guilty of bribery while involved in the World Bank's Lesotho Highlands Water Project, has been placed on a list of firms that are ineligible of working with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) following the EBRD's examination of World Bank reports. Read more Update \| 26 February 2007 African Development Bank, World Bank to collaborate on extractive industries At a two-day “experience-sharing meeting” on the extractive industries (EI) in Africa last week in Tunis, the banks agreed to intensify their collaboration on EI work and support for the implementation of the EITI by resource-rich countries in Africa. Read more Update \| 23 February 2007 MIGA reviewing Social, Environmental and Disclosure Policies The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has posted draft policies for public comment until April 27, 2007. Read more Update \| 22 February 2007 Wolfowitz takes actions to gear up World Bank for Iraq? Rumor is that Paul Wolfowitz is currently negotiating a contract with a new resident Iraq Country Director, confirming fears that the President is using his position to advance US geopolitical interests, and aggravating an already tense standoff with the Bank Board. Read the Government Accountability Project's recent press release exposing these new developments... Read more Update \| 20 February 2007 Paul Volcker to lead independent investigation of World Bank's integrity unit The Department plays a critical role in rooting out fraud and corruption within the World Bank - a focus many claim is underplayed in the institution's development of its Governance and Anti-Corruption Strategy. Read more Update \| 20 February 2007 2007 Spring Meetings of the World Bank/IMF Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings and how to get involved. Read more Update \| 20 February 2007 Demystifying International Development Association (IDA) replenishment Representatives of donor countries, also known as IDA Deputies, met in Paris in early March to negotiate the amount of funding they will contribute to IDA's 15th replenishment. Find out more about the how the process works and what to expect. Read more Update \| 16 February 2007 The Fox runs to the Wolf’s cry The European Network on Debt and Development (EURODAD)'s commentary on recent news articles highlighting tensions between World Bank Management and the Board of Directors. Read more Update \| 13 February 2007 Film puts World Bank and IMF on trial A new film by independent Malian director demands accountability from the IFIs for their impacts in Africa. Staged in a typical family courtyard in Mali, "Bamako" beautifully documents a people's trial of the World Bank and IMF. Read more Update \| 13 February 2007 World Bank's "model" project in Chad beset by persistent problems The controversial Chad-Cameroon pipeline is again in the news after an off-shore oil spill occurred near the town of Kribi in coastal Cameroon. Meanwhile in southern Chad, where ExxonMobil and its consortium partners extract nearly 200,000 barrels of “black gold” per day, the security situation and living conditions are deteriorating. Read more Update \| 12 February 2007 Governance and Anticorruption Strategy: moving forward Consultation period closed on January 26. Management to update the current draft in preparation for a March 20 Board of Directors meeting. Read more Update \| 12 February 2007 BIC Comments on IFC's Compliance Advisor Ombudsman's Revised Draft Operational Guidelines The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman(CAO), the independent recourse mechanism in charge of enhancing the development impact and sustainability of the IFC and MIGA, opened the floor for comments on the its Revised Draft Operational Guidelines at the end of 2006. Read more Update \| 9 February 2007 US representative to the World Bank to step down Jennifer Dorn has been serving as Acting Executive Director. Read more Update \| 8 February 2007 World Bank Reinstates Suspended Funds to Cambodia and Vietnam Accompanied with new anti-corruption frameworks and laws, loans to both Cambodia and Vietnam have been reinstated after a year of supension. Read more Update \| 8 February 2007 Key US Treasury official concerned with the international financial institutions resigns US Treasury International Affairs Under-Secretary Timothy D. Adams announced his resignation on February 2, 2007. Read more Update \| 2 February 2007 Comments on the World Bank Group's Extractive Industries Review Implementation Report The World Bank recently released its annual report on Bank Management’s progress in implementing the recommendations laid out in the 2003 Extractive Industries Review (EIR). Read more Update \| 31 January 2007 Dispute between Wolfowitz and Bank Board becomes public Referencing key board documents, investigative journalist Richar Behar exposes deep tensions between World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and the Bank's Board of Directors. Read more Update \| 24 January 2007 Oil spill along Chad-Cameroon Pipeline The Center for Environment and Development (CED), a Cameroon-based organization that has been active in monitoring the impacts of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, has issued a press release on the incident. CED notes, among other things, a concern regarding the poor communication and long delay in alerting the public and local authorities about the spill. Read more Update \| 24 January 2007 Over 60 organizations sign letter critiquing World Bank's new HNP strategy More than 60 civil society organizations from developed and developing nations, signed on to a letter addressed to President Wolfowitz expressing concern over the Bank's new Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) strategy. Read more Update \| 24 January 2007 Gordon Brown urges reform of UN, World Bank and IMF The Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, called for "modernization and reform" of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, at a keynote speech in India on January 17, 2007. Read more Update \| 21 January 2007 Karibu to World Social Forum Nairobi 2007! BIC to host sessions on the African Development Bank and World Bank in Africa Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 New BIC Publication: Quick Reference Guide to Revenue Transparency at the IFIs BIC's Europe and Central Asia program has compiled an easy access source of information on International Financial Institution (IFI) disclosure policies and their weaknesses. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 BIC Publication: EIR Implementation Status Report In July 2001, the World Bank Group (WBG) commissioned the Extractive Industry Review (EIR), a process led by an independent secretariat established to analyze whether extractive industries projects could be compatible with the WBG’s goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Read more Update \| 9 January 2007 World Bank study notes “complete lack of transparency” in DRC mining contracts In an op-ed about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Boston Globe, authors John le Carre and Jason Stearns criticized the unfavorable mining contracts signed between several international companies and Gecamines, the Congolese state-owned copper company, as a threat to the country’s prospects for lasting peace and development. Read more Update \| 3 January 2007 Wolfowitz needs to earn staff trust to succeed A January 2 New York Times editorial contends that the World Bank President needs a "more inclusive management style and a more diplomatic inner circle". Read more Update \| 21 December 2006 World Bank appoints new Vice President of External Affairs Marwan Muasher, a Jordanian national and former Foreign Minister, will replace acting VP, Kevin Kellems, as Vice President of External Affairs, Communications and United Nations Affairs. Read more Update \| 21 December 2006 BIC Mekong office releases Scoping Report The report will guide the organization's work in Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, China, Laos and Indonesia. Read more Update \| 18 December 2006 World Bank seeks China’s cooperation in lending to Africa New World Bank Vice President for East Asia “confident that we'll be able to find a broad range of activities where we can work together.” Read more Update \| 14 December 2006 World Bank launches new Country Partnership Strategy for Russia The new 2007-2009 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Russia was endorsed by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on December 14. Read more Update \| 14 December 2006 Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli speaks at SAIS The Georgian Prime Minister, Zurab Nogaideli, came to Washington, D.C. this week to meet with key officials and speak about his country’s progress in the three years after the Rose Revolution, as well as comment on the country’s relations with Europe and Russia at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Read more Update \| 13 December 2006 Wolfowitz clashes with World Bank staff The World Bank President's reliance on a close coterie of political advisors with little experience is heightening tensions within the institution, Christopher Swann writes in a new Bloomberg article. Read more Update \| 8 December 2006 Wolfowitz passing the hat for IDA The World Bank President is trying to calm critics and raise money for the next round of International Development Association replenishment. Read more Update \| 8 December 2006 World Bank questions its own impact on poverty A new report by the Bank's Independent Evaluation Group argues that Bank programs have failed to achieve sustained increases in per capita income. Read more Update \| 8 December 2006 World Bank response to NGO concerns about Bujagali is short on detail Bank's delayed reply fails to address critical issues of public disclosure or consultation Read more Update \| 6 December 2006 Kyrgyz activists protest debt initiative outside World Bank office in Bishkek About 150 Kyrgyz protesters gathered around the World Bank's office in Bishkek to protest their government’s decision to take on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) - a World Bank and International Monetary Fund program to help poor countries by writing off part of their debt. Read more Update \| 6 December 2006 Urgent concerns about Uganda dam go unanswered by World Bank An NGO letter to the World Bank details urgent concerns regarding the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda, which is being fast-tracked for development early next year. Read more Update \| 6 December 2006 Civil society calls on DRC President to renegotiate disadvantageous mining contracts World Bank yet to disclose audits of Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned copper mining company Read more Update \| 5 December 2006 Hart Schafer tapped as Acting VP for Africa President Wolfowitz fills position after Africa VP's resignation Read more Update \| 4 December 2006 Kazakhstan and World Bank sign memoranda of understanding Kazakhstan signs two memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the World Bank that focus on improving the efficiency of public finance management and increasing extractive industry transparency. Read more