Wolfowitz Watch | Bank Information Center: Monitoring the projects and policies of the World Bank, IMF and other international financial institutions


bicusa.org/wolfowitz Wolfowitz Watch Overview Background Concerns Updates Resources Contacts RSS 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 \| 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 \| 3 July 2007 Wolfowitz joins conservative think tank The American Enterprise Institute, one of the nation's most influential and conservative think tanks, announced hiring Paul Wolfowitz as a visiting scholar yesterday. 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 2 May 2007 The lighter side of corruption While Paul Wolfowitz digs in his heels and continues to drag out the fight to save his job as President of the World Bank, some critics are taking a more humorous look at the situation. 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'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 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 \| 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 The plot thickens: Contract suggests multiple conflicts of interest with Wolfowitz's girlfriend's work The details of Shaha Riza's contract as a consultant and her public statements potentially reinforce the claim that there was a conflict of interest between her activities in Iraq while still employed by the World Bank. 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 3 April 2007 Paul Wolfowitz profiled in New Yorker magazine article John Cassidy reviews the personal and public sides of the controversial World Bank President. 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 \| 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 Wolfowitz Emerges as Key Figure in Intel Manipulation Grand jury transcripts released in the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby show that Vice President Cheney chose (then Deputy Secretary of Defense) Paul Wolfowitz to leak highly classified documents to the Wall Street Journal. 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 \| 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 \| 15 February 2007 World Bank transparency challenges highlighted by probe into leaked Board documents Journalist Richard Behar continues his discussion of problems within the World Bank, highlighting the Bank's failure to make its internal processes transparent. 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 \| 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 \| 30 January 2007 World Bank anti-corruption strategy needs improvement Concerns include the draft's failure to adequately address the Bank's internal governance and the role of the private sector. Read more Update \| 29 January 2007 Wolfowitz praises Turkey as "success story of the World Bank" Speaking to reporters in Turkey this weekend, World Bank chief Paul Wolfowitz hailed Turkey's economic growth and described the country's transformation as an example for others to follow. 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 \| 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 \| 19 December 2006 Wolfowitz urges United States to increase contribution to IDA for Africa’s sake 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 \| 7 December 2006 Wolfowitz to testify before Congress on Iraq? Sunil Chacko discusses whether the US Congress can subpoena World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz 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 \| 24 November 2006 Wolfowitz visits Europe, Australia; encounters protestors in London, Melbourne World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz attended the EU Development Days and G20 Summit. Read more Update \| 24 November 2006 World Bank anti-corruption strategy: what people are talking about The World Bank’s anti-corruption strategy is trudging forward, in spite of continuing tensions over the content and tone of the framework. Read more Update \| 18 November 2006 World Bank anti-corruption strategy: Work Plan and consultation process begin Work begins, in spite of lingering tensions Read more Update \| 17 November 2006 World Bank Africa Vice President resigns Vice President Gobind Nankani considered Wolfowitz's "latest casualty" Read more Update \| 16 November 2006 World Bank anti-corruption strategy now open for public comment Comments on the controversial strategy will be accepted for an unspecified amount of time. Read more Update \| 9 November 2006 Calls for Wolfowitz to step down follow Rumsfeld resignation Following the announcement on November 8th that Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense and one of the chief architects of the Iraq war, had tendered his resignation, critics began focusing their attention on the other individuals responsible for the Iraq quagmire--namely, President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz. Read more Update \| 30 October 2006 WSJ article chronicles Wolfowitz's push to accelerate World Bank work in Iraq An article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today, featuring a quote by BIC's Executive Director, provides a comprehensive account of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's continued drive to chart Iraq's future. Read more Update \| 27 October 2006 World Bank announces appointment of new Director in the Sustainable Development Network Kristalina Georgieva has been selected by the World Bank as the new Director for Strategy and Operations in the Sustainable Development Vice-Presidency. This position was established in June by World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz following the merger of the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Network and the Infrastructure Network. Read more Update \| 27 October 2006 World Bank chief warns China about lending to Africa As China's relationship with many of Africa's resource rich countries grows at an accelerated pace, Wolfowitz says he is concerned that many Chinese banks are not respecting basic human rights and environmental standards. Read more Update \| 27 October 2006 US senators protest World Bank's use of "Doing Business" to attack labor standards A letter sent to World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz on Friday by six members of the United States Senate objects to the Bank's Doing Business publication because it "appears to discourage countries from upholding established standards of worker rights as set by the ILO." Read more Update \| 23 October 2006 Wolfowitz in the news: October 16-23 Wolfowitz visited France and Norway this week, and commented on the upcoming IDA replenishment, Africa and the fight against corruption. Read more Update \| 21 October 2006 Wolfowitz's anti-corruption plan receives lukewarm reception at Annual Meetings The World Bank's controversial Governance and Anti-Corruption Framework was the subject of intense debate prior to the Annual Meetings, raising important questions about the appropriate role for the Bank in fighting corruption, and the need for the institution to clean up its own act before dictating strategies to others. Read more Update \| 16 October 2006 Jubilee USA network appeals directly to Wolfowitz to cancel Liberian debt Jubilee USA is calling on the World Bank, the IMF and Liberia’s other creditors to take real steps towards justice for Liberia by moving to immediately cancel Liberia’s debt so that the money can be used for desperately needed infrastructure and support, without which this fragile new democracy cannot survive. Read more Update \| 2 October 2006 2006 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings: Taking stock Details on the International People's Forum and the official meetings, a boycott timeline, and links to additional resources. Read more Update \| 11 September 2006 2006 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. Read more Update \| 21 August 2006 World Bank releases newest draft of governance and anticorruption framework Read more Update \| 31 July 2006 Mainstreaming or undermining sustainability? Read more Update \| 19 July 2006 World Bank Senior Vice President for the Human Development Network, Jean-Louis Sarbib, retires Read more Update \| 19 July 2006 The World Bank invites public comment on the development of its anti-corruption and governance framework outline Comments will be accepted through August 4. Civil society has anxiously monitored the development of the framework since the Development Committee asked World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz to clarify his anti-corruption plan during last April's World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings. Read more Update \| 13 July 2006 Senators want to see progress on whistleblower protection at the World Bank Highlighting the steps taken by the United Nations, Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa (Republican) and Norm Coleman from Minnesota (Republican) sent a letter to President Paul Wolfowitz seeking a status report on whistleblower protection at the World Bank. Read more Update \| 28 June 2006 World Bank environmental department absorbed into larger network Rumors of the pending reorganization have circulated for months, fueling doubts about the Bank's commitment to sustainable development. Read more Update \| 19 June 2006 Ana Palacio tapped as Senior Vice President and World Bank Group General Counsel by Wolfowitz Word on the street has been confirmed--the former Spanish Foreign Minister will become Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the World Bank. Ana Palacio will also serve as Secretary General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. Read more Update \| 16 June 2006 IF-Eye Issue #6 This issue of the IF-Eye newsletter discusses the World Bank's anti-corruption initiative, highlights civil society activities around the IFIs, and provides recent updates on the institutions. Read more Update \| 16 June 2006 World Bank anti-corruption framework development continues During the Spring Meetings the Development Committee called upon the Bank to prepare a more rigorous anti-corruption framework in time for the Annual Meetings in Singapore this September. A draft framework is being hastily circulated between Bank management and Executive Directors this summer without any external consultation. Read an overview of the process, and link to the most recent iteration of the framework. Read more Update \| 14 June 2006 Ana Palacio to be named World Bank General Counsel? Read more Update \| 8 June 2006 Beware the big, bland wolf: The first year of Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank Read more Update \| 6 June 2006 Wolfowitz answers questions about corruption Following a meeting in the Vatican, World Bank chief, Paul Wolfowitz, fielded questions from an Italian newspaper about his anti-corruption initiative. Read more Update \| 1 June 2006 Wolfowitz Needs to Look at Corruption of Yesterday, Not Just Today. Must Follow the Positive Example of Norway. Gail Hurley contends that any comprehensive approach to corruption must examine the World Bank's lending practices of yesterday and cancel debts found to be corrupt and fraudulent. Read more Update \| 31 May 2006 World Bank chief calls for an end to violence in Timor Leste Read more Update \| 31 May 2006 Wolfowitz Travels to Japan and South Korea Paul Wolfowitz, the president of the World Bank, arrived in Japan on May 27 and continued on to South Korea on May 30. Read more Update \| 31 May 2006 The worst man in the world? Robert Calderisi comments on World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz in the May 15 issue of the New Statesman. Read more Update \| 23 May 2006 IF-Eye Issue #5 The latest issue of the IF-Eye newsletter includes updates on IFI and civil society activities, and commentary on the ADB Annual Meetings. Read more Update \| 12 May 2006 Pakistan's rot has World Bank roots Shannon Lawrence and Peter Bosshard contend that the World Bank's actions facilitate rather than discourage corruption in the country's infrastructure projects. Read more Update \| 11 May 2006 Wolfowitz meets with President of Uruguay, Tabaré Vázquez In the midst of a dispute between Argentina and Uruguay over the construction of a pulp mill, World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz and the heads of IFC and MIGA met with the president of Uruguay, Tabaré Vázquez. Read more Update \| 5 May 2006 Corruption discussion evolves at the Spring Meetings Summary of new developments in the World Bank's fight against corruption, and recommendations for what the strategy should include Read more Update \| 4 May 2006 Official Statements made by Development Committee members at the 2006 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings The Development Committee met during last month's IMF/World Bank 2006 Spring Meetings. Agenda included discussion of clean energy and development, and the Global Monitoring Report 2006: Strengthening Mutual Accountability - Aid, Trade and Governance. Read more Update \| 28 April 2006 Wolfowitz travels to Guatemala and Mexico Read more Update \| 24 April 2006 World Bank announces approval of Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative On April 21 World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz announced that the institution had secured enough votes to approve the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) for 17 countries worth $37 billion over the next 40 years. Read more Update \| 24 April 2006 World Bank announces approval of Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative On April 21 World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz announced that the institution had secured enough votes to approve the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) for 17 countries worth $37 billion over the next 40 years. Read more Update \| 24 April 2006 Development Committee calls for World Bank anti-corruption framework, Wolfowitz highlights importance of good governance The call follows Wolfowitz's recent sketching of broad measures to address corruption during his recent trip to Indonesia. Read more Update \| 24 April 2006 Mallaby comments on Wolfowitz and globalization In two recent op-ed pieces that appeared in the Washington Post over the Spring Meetings weekend, Sebastian Mallaby commented on Wolfowitz's anti-corruption initiatives and the state of the international political economy. Read more Update \| 24 April 2006 Activists Demand Stronger Anti-Corruption Measures at World Bank A statement issued on April 20 by more than 70 organizations charges that Wolfowitz's campaign ignores the corruption that routinely impacts countries that are dependent on World Bank loans. Read more Update \| 21 April 2006 Wolfowitz launches spring meetings with opening press conference Wolfowitz's opening remarks touched on key themes to be discussed this week, and were interrupted by protestors Read more Update \| 21 April 2006 Graeme Wheeler and Juan Jose Daboub appointed World Bank Managing Directors Wheeler was named Acting Manager Director following Shengman Zhang's departure last January. Daboub has previously served as Finance Minister of El Salvador. Read more Update \| 13 April 2006 “Don’t expect too much from me!” Indonesian NGOs express disappointment with Paul Wolfowitz's lack of commitment to combatting corruption in past World Bank lending. Read the press release Read more Update \| 12 April 2006 Wolfowitz announces World Bank anti-corruption strategy On April 11 the World Bank President outlined a plan for tackling corruption, denouncing it as "one of the biggest threats to development in many countries." Read more Update \| 11 April 2006 World Bank may open office in Iraq World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is considering the merits of opening an office in Iraq to engage more intensively in reconstruction efforts. Read more Update \| 6 April 2006 Wolfowitz Visits Indonesia and Timor Leste Once US ambassador to Indonesia from 1986-1989, now President of the World Bank Paul Wolfowitz returns to Indonesia and travels through Timor Leste. Read more Update \| 31 March 2006 Read more Update \| 30 March 2006 World Bank Staff Association responds to recent press on corruption at the bank Following several days of heightened attention on corruption at the World Bank, the institution's staff association has spoken out about potentially misleading claims asserted in the press. Read more Update \| 30 March 2006 Wolfowitz in the hot seat, says US News & World Report The division between World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and some career bank staff is widening, Edward T. Pound suggests. Read more Update \| 23 March 2006 Wolfowitz cites trade and investment as justifying the World Bank's involvement in middle-income countries In a speech to mark the “graduation” of Czech Republic from the World Bank Group (transition from being a beneficiary to being an active partner of development cooperation) World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz defended the battered role of the bank in middle-income countries, the Center of Concern notes. Read more Update \| 16 March 2006 UK International Development Secretary Benn urges EU and US to reform World Bank and IMF Hilary Benn chastises the US and the EU for failing to modernize the presidential selection processes of the World Bank and the IMF. Read more Update \| 8 March 2006 Former World Bank staff member speaks out about current staff concerns with Wolfowitz in op-ed World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz's questionable appointments and alleged cronyism are analysed by a former staff member in this recent op-ed that underscores the concerns of current staff members. Read more Update \| 7 March 2006 Wolfowitz's anti-corruption quest continues to generate debate Following the suspension of several World Bank loans to countries with notoriously high levels of corruption, press reviews and articles continue to discuss Paul Wolfowitz's mission as President of the World Bank. Read more Update \| 3 March 2006 Heeding calls from NGOs, Bank releases CAO report on DRC mine Read more Update \| 27 February 2006 IF-EYE Issue 2 Read the second issue of BIC's new monthly newsletter: the IF-EYE! Read more Update \| 23 February 2006 Editorials on IFC's new standards and Wolfowitz's anti-corruption initiatives Following a flurry of earlier articles and responses in prominent newspapers, Sebastian Mallaby and an anonymous author assess Wolfowitz's anti-corruption strategy and the IFC's plans to update environmental and social standards. Read more Update \| 14 February 2006 Wolfowitz Travels to Germany World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz met with German members of Parliament, civil society, the private sector and leading ministers as part of his trip to Berlin January 29-30. Read more Update \| 14 February 2006 Interview with World Bank President Wolfowitz concerning corruption and the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Following the announcement by Chadian authorities that there would be revisions to the Petroleum Revenue Management Law 001, the centerpiece of the Bank's experiment in converting petrodollars to poverty reduction, the World Bank suspended all loans to Chad. Read more Update \| 9 February 2006 Wolfowitz holds Town Hall Meeting with World Bank staff Wolfowitz discussed the recent staff survey and senior-level appointments, and took questions from bank staff. Read more Update \| 9 February 2006 Rumors at the Bank... Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Ana Palacio may soon be joining the institution in key senior management positions. Read more Update \| 9 February 2006 Graeme Wheeler reacts to recent press coverage of Paul Wolfowitz Wheeler also answers questions about allegations of corruption within the Bank Group and deceleration of decision making. Read more Update \| 9 February 2006 Recent press on Wolfowitz Some interesting new articles on Paul Wolfowitz, his apparent agenda, and his relationship with World Bank staff. Read more Update \| 7 February 2006 John Wilton, World Bank Vice President for Strategy, Finance, and Risk Management, resigns Wilton has held the position since 2004. His responsibilities have included overseeing the World Bank's overall business strategy and financial management. Read more Update \| 7 February 2006 Confirmed: Roberto Danino to leave the World Bank The senior vice president and general counsel's resignation was effective January 31. Read more Update \| 6 February 2006 World Bank Staff Survey highlights confusion and concern over institutional direction Read highlights from the 2005 World Bank Staff Survey, and download the overall results. Read more Update \| 6 February 2006 Kiyoshi Kodera to lead World Bank/IMF Development Committee Kodera will assume the position in mid-February, reports the World Bank. Read more Update \| 1 February 2006 Several new appointments at the World Bank New Director of Operations Support Unit in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Director of Operations in the Africa Region and Sector Director of the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Unit in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Read more Update \| 31 January 2006 Internal complaint questions transparency and legitimacy of Wolfowitz's appointments Anonymous complaint filed against the President of the World Bank denounces recent appointments. Read more Update \| 31 January 2006 Wolfowitz's office urged to release internal report on controversial DRC mine Read more Update \| 30 January 2006 Letters to the editor present different opinions on Wolfowitz conflict Recent news articles about controversy at the World Bank stir up public debate. Read more Update \| 26 January 2006 Call for Boycott in Reaction to Threats by Singapore to Cane World Bank Protesters The leader of the Consumers Association of Penang and Friends of the Earth Malaysia has called for a boycott of Singapore Airlines in view of the warning issued by the Singapore government that it is prepared to cane or imprison protestors who commit "violent crimes" during the September 2006 Annual Meeting of the World Bank and IMF. Read more Update \| 26 January 2006 Wolfowitz holds virtual meeting with civil society organizations The World Bank president met with organizations from Colombia, Germany, Mali, Pakistan, Poland, and Zambia on January 18. Read more Update \| 24 January 2006 Karl Jackson reportedly advising President Wolfowitz Amidst rumors of internal strife at the World Bank, reports suggest that close friend of Paul Wolfowitz, Karl Jackson, is acting as advisor to the President. Read more Update \| 24 January 2006 World Bank Staff Association discusses recent appointments, relationship with bank president Read a January 23 Staff Association message to World Bank staff discussing recent appointments Read more Update \| 24 January 2006 Wolfowitz debate continues in press Discussion of World Bank Paul Wolfowitz's clique of close supporters, management style and relationship with bank staff continues in new articles in the Washington Post, Financial Times and Village Voice. Read more Update \| 23 January 2006 Financial Times raises questions about Wolfowitz cabal Edward Alden and Andrew Balls discuss claims that World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is building a cabal of supporters at the highest levels of the institution. The authors also highlight staff concerns over Wolfowitz's management style, as well as charges that newly-appointed Director of Institutional Integrity Suzanne Rich Folsom has inappopriately violated staff email accounts to investigate corruption cases. Read more Update \| 19 January 2006 Ian Johnson to step down as World Bank's Vice President for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has announced that Ian Johnson will leave his position as Vice President of the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Network (ESSD) this spring. Johnson has held the position since 1998. Read more Update \| 18 January 2006 Rumor: World Bank General Counsel Roberto Danino resigns Danino is rumored to have informed his staff of his resignation on January 13. Read more Update \| 13 January 2006 Suzanne Rich Folsom named Director of the Department of Institutional Integrity Suzanne Folsom was named Director of the Department of Institutional Integrity on January 17. Martin de Jong stepped down from the position last fall. Read more Update \| 11 January 2006 Kevin Kellems named Director of Strategy of World Bank External Affairs Department Kevin Kellems, current Senior Advisor to World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, has previously served as Communications Director and Spokesman for Vice President Dick Cheney. Read more Update \| 6 January 2006 Wolfowitz suspends $124m in World Bank loans to Chad In what some have described as Wolfowitz's first real test in his new position, the President announced the suspension of all World Bank loans to Chad on Friday. Read more Update \| 6 January 2006 World Bank External Communications Director Gerry Rice Resigns The Bank's Vice President of External Affairs informed Bank staff of Rice's decision on January 4. Read more Update \| 4 January 2006 Wolfowitz in Brazil World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz traveled to Brazil in mid-December on his first visit to Latin America as World Bank President. Read more Update \| 3 January 2006 Rede Brazil comments on Wolfowitz visit The statement speculates on the motivation for the President's visit, discusses avenues for dialogue with civil society, and presents a list of demands for the new President. Read more Update \| 3 January 2006 Wolfowitz comments on Brazil's environmentally-friendly development Wolfowitz was speaking at the at the Special Session of the Sao Paulo Forum on Climate Change, following a five-day trip that included stops at education, water and slum projects, and a visit to the Amazon. Read more Update \| 21 December 2005 More press on Wolfowitz, the World Bank, and Iraq We've recently been forwarded several sources discussing Iraq, the World Bank and Paul Wolfowitz. As always, we leave it to our readers to develop their own opinions and arguments on these issues. Read more Update \| 20 December 2005 World Bank Staff expresses concern about Staff Survey response confidentiality Two recent memos circulated to World Bank staff address apparent staff concerns about the confidentiality of the institution's Staff Survey responses. Read more Update \| 15 December 2005 Wolfowitz meets with Guatemalan Civil Society Representatives to Discuss Controversial Marlin Mine The World Bank President met with Mario Tema and Magali Rey Rosa on December 9 Read more Update \| 12 December 2005 Graeme Wheeler takes over recently departed Shengman Zhang's position as Acting Managing Director of the World Bank Former World Bank Treasurer and Vice President to chair Senior Management Search Committee and act as Managing Director following Shengman Zhang's exit. Read more Update \| 9 December 2005 World Bank issues statement on Chad Wolfowitz comments on Chad's proposed amendments to the Petroleum Revenue Management Law Read more Update \| 5 December 2005 Paul Wolfowitz on upcoming World Trade Organization talks Read articles discussing Paul Wolfowitz's recent statements concerning the December 2005 WTO meeting. Read more Update \| 5 December 2005 Wolfowitz's recent statements on HIV/AIDS Read articles from the Voice of America and the World Bank Press Review discussing President Wolfowitz's recent statements on HIV/AIDS Read more Update \| 2 December 2005 Wolfowitz comments on Bank's strategic direction and change within the institution Paul Wolfowitz discussed the World Bank's strategic directions and change within the institution during an interview with the World Bank's Corporate Communications Unit earlier this week. Read more Update \| 29 November 2005 Wolfowitz Starts Search For World Bank Top Officials Read the World Bank Press Review's article on the search process to replace Shengman Zhang. Links to other articles on the search process also provided. Read more Update \| 28 November 2005 Before the World Bank... To serve the interests of our readers we're providing links to a selection of sources discussing the greater influence and legacy of Paul Wolfowitz. We leave it to our readers to develop their own opinions and arguments on these issues. Read more Update \| 26 November 2005 Wolfowitz highlights DOHA and Africa at November 14 media roundtable World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz commented on the importance of the DOHA Development Round, and offered his thoughts on the most pressing issues facing the World Bank. Read more Update \| 15 November 2005 Village Voice questions Shaha Ali Riza's recent move to the State Department Ward Harkavy highlights concerns about President Wolfowitz's girlfriend's move to work with Liz Cheney on promoting democracy in the Middle East. Read more Update \| 15 November 2005 Jeffrey Gutman to serve as Acting Vice President in the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific Region Read more Update \| 8 November 2005 World Bank Staff Association expresses concern over working relationship with Bank management In an email circulated to World Bank staff, the Staff Association expressed concern over being left out of recent senior management meetings Read more Update \| 28 October 2005 Word on the street: Jeff Lamb and Ian Johnson to leave the World Bank Geoffrey Lamb is currently the Vice President of Concessional Finance & Global Partnerships, and Ian Johnson is the Vice President of Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development. Although neither announcement is official, rumor is that both men have begun informing their staff. Read more Update \| 27 October 2005 Bank freezes loans to Ecuador President Wolfowitz recently announced that the World Bank will freeze loans to Ecuador. The move is reportedly in response to the Ecuadorian government's new law increasing the percentage of oil revenues directed towards social needs and national development in science and technology. Read more Update \| 25 October 2005 Wolfowitz encounters protesters in Helsinki Read more Update \| 20 October 2005 Jemal-ud-din Kassum to leave the World Bank The Vice-President of East Asia and the Pacific will step down in mid-December. A replacement has not been named. Read more Update \| 19 October 2005 BIC Announces Wolfowitz Watch webpage! Read more Update \| 11 October 2005 Wolfowitz raises concerns about future funding to Zimbabwe The World Bank may curtail future funding to Zimbabwe due to government corruption, Paul Wolfowitz remarked on October 11. Read more Update \| 11 October 2005 Wolfowitz Travels to Japan, China, Russia, Sweden and Finland World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz departed Washington D.C. October 9, commencing a two-week trip to Asia and Europe. Read more Update \| 6 October 2005 Maarten de Jong steps down as Director of World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity Suzanne Rich Folsom, who has served as Counselor to the President for the last two years, will assume the position of Acting Director as of October 4. Read more Update \| 6 October 2005 Managing Director Shengman Zhang to leave the World Bank World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has announced that Shengman Zhang will leave his position as Managing Director, a position he has held since 1997. Read more Update \| 6 October 2005 Wolfowitz tries to allay Bank staff fears of shake-up In response to a question from the World Bank Staff Association about potential staffing shake-ups within the Bank, Paul Wolfowitz advised Bank staff to "stop worrying and do your work". Read more Update \| 6 October 2005 Wolfowitz Town Hall meeting with civil society receives mixed reviews Paul Wolfowitz’s first Town Hall Meeting with civil society organizations took place on Thursday, September 22, within the framework of the Annual Meetings. Although civil society groups, the media, Bank staff and the public eagerly await indications from the new President on the direction he intends to steer the institution, the event was perceived by some as relatively uneventful. Read more Update \| 26 September 2005 Wolfowitz cites debt relief, corruption and Africa as key themes of 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz commented on key themes for the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings at the Annual Meeting 2005 Opening Press Conference on September 22. Read more Update \| 12 September 2005 Wolfowitz Announces Appointment of Lars H. Thunell as Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation. Read more Update \| 12 September 2005 Vincenzo La Via Appointed Chief Financial Officer for the World Bank La Via will serve as a member of World Bank President Wolfowitz's senior management team. Read more Update \| 25 August 2005 Robert Pozen Appointed to Evaluate World Bank Transparency and Accountability One of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's first appointees, Robert Pozen will evaluate transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity in World Bank operations. Read more Print this page Email this page		Search Key Issues Energy & Extractive Industries World Bank and Climate Change See also IFI Governance World Bank (IBRD & IDA) Stay Informed! Sign up for our e-newsletters. SignUp

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