http://www.bicusa.org/en/Institution.5.aspx The latest news on the World Bank (IBRD & IDA) from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Institution.5.aspx As the World Bank prepares its upcoming Interim Strategy Note for Tunisia - which will outline its engagement in the country for 2012-2013 - it is seeking citizens’ input and feedback which they can submit online through March 2012. As the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to spark the Arab Spring, Tunisia has shown that equitable development cannot take place in the absence of participation and accountability. With the World Bank playing a role not only in economic reforms but also in the areas of institutional and governance reforms, this consultation is one of hopefully several opportunities for citizens to play a role in shaping the economic and political future of Tunisia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12595.aspx Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:14:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12595.aspx The World Bank announced on January 23rd, 2012 that it would be re-establishing a presence in Yemen after several months of suspended disbursements to the country. The re-engagement is limited however; staff travel to Sana'a is restricted to essential missions, with much of the work continuing to be done out of the Bank's Amman and Cairo offices. A reassessment of the security situation will be done after Yemen's scheduled elections in February. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12594.aspx Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12594.aspx The Bank Information Center welcomes the World Bank’s initative to open up and create a larger space for civil society from the MENA region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12593.aspx Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:21:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12593.aspx The outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Brazil, Mahktar Diop, challenges the conclusions of an evaluation by Bank Information Center of the $1.3 billion Sustainable Environmental Management Development Policy to promote environmental reforms in Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:39:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12590.aspx Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:14:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12590.aspx Nicholas Hamilton of the blog Cairo From Below discusses a proposed World Bank loan of $250 million for a major Egyptian transportation project, in the broader context of envisioning a sustainable transport strategy for the Greater Cairo Region. The Bank's proposed project is called the Urban Transport Infrastructure Development and is scheduled to be approved by the Bank's Board of Directors in early 2013. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:51:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12583.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:39:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12583.aspx BIC/MENA publishes a study which overviews and analyzes the World Bank Group's role in Lebanon over the past five years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:27:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:12:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx The long-awaited solar program for the MENA region being co-funded by the World Bank has the potential to provide clean energy and jobs for the region, if it is implemented in consultation with local communities and with their interests and needs as a priority. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12570.aspx Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:43:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12570.aspx The CASA-1000 project, which begins the process of integrating the energy markets in Central and South Asia, is moving along with updated feasilbility studies from an independent consulting firm. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12567.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:16:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12567.aspx The World Bank is continuing apace on its work studying the proposed Rogun hydropower project in Tajikistan, which would be the largest hydropower in Central Asia. Two new assessments were recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12566.aspx Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:00:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12566.aspx A new evaluation of a $1.3 billion World Bank development policy loan to promote sustainability reforms at the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) that questions the effectiveness of DPLs due to weaknesses in existing Bank policy guiding their design and execution. This brief calls for the reform of Bank DPL policy as an urgent part of the ongoing revision of World Bank safeguard policies to ensure consistent management of risk across all World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx A new evaluation of a $1.3 billion World Bank development policy loan to promote sustainability reforms at the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) that questions the effectiveness of DPLs due to weaknesses in existing Bank policy guiding their design and execution. The report calls for the reform of Bank DPL policy as an urgent part of the ongoing revision of World Bank safeguard policies to ensure consistent management of risk across all World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12553.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:13:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12553.aspx The Sierra Club, along with the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development, has commissioned a report detailing the economic data involved in the World Bank's TOR for its proposed Kosovar power project, including a lignite fired coal plant, finding many problems with the analysis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12552.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:28:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12552.aspx On September 6, Sara Aviel was nominated to serve as the Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12551.aspx Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:31:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12551.aspx Read the latest REDD Alert for updates on the R-Package, Carbon Fund and Common Approach, as well as country updates from Africa, Latin America and Asia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12550.aspx Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:53:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12550.aspx This update prepared by the Bank Information Center introduces the FCPF Readiness Package (R-Package) and the Carbon Fund (CF) operational. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:21:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx The irregularity of the voluntary market of carbon credits is outpacing the environmental and legislative capacity of the country: irregular transfer of millions of hectares of forests as part of the market for carbon credits and other environmental services. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12544.aspx Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:14:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12544.aspx MENA civil society representatives met with the Bank’s new MENA Vice President, Inger Andersen, to discuss Bank-civil society relations in the post-revolution era. The Bank responded positively to civil society’s demands for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development with full civil society participation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12543.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:46:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12543.aspx BIC/MENA and civil society representatives from across the region engaged World Bank officials at the 2011 Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, drawing commitments to inclusive and equitable development strategies and greater participation for civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12542.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:10:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12542.aspx Civil society representatives from Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon and Tunisia find Executive Director Merza Hasan receptive to their concerns and willing to break new ground in future engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:54:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx At the Civil Society Townhall Meeting with World Bank President Robert Zoellick and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Laila Iskandar, an Egyptian activist and chairperson of the Community and Institutional Development Group eloquently spoke on behalf of global civil society outlining the various CSO concerns which had been brought to her attention. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx With goals of achieving greater participation for civil society organizations in World Bank operations alongside a commitment to inclusive and equitable development strategies, BIC/MENA and civil society representatives from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen among others successfully engaged the Bank at the 2011 Civil Society Policy Forum of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12539.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12539.aspx The Sierra Club and Bank Information Center are releasing a new report today describing the daily realities of coal impacted communities from Cirebon, Indonesia, the Konkan coast and Kutch India, Inner Mongolia China, Appalachia USA, New South Wales Australia, and Limpopo South Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:41:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx This piece provides a brief update about the role of the World Bank in post-revolution Tunisia http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:08:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:55:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx The workshop Oslo REDD Exchange 2011 was organized by Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), on 23-24 June 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:35:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx Civil society organizations (CSOs) submitted a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick on the World Bank safeguards review on August 31, 2011. The letter includes signatories as of this date and organizations who wish to sign the letter can do so below. On Sep 20, 2011 World Bank Managing Director Caroline Anstey responded to this letter. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:06:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx As the World Bank plans to engage more fully on gender issues, both in the Safeguards review and in the upcoming release of the 2011 World Development Report, CEE Bankwatch has written a guide for CSOs seeking to identify and ameliorate gender-related problems in IFI projects http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12529.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:03:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12529.aspx It took many years to establish the World Bank's operational policies that safeguard society and the environment, and are some of the world's highest development standards. As the Bank reviews these policies, civil society is organizing efforts to present their concerns and expectations, and offer their imputs as to what the outcome of the review should be. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:01:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12525.aspx Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:12:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12525.aspx BIC/MENA comments on the string of donors cutting aid to Yemen, including the World Bank which recently stopped disbursing funds to Yemen. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12524.aspx Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:17:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12524.aspx The disimbursement of the funds for the third section of the Villa Tunari-San Ignacio de Moxos highway is now being withheld until the preservation of the ecosystem in the Indigenous Territory in the Isiboro Sécure National Park (TIPNIS) is guaranteed, a commitment by the government of Evo Morales to Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:18:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:42:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx The Bank Information Center, World Resources Institute, and the Center for International Environmental Law have prepared a briefing that introduces the World Bank safeguards review which will begin in September 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12509.aspx Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:08:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12509.aspx Michelle Chan, economic policy director for Friends of the Earth, writes that with deficit-mania sweeping Washington, Congressional leaders should be focusing on whether the money put into the World Bank is being well spent. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12507.aspx Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:47:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12507.aspx Read the English and Hindi versions of the newest IF-Eye here, including an examination of the World Bank's shift to energy transmission and distribution, as well as a review of recently approved and pipeline projects http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12506.aspx Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:17:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12506.aspx En COP 15, México se comprometió a reducir sus emisiones de GEI, para lo cual se propuso desarrollar la Estrategia Nacional REDD+ (ENAREDD+). A varios pasos de la preparación para la estrategia, el BM ahora realiza una misión Due Diligence. La gerente del equipo de Latinoamérica, observadora para la misión, nos cuenta más sobre el tema. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12505.aspx Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:27:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12505.aspx The project will require an investment of some US$118mn, being financed to the tune of US$103mn by a World Bank loan and US$15mn in counterpart funding by the La Paz government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12501.aspx Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:45:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12501.aspx BIC presents a toolkit for civil society on how to access information at the World Bank. This resource was officially launched at the World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2010, and updated in July 2011 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12148.aspx Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12148.aspx As Egypt's revolution continues to unfold, potential loans from international financial institutions have stoked intense debates. BIC's Amy Ekdawi writes that the fate of these loans must be contingent on open engagement with Egyptian civil society, not backroom deals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:07:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx The proposed Kosovo power project, including a new lignite coal plant, has brought great controversy. The United States government is caught between its stated opposition to new coal-fired plants and support for the Kosovar project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12491.aspx Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:33:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12491.aspx This report from the Bank Information Center as NGO Observer summarizes the main discussions and outcomes from PC9 in Oslo, Norway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12470.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:47:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12470.aspx BIC South Asia here summarized the report "Social protection for a changing India," first commissioned in 2004 and recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12462.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:01:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12462.aspx The World Bank, the Technical Advisory Panel, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility present their comments on the latest draft of the the Colombia R-PP. (Document links). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx Peru submits their fourth version to the FCPF Participants Committee at their eight meeting in March 23-25. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12458.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:18:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12458.aspx Three civil society groups have filed a complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel regarding the Bank's studies for the Red Sea - Dead Sea Water Conveyance project that aims to divert water to the Dead Sea, which has been shrinking for years. The Requesters argue that the World Bank should be considering other alternatives which are less socially and environmentally harmful and that Palestinian civil society was not given the opportunity to participate adequately in the consultation process. Read the press release which was put out by the Requesters in July 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12465.aspx Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12465.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.aspx Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:11:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.aspx Though the success of Latin America's largest economy is well known, less recognized is how much it owes to massive government lending. For a sense of the scale: The development bank's loans last year, just within Brazil, totaled triple the amount the World Bank lent to more than 100 countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12449.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:37:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12449.aspx In a new interview, BIC partner Srinivas Krishnaswami takes a close look at the World Bank's funding of energy projects in India, and finds that very little of the increased capacity the Bank has funded has gone to helping the poor. He then discusses other paths for India's future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12446.aspx Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12446.aspx A wide-ranging group of civil society organizations from around the globe, including BIC, has sent a letter to World Bank president Robert Zoellick urging him to open up the proposed Energy Strategy to another round of consultations following significant revisions to the original Approach Paper. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12445.aspx Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:52:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12445.aspx A new report from CO2 Scorecard, based in part on BIC data, looks into the claims surrounding continued World Bank investment in coal, such as the efficiency of supercritical plants, its effect on poor populations, and what makes up an "exceptional case." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12443.aspx Thu, 26 May 2011 16:15:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12443.aspx A new blog post from Kirk Herbertson at WRI asks how relevant the World Bank's safeguards will soon be. Though the Bank may be on a course to strengthen safeguard policies, new options may allow countries to skirt the safeguards altogether. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12442.aspx Fri, 20 May 2011 14:48:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12442.aspx 60 days after the deadline, World Bank failed to receive a resolution plan from the Cambodian government to address eviction and mitigation issues for more than 20,000 people in Central Phnom Penh. What signal does it send? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12440.aspx Thu, 19 May 2011 14:12:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12440.aspx Read the English and Hindi versions of the newest IF-Eye here, including updates on the CAO complaint against the GMR power project, news on projects, institutions, and more. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12439.aspx Thu, 19 May 2011 13:21:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12439.aspx The World Bank and the Government of Bolivia recognize the observations of the TCO Takana I on deficiencies in the Indigenous Peoples Plan of the Ixiamas - San Buenaventura Highway project and accept to start a process to improve the Indiginous Plan even after the project was approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Over the last decade, the Mexican government has received significant sums in loans from multilateral institutions such as the IDB and WB and the governments of Norway and Germany for climate change-related initiatives. Yet there has been no assessment of the environmental outcomes achieved through this increase in external debt. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:42:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx Banco Santander Brasil SA denied it temporarily suspended financing for the Santo Antonio hydroelectric dam in Brazil’s Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:32:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx A new article from BIC's Paulina Garzon looks at the current status of the World Bank's energy strategy review, which has run into controversy at the Board of Directors. The article notes the politics surrounding the policy, as well as technical http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12431.aspx Tue, 03 May 2011 16:43:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12431.aspx Read the English and Hindi versions of the newest IF-Eye here, including updates on IFC's shifting focus to India, news on projects, institutions, and more http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12430.aspx Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:01:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12430.aspx Beatrice Edwards of Government Accountability Project argues against the U.S recapitalization of the World Bank for 2012 in light of the Bank’s involvement in projects linked to corruption allegations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:51:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx A new article from independent consultant and former BIC staffer Rebecca Harris reports on transparency initiatives at the World Bank. Since the Bank adopted a new Access to Information policy in 2009, people worldwide have begun using this access to improve development outcomes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12424.aspx Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:08:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12424.aspx Sen. John Kerry, in his capacity as Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, has sent a letter to the World Bank outlining three key areas in which the Bank can improve its draft Energy Strategy, and noting that as the Senate considers money for a General Capital Increase, he is watching the development of the Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12422.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:38:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12422.aspx The recent uprisings that have affected almost every country in the Middle East and North Africa region are indicative of deep structural issues that are facing societies in these countries. Calls for democracy, economic reforms, employment opportunities and greater accountability require us to question the development model pursued in the region by institutions like the World Bank and the underlying assumptions that may have led to the failure of this model. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:25:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx On March 14, 2011, the World Bank disclosed two documents related to the Inspection Panel case filed by 51 residents of the Greater Beirut area against the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project (GBWSP), a water project in Lebanon that is being financed by the Bank. The GBWSP aims to provide potable water for the citizens of the Greater Beirut area and the low-income neighborhoods of Southern Beirut from the Litani and Awali rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:16:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx The project has a great potential to reorder and even positively or negatively change the dinamics of development and conservation in the region. Bolivia's government has decided that the PAD will not be public before it's approved. It seems that the project underestimates its indirect influence, and there are shortcomings in planification and consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx Brazilian security forces have been sent to the Jirau dam construction site where work has been stopped since riots erupted last week over working conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:13:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx A new report from the Center for International Environmental Law sees a bias at the World Bank in favor of megaprojects like South Africa's Medupi coal plant. As it prepares a new Energy Sector Strategy, the report argues, the World Bank must calculate the true costs of its investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:17:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12481.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12481.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx Represents Switzerland, Poland, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Serbia-Montenegro http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3630.aspx Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3630.aspx MPX, energy company in the group of businessman Eike Batista, yesterday announced a capitalization of $ 1.3 billion to finance projects in Brazil and Colombia. The company will issue convertible debentures into common shares, based on the fixed price of $ 43 per share. The holding company of BNDES (BNDESPar) will participate in the capitalization of nearly half the subscription of the issue: U.S. $ 600 million in debentures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12376.aspx Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:33:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12376.aspx The World Bank’s Inspection Panel found that the Bank breached its operational policies by failing to properly design and supervise the Cambodia Land Management and Administration Project (LMAP), contributing to the forced eviction of some 4,250 families. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12373.aspx Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:11:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12373.aspx Dan Kammen has written a blog post discussing the upcoming UNFCCC conference in Durban, South Africa, the Scaling up Renewable Energy in Low-Income Countries program (SREP), and how the poor can benefit from both. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:37:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx The House of Commons International Development Committee has called for an end to the informal practice of the World Bank president always appointed from the United States. Additionally, the report criticized inefficiencies in administrative processes as well as a lack of accountability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12366.aspx Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:10:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12366.aspx NGOs and activists from around the world held rallies on Tuesday, March 1, in London, Paris, Berlin, Johannesburg, and elsewhere, in tandem with a worldwide social media campaign to demand that the World Bank finally put an end to fossil fuel lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12365.aspx Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:59:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12365.aspx Built by Paraguay and Argentina, the Yacyretá Binational Dam continues to cause serious environmental damage, compromising future generations. After a delay of 37 years, its final cost was almost ten times higher than originally budgeted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:57:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Con 45 millones de habitantes, estabilidad economica, y oportunidades en el carbon y el petroleo, Colombia ha entrado al radar de inversionistas Brasileños. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:36:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx As the Brazilian Treasury and BNDES look into the role that subsidies will play in the future of South America, Roberto Smeraldi of Friends of the Earth Brazil discusses how the question is not one of subsidies or not, but rather what subsidies will apply. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:28:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx Civil society sent a letter to President Luis Alberto Moreno expressing their support, yet concern and strong disagreement with parts of the report’s analysis which, if misinterpreted, could negatively affect the integrity of the principles of sustainability in Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:10:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx After two years of negotiation, Publish What You Fund celebrates the finalization of the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), stating "When everyone can see how much aid is being spent where, and on what, governments – whether giving or receiving aid – can be held accountable by their citizens for spending it well.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12354.aspx Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:19:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12354.aspx As the World Bank sets out to review and update its Safeguard Policy framework over the next two years, the Operational Policy 8.60 governing the use of DPLs should be included in that review. This brief identifies five areas of DPL policy guidance that merit revision and could guide a full DPL evaluation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:45:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Brazil, with a homicide rate of 25.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, Jamaica, with 32.4, Belize, with 32.7, Colombia, with 37.3, Venezuela, with 48, South Africa, with 49.6, and El Salvador, with 61, all ranked above Mexico, http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12350.aspx Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:39:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12350.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11360.aspx Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11360.aspx Andrew Steer, the World Bank's special envoy for climate change, recently sat for an interview with Deutsche Welle, discussing the Bank's role in carbon markets, as well as renewable and non-renewable energy projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12347.aspx Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:52:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12347.aspx Just a month after World Bank $500 million DPL payment to Brazil, followed by $614 million BNDES bridge loan to Belo Monte builders, New Dilma Government approves fast-track forest clearance and commencement of controversial Belo Monte construction site. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:46:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx It seems that the Government has forgotten its commitment to the environment when in January of 2011, it enacted the Emergency Decree No. 001-2011 to eliminate environmental impact certificates to approve 33 projects for investment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:55:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs is quoted in a Revenue Watch Institute article contrasting payment disclosure requirements in the Dodd-Frank law and current IFC disclosure requirements. She explains, "The Dodd-Frank provision requires disclosure down to the project level, and this is where the IFC falls short." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12341.aspx Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:58:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12341.aspx Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx On January 20, 2011, the World Bank hosted a dialogue on the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Program in the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt in order to discuss the overall CSP program and any key concerns that stakeholders might have. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:03:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Civil Society Organizations question the World Bank disbursement of the DPL SEM I to Brasil without clear evidence regarding the implementation of BNDES Safeguards and Social and Environmental policy in emblematic cases http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:08:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx Toby McIntosh reports on the World Bank Access to Information Committee stipulation that Bank staff, not the committee, will make decisions regarding the disclosure of documents less than five years old in cases of public interest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12337.aspx Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:23:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12337.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:30:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:39:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.aspx The World Bank has published a review of its activities in the extractives sector for 2010. In previous years, the Bank has published the Extractive Industries Review implementation progress report, which detailed not just extractives investments but also how they relate to the commitments of the EIR. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12330.aspx Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:46:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12330.aspx A developing country already has nearly achieved what the world’s wealthiest countries have only promised to do. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12327.aspx Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:29:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12327.aspx $US 618 million bridge loan from BNDES prior to full environmental license ignores grave risks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:04:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx Citing underestimation of risks, new analysis by Amigos da Terra Amazonia and International Rivers questions the integrity of BNDES financing decision. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12324.aspx Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:58:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12324.aspx The report details progress made since the policy's July 1st effective date as well as pre-implementation preparations. The report notes that prior to July 1st, the institution "released more than 17,000 documents and an additional 5,000 legal agreements, which were either restricted under the previous disclosure policy or not readily accessible." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12322.aspx Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:36:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12322.aspx Represents Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12321.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:04:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12321.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:26:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx The Bolivian capital of La Paz and its surroundings, home to nearly 2 million people, is poised to experience a catastrophic drought that will turn productive grasslands into arid deserts as soon as 2040 due to rising temperatures, a new study concludes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12318.aspx Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:53:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12318.aspx BIC is happy to announce the publication of our new Executive Director advocacy toolkit. Built around our ED advocacy workshop held during the 2010 Annual Meetings, this guide provides strategies for civil society actors to engage and build relationships with the World Bank's Executive Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx After a long process of consultation and consideration, the U.S. government has decided to endorse the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The treaty contains significant requirements for free, prior, and informed consent when dealing with native groups, a key demand in the ongoing IFC policy review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12313.aspx Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:42:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12313.aspx This week in Brussels, donors pledged nearly $50 billion to the World Bank for the IDA replenishment. The World Bank Board is expected to approve the funding package early next year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12312.aspx Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:56:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12312.aspx As the World Bank is expected to announce a new funding package for the world's poorest countries, Matthew Berger of IPS examines NGOs' last-minute appeals to donor countries to use their leverage to compel reforms at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx Stephen Leahy of the Inter Press Service reports that experts are recommending "decentralized, green economic development" to meet both energy access needs and international climate obligations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12309.aspx Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:58:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12309.aspx The Sierra Club's Nicole G. writes from Cancun for the organization's Cancun Delegation blog, arguing if the World Bank "is serious about playing a role in climate finance, the Bank must revise its Energy Strategy to phase out fossil fuels and ensure energy access for the poor." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12308.aspx Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12308.aspx A BIC article detailing the first 99 days of the implementation of the World Bank's access to information policy is published by the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank as part of their 2010 Annual Conference newsletter. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12307.aspx Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:19:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12307.aspx In a Guardian article, Drew Corbyn asserts that as ministers address emissions and targets at COP-16, 1.5 billion people in developing countries have no access to energy. He argues, "meeting the basic energy needs of all the world's people would contribute less than 2% to current global emissions." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12306.aspx Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:27:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12306.aspx The World Bank announced a multimillion-dollar effort to promote renewable energy in Russia through the Russian Renewable Energy Program, supported by the International Finance Corporation, the Global Environment Facility and the Russian Energy Agency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12304.aspx Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:58:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12304.aspx Friends of the Earth U.S.'s Karen Orenstein speaks to Reuters from Cancun, responding to news of the launch of the multi-million dollar World Bank fund to help emerging market countries set up carbon markets. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12303.aspx Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:29:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12303.aspx Elizabeth Bast of Oil Change International reports from the COP-16, raising concerns around the World Bank positioning itself as the trustee for a new Global Climate Fund. In her blog posting, Bast questions "How can the World Bank effectively oversee climate finance funding while its energy portfolio continues to fuel the problem?" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12302.aspx Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:22:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12302.aspx CAN International highlights inconsistencies between World Bank rhetoric and action when it comes to their energy lending portfolio and climate finance, arguing "if the World Bank believes it can credibly deliver climate finance, it must make a strong and credible commitment to clean up its act." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12301.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:56:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12301.aspx Mahmoud Mohielden, Managing Director of the World Bank Group since October, visited Yemen for exploratory talks about how collaboration across the Arab world can help the agenda of this developing nation between the Red and Arabian seas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12300.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:47:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12300.aspx As the World Bank returns to the big dam business with the inauguration of Laos’ largest hydropower project, many are concerned that the Bank-financed dams "will serve as a template for a big dam culture led by private sector investors with little interest in the environmental and social impact of these projects. " http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12299.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:41:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12299.aspx The Sierra Club's Justin Guay blogs from Cancun about the importance of the World Bank's energy lending strategy in the context of the institution's interest in playing a role in climate finance. He argues that "in order to credibly deliver climate finance...it is clear the institution must make a strong and credible commitment to clean up its act." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12298.aspx Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:53:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12298.aspx Mary Anne Hitt, Director of the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, and Justin Guay of the Sierra Club International Program blog from COP-16 in Cancun, highlighting "a fatal incoherency in energy sector lending that has enabled coal to pass itself off as a low carbon option for developing countries." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12297.aspx Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:09:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12297.aspx Blogging from Cancun, Mahabat Murzakanova highlights the obstacles to wide civil society participation and achievement of a diverse spectrum of viewpoints at the COP-16. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12296.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:15:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12296.aspx The December 8 side event to the COP-16 in Cancun will examine international energy public finance, the World Bank's Energy Strategy review and its implications for climate finance architecture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12292.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:23:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12292.aspx The South-South Summit participants prepare for a December 3rd day of action on climate finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12291.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:41:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12291.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Kyrgyzstan's Citizens Against Corruption blogs from Cancun on day 3 of the South-South Summit on Climate Justice and Finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12290.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:57:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12290.aspx The World Bank has indicated that it would like to play a central role in the management of international climate funds under discussion at COP-16, however the Bank’s record of fossil fuel investments suggest that the institution is not serious about the climate impacts of its own investment portfolio. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12289.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:23:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12289.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for day two of the South-South Summit on Financial Justice and Finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for the COP-16 meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:22:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx On November 4, 2010 the World Bank’s Inspection Panel received a complaint from a Lebanese citizen representing himself and approximately 50 Beirut inhabitants who say that a World Bank water project will have negative impacts environmentally and economically. Management at the Bank has until December 13, 2010 to respond to the complaint. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:24:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx Using BIC numbers, Timothy Hurst of Ecopolitology looks into the current burst of funding for energy projects. He finds that the Bank is still analyzing cost-benefit ratio primarily in terms of dollars, not taking greenhouse gas emissions into account. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12280.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:43:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12280.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12276.aspx Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:17:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12276.aspx The French transnational has a US$400 million contract to link Rondonia to Sao Paulo, and now shifts attention to the Xingu region of Para. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12258.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:23:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12258.aspx The energy giant plans a global expansion in 2011 that by 2020 will generate 10% of total revenues from outside the region and allow Brazil to import energy for increasing demand. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:27:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx The government of Guyana plans to spend most of the Norwegian forest climate aid it will receive during 2010-11 on the Amaila Falls hydropower project, a dam to be built deep in the Amazon rainforest. Norwegian officials insist this is not a done deal, but President Bharrat Jagdeo has staked much personal prestige in the decades-old project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12256.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 10:07:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12256.aspx With BNDES support, a Vale and Petrobras initiative reforests 28,000 hectares, and projects total protection of 350,000 ha and reforestation of another 150,000 ha. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12255.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:49:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12255.aspx Suez, the lead corporate member of the Jirau Energia Sustentavel consortium building the dam, launched a web based observatory run by youth in the community of Nova Mutum Paraná, Rondonia to provide information about the issues related to the 3,000 MW hydroelectric project and its influence on communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12253.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 22:09:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12253.aspx The energy auction proposed by Energia Sustentável do Brasil (ESBR) - winner of the Jirau hydroelectric project construction bid on the Madeira River, to sell part of hydroelectric energy from Jirau through the free market ended without a new contract. Jirau proposed energy prices between R$130 and R$140 per MWh http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12251.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:27:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12251.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12250.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:17:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12250.aspx On the heels of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) approval by the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the World Bank Working Group (WBWG) in Lebanon, a CSO coalition, pushes for increased transparency and broader representation of affected stakeholders in the design and implementation of Bank strategies, programs, and projects in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:03:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx As the World Bank pushes forward with a massive investment in North Africa’s energy sector, it is up to the institution to ensure that this program benefits those who need it most. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:49:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12230.aspx An Independent Evaluation Group report says that while the World Bank has significantly increased its investment in renewables over the last decade, it must focus on accounting for the impacts of its projects if it hopes to meet its mandate on reducing poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12228.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:01:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12228.aspx Egypt and the World Bank on Thursday signed two new loan agreements worth 820 million dollars, in the largest financing provided by the institution to the country's electricity sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:12:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12227.aspx A new World Bank study conducted by the Independent Evaluation Group find offset sales are not working and suggests five solutions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12226.aspx Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:39:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12226.aspx In late May, nearly 100 representatives of civil society, government, and private sector companies consulted on the World Bank's Energy Strategy. The meeting, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan and videoconferenced to three other countries in the region, focused on hydropower, governance, and extractives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11891.aspx Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11891.aspx Mark Rentschler and Jelson Garcia of BIC are quoted in an IPS article detailing questions around application of social and environmental standards in REDD projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12223.aspx Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:20:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12223.aspx BIC announces the launch of "Beyond Carbon: Rights-based Safeguard Principles in Law," a study that serves as a collective proposal to REDD donors and recipients to uphold human rights in the governance of forest-for-carbon schemes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12222.aspx Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:40:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12222.aspx In a public statement directed at the Peruvian State, the World Bank, UNDP and UNFCCC, the Inter-ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Forest (AIDESEP) denounces plans of the government and its political and corporate allies to grant mining, logging and tourism concessions, as well as approve REDD and environmental services initiatives after blocking the Indigenous Consultation Law. They insist: without territory, rights and consultation for indigenous peoples, such concessions must not move forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx Represents: Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10951.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10951.aspx Represents: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Uraguay http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10954.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10954.aspx Represents: Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Spain http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11085.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11085.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx Represents: Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3078.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3078.aspx Represents: Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Timor-Leste http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3080.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3080.aspx Represents: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Rebpublic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Somalia (informally), Togo http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3086.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3086.aspx BNDES, Brazil's national development bank, contributed to Amazon deforestation by lending billions of dollars to commercial meatpackers, driving expansion of cattle ranching across the world's largest rainforest, ruled an audit by the Federal Audit Court. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:59:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx As head of BNDES, Luciano Coutinho revitalized the bank that now delivers credit to the largest industrial, technology and meat packing economic groups.` http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12217.aspx Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:27:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12217.aspx A recent article about the 3,000 MW San Antonio hydroelectric dam being built in a highly sensitive international Amazon watershed purported that Brazil had surmounted the environmental and social criticism of the revived Amazon dam building plans for 24 such sites in the coming years. Critics respond the WSJ writer, John Lyons, ignored much of the evidence and argumentation provided to him, resulting in a one-sided presentation of San Antonio that results in a greenwashing of the highly problematic project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:44:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx Civil society organizations from all over the world converged on Washington for the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings. Click here to watch video, read analysis, and more from this year's meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12181.aspx Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12181.aspx Christian Aid and Aprodev compiled several civil society assessments of the World Bank Energy Strategy review from a national or regional perspective. Read the resulting energy briefings from Bolivia, India, Peru and South Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12197.aspx Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:27:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12197.aspx The Government of Guyana is planning to build a 140 MW hydroelectric dam on the Potaro River with funding from China and Norway and technical support from the IDB and WB. The first dam is part of a 1060 MW complex that will have signficant social and environmental impacts in the western Amazon region of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:26:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Under the World Bank's new Access to Information Policy, summaries of meetings of the Board of Directors are regularly released. A new FreedomInfo.org study, however, finds many summaries missing, and the ones that are released significantly shorter than summaries from before the new policy was passed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12186.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:01:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12186.aspx Compared with other countries in Latin America - the most unequal region in the world, Colombia has extremely high extremes in income levels while the concentration of land ownership remains in relatively few hands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12185.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:43:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12185.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC article examining civil society and World Bank perspectives of the first 99 days of the implementation of the institution's Policy on Access to Information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12184.aspx Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12184.aspx BIC publishes an article in The Huffington Post highlighting economist Jeffrey Sachs' arguments for transparency in the extractive industries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12179.aspx Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:23:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12179.aspx Inter Press Service cites BIC in an examination of the World Bank's energy lending within the context of the 2010 Annual Meetings and a newly released IEG report on the application of safeguards and sustainability policies at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:31:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx BIC is cited in an International Herald Tribune special report focused upon World Bank energy lending. The article notes that the Bank is financing more coal than ever, "even though it said only two years ago in a policy document that climate change posed one of the greatest threats to development in poor countries." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12173.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:35:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12173.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC article on the discussion of energy poverty and sustainability that took place at the 2010 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings last week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12172.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:20:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12172.aspx Emerging Markets quotes Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs on World Bank energy lending, “The Bank are surely considering our arguments on fossil fuels. But we haven’t seen any clear signal that they are going to address this issue in a new way.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12171.aspx Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12171.aspx Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs is quoted in a Climate Wire article regarding a new Oil Change International study that challenges World Bank claims that its lending must include dirty fossil fuel projects in order to help alleviate energy poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12170.aspx Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:13:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12170.aspx Oil Change International releases a study that "dispels the myth that World Bank support for coal and oil projects increases access to energy for the world's poorest." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx A new article from the World Resources Institute looks into the World Bank's upcoming safeguards review. Recently, World Bank management acknowledged that the Bank has lost its leadership position on safeguards, and said that it seeks to return to this position. However, significant questions remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12163.aspx Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:27:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12163.aspx In a new study, BIC's Vince McElhinny examines recent IEG findings that point to a significant accountability gap with regard to a lack of cost benefit analysis at the institution and what this implies in the context of the ongoing investment lending reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12161.aspx Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:21:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12161.aspx Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12093.aspx Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12093.aspx Matthew O. Berger of the Inter Press Service quotes BIC on the World Bank's new access to information policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12159.aspx Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:26:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12159.aspx NGOs challenge the institution at the 2010 Annual General Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC, October 6th through 10th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12157.aspx Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:20:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12157.aspx BIC highlights the work of Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, a rights-based activist organization in Bangladesh. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:03:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx Relationship between Egypt and the World Bank is gaining momentum with the Bank's hire of a new Egyptian Managing Director http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:51:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx In general the REDD discussions are based on the assumption of command and control policies that combines investment and capacity to implement economic incentives to avoid deforestation. In this sense there is relatively little emphasis in the discussion of solutions to structural problems that lead people from different sectors to adopt strategies that lead to deforestation and forest degradation, in other terms governance scenarios. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:25:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx A Sierra Club blog post examines the IFI energy lending incoherence with climate change concerns. Justin Guay suggests full cost accounting for fossil fuels and a prioritization of access to modern energy services for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12147.aspx Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:44:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12147.aspx Toby McIntosh of FreedomInfo.org writes about Lebanese CSOs' response to the World Bank's disclosure of Lebanon's Country Partnership Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12143.aspx Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:58:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12143.aspx Record sums were invested last year in coal power - the most carbon intensive form of energy on the planet - by the World Bank, despite international commitments to slash the carbon emissions blamed for climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12142.aspx Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:59:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12142.aspx Christian Aid highlights a record year for coal financing at the Bank: $4.4 billion in 2010. Dr. Alison Doig, Christian Aid's Senior Advisor on Climate Change stated that "Christian Aid hopes the Bank's new energy strategy, which it is currently preparing and which will guide its lending for the next decade, will fundamentally change its approach." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12141.aspx Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:45:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12141.aspx Based on recent consultations and a draft framework document for World Bank engagement in the palm oil sector, eight CSOs wrote the letter to argue that the the Bank is not substantively engaging the criticisms of its previous involvement in the sector and urging specific action. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12140.aspx Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:53:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12140.aspx On Wednesday, September 15, Chairman John Kerry presided over the committee hearing as the multilateral development banks request capital increases. Links to transcripts of the opening statements and testimonies follow. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx Andrew Steer was recently appointed to be the World Bank's first envoy on climate change, overseeing the creation of a coherent plan for the Bank to confront the issue. ClimateWire profiles Steer, seeing many praises of the man, but uncertainty in how much change he can bring. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12136.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12136.aspx The World Bank has announced the appointment of Professor of Energy Daniel M. Kammen of the University of California, Berkeley as the organization’s Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. This new position will provide leadership on a number of fronts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12138.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12138.aspx Pending Board approval, Zambia will represent a number of Anglophone African countries on the World Bank's Board of Directors, effective October 21, 2010. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to identify which countries will comprise the newly-formed third African seat on the Board. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Foreign purchases of agricultural land from Mozambique to Cambodia pose “significant risks” to the livelihoods of farmers in countries with “weak land governance,” the World Bank said in a report. BIC's Vince McElhinny argues that the Bank will not be able to do much to alleviate this problem. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12129.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:54:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12129.aspx In an effort to influence the outcome of an August 31st World Bank Board of Executive Directors' meeting where the Board planned to discuss Lebanon's new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), a group of Lebanese CSOs submitted a letter to the Board expressing their concerns with the the CPS and the process through which it was prepared. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:06:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx The World Bank recently created the position of Special Envoy for Climate Change, a position charged with overseeing massive amounts of money put toward mitigation efforts. Andrew Steer is the first person appointed to this position. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12122.aspx Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:01:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12122.aspx In fiscal years 2009 and 2010, India received the highest amount of money in loans among any country from both the IBRD and IDA lending arms, committing 15.1% and 17.7% of their respective budgets to the South Asian nation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12114.aspx Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:50:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12114.aspx Three environmental groups called on the World Bank to stop obstructing the overhaul of the United Nations program for awarding emission credits tied to hydrofluorocarbons. They claim that analytical and factual errors in a World Bank report would lead to a derailing of the Clean Development Mechanism. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12112.aspx Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:13:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12112.aspx The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a loan of $1.2 billion Egyptian pounds to support the development of wind energy. 800 million Egyptian Pounds will be provided by the Clean Technology Fund, which will be a first for the fund in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:59:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12094.aspx The U.S. Senate ratchets up the pressure on the World Bank, including language in the 2011 foreign operations funding bill demanding a fossil fuel phase out and a commitment to renewable energy in the Bank's new energy strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12090.aspx Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:02:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12090.aspx The World Bank has posted several videos of their Energy Sector Manager and Lead Energy Specialist discussing the consultation process for rewriting the Bank's Energy Strategy. The interviews, where they discuss both the process and substance of the consultations, have been translated into several languages. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12089.aspx Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:48:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12089.aspx Drawing on consultants worldwide, BIC has created a series of documents laying out successful renewable energy projects and the lessons that can be learned from them. The models cover Mexico, Indonesia, Southern Africa, and Central Asia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12079.aspx Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12079.aspx A consortium of civil society organizations provided comments on the World Bank Energy Strategy review following the consultation held in New Delhi on July 28, outlined in a communique. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12086.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:56:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12086.aspx Bill ties the World Bank’s General Capital Increase request to a rapid phase out of Bank support for fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12078.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12078.aspx It is one thing for the World Bank to promote a discourse of transparency and information disclosure and quite another to commit to being a public finance institution that respects all of the rights of people affected by the projects which they finance. Unfortunately, the Bank has not been willing to make this commitment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12077.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:53:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12077.aspx Little over a month after the Access to Information Policy came into effect, the first few documents to be released through the "simultaneous disclosure" clause are trickling out of the Bank. The implications of such releases, however, have yet to be seen. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:27:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx Following the Inspection Panel's decision to launch a full investigation into the recently approved loan to South African utility Eskom, South African and international CSOs called for the World Bank to learn from the loan as it reviews its Energy Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx A draft report set to be released in August details the boom in agricultural land in the global south. Some have argued that the Bank is trying to bury the report because it contradicts Bank policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12066.aspx Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:31:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12066.aspx The Panel was given the green light today to conduct a full investigation into alleged policy violations in the World Bank's loan to South African power utility Eskom based on a complaint from local communities, who allege that the project will result in significant harms to their health, environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Kammen was recently selected to head the World Bank's renewable energy unit. In this interview, he discusses how technological change has affected the market for renewable energy and warns of "one size fits all" energy paths for developing countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:53:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment Juan Pablo Ramos and Director Environment Luis Beltrán submitted irrevocable resignation from their posts on Friday of last week, after government officials tried to force them to sign an environmental permit for the construction of a highway in the Chapare region of Cochabamba. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:29:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx The Cinta Mekar Micro-Hydro Power Plant project and the Kulon Progo Improved Cook Stove Project in Indonesia demonstrate the development effectiveness of off-grid renewable energy projects. A best practices study identifies the replicable elements of the two projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12056.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:18:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12056.aspx Despite controversy surrounding it, the R-PP of the Republic of Congo was deemed of sufficient quality to move forward in the process, at the sixth Participants Committee meeting of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12053.aspx Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:36:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12053.aspx In June 2010, the World Bank held its third set of public hearings with respect to the Red-Dead Sea conduit project. Friends of the Earth - Middle East attended the hearings and presented comments. This report comes from the FoEME website. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx The World Bank's Board of Directors said studies for a potential mining project in Indonesia could move forward Tuesday but civil society groups, citing studies that have already been done, condemned the decision. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12011.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:39:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12011.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12000.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:58:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12000.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11997.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:15:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11997.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11996.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:01:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11996.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11995.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:52:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11995.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11994.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:47:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11994.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11992.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:46:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11992.aspx For the people of northwestern Kenya, fighting to protect Lake Turkana from the Gibe 3 Dam is a fight for their livelihoods and the future of their unique cultures. International Rivers recently took a trip to the area and documented their struggle. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx Global civil society rallies against MIGA endorsement for an Indonesian nickel mine project due to substantial social and environmental concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11986.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:08:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11986.aspx An experts workshop on governance safeguards in REDD+ was held from May 24th-25th, 2010 at the Chatham House, in London. In preparation for the workshop a background paper, "Governance in REDD+" was released, looking into the issues raised in REDD+ thus far. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11980.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11980.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11982.aspx Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:39:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11982.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features a summary of the event entitled "Oil and Mining Booms and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Peru for Development Planning & Revenue Management at the National and subnational level" (Washington, DC, June 16, 2010). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:44:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx MEXICO CITY, Jul 5, 2010 (IPS) - Non-governmental organizations from across the Americas are demanding that the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank institute policies that favor sustainable energy and help mitigate climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features updates on the World Bank's Energy Strategy Review as well as the IFC's Policy and Standards Review in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:28:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx Guyana's president implores the FCPF Participants Committee and the World Bank not to "obsess" over gaps in capacity, territorial right and indigenous consultation before REDD funds are disbursed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11944.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:52:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11944.aspx President of the Amerindian Peoples Association Tony James calls on the World Bank to perform its proper due diligence to ensure that issues of territorial rights and meaningful consultation of indigenous peoples are addressed in Guyana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11943.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:41:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11943.aspx BIC and partners convene at the World Bank to celebrate the implementation of the Bank's revised access to information policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11936.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11936.aspx At an energy consultation on June 29 for which it took weeks to finalize a date, 25 Egyptians from various segments of society, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private firms, all had one clear message for the World Bank to think about when designing its new energy strategy: "focus on renewable energy projects." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:36:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11941.aspx The Washington Post published a BIC Letter to the Editor arguing that significant reform must accompany the World Bank's request for an $86.2 billion general capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:51:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Andrew Steer will begin his role as climate change envoy at the World Bank on July 1. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:20:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Noting the increased commitment to large hydropower projects, 92 civil society organizations wrote to the World Bank asking that it pay attention to the known social and environmental problems associated with the sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:25:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx BIC highlights the work of Mirvari Gahramanli of Azerbaijan's Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Writing in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm English Edition, Amr Mohsen of Lotus Solar Technologies and BIC's Amy Ekdawi lay out the case for Egypt to seek a transition to renewable energy now, not later, and to request that the World Bank aid this change of direction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:32:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx A new article published in the Bretton Woods Update from the staff of the World Resources Institute examines the World Bank's relationship with human rights. The Bank has several policies in place that approximate human rights law, but do not explicitly tie the Bank to it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11920.aspx Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:49:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11920.aspx Kirk Herbertson, Kim Thompson and Robert Goodland of the World Resources Institute ask why the World Bank Group – which is owned by the same governments that demanded a human rights policy at the EBRD – is hesitant to discuss human rights openly. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11918.aspx Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:30:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11918.aspx More than 50 representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and industry convened at the World Bank yesterday to provide feedback for International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Policy and Performance Standards Review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11915.aspx Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:37:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11915.aspx The Access to Information Working Group is finishing up its preparations for the July 1 launch of the new policy. Though the policy was approved in December, AIWG has been working for 6 months to train staff and create guides for the new policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11909.aspx Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:45:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11909.aspx Civil society organizations from more than 50 countries released a letter to President Obama today asking the U.S. to withhold support for any scheme in which the World Bank would have a major role in climate finance, citing the body's undemocratic nature and poor record with climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11906.aspx Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:37:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11906.aspx According to the World Bank, as part of the public consultation process under the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program, the Beneficiary Parties (the Government of Israel, the Government of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority) plan to hold a series of meetings to update interested stakeholders on the progress under the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program and seek their feedback. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11905.aspx Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:21:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11905.aspx On the tenth anniversary of the funding of the Chad-Cameroon Oil & Pipeline Project, the World Bank continues to practice problematic energy investment strategies. This emblematic project and its problems should inform the Bank's new Energy Strategy and how it invests in poor communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx The World Bank Inspection Panel began its investigation into the Bank-funded Land Management and Administration Project (LMAP) in Cambodia last week, following a complaint that World Bank safeguard policies were disregarded during the $28.8 million project, leading to more than 20,000 forced displacements. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11897.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:21:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11897.aspx On the heels of winning a $3.75 million loan from the World Bank, South African utility Eskom is now seeking carbon credits from the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. Environmentalists are outraged that one of the largest coal plants in the world could receive public funds from both the World Bank and the CDM. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx The protestors, led by Friends of the Earth Europe, gathered peacefully outside of the meeting where they demanded an end to the World Bank's financing of fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx On May 3rd 2010, FDPD and BIC organized a panel discussion to bring together energy experts from NGOs, the private sector, and academia among others, to discuss Egypt's energy sector and the role that the World Bank Group would ideally play in that sector. The event also marked the first collaborative effort within a new BIC-FDPD protocol. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:26:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11893.aspx A new ClimateWire article looks into the growing number of voices concerned about the World Bank's role in a post-Copenhagen world. The Bank's recent approval of a controversial loan to South African utility Eskom has spurred several previously reserved groups to demand reforms. BIC board member David Hunter was quoted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 14:02:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx A postmortem of the 2010 World Bank Spring Meetings, held April 22-25 in Washington DC, including studies, event descriptions, and videos from selected events. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11886.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11886.aspx Wednesday, June 16th, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies will host a panel titled "Oil and mining booms and sustainable development: Lessons from Peru for development planning and revenue management at the national and subnational level." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11888.aspx Fri, 21 May 2010 11:38:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11888.aspx More than 100 civil society organizations from around the globe signed on to a letter demanding an end to all fossil fuel projects at the World Bank with aims other than energy access for the poor. Until the Bank halts the financing of such projects, bringing them into line with the G20 and APEC pledges to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, these CSOs will oppose the Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx Tue, 18 May 2010 17:08:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11883.aspx Athena Ballesteros writes on the World Bank's blog about the necessary changes as the Bank takes on greater roles in climate finance. Ballesteros is a senior associate at the World Resources Center and a member of BIC's board of directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Mon, 17 May 2010 16:18:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council writes that before the U.S. commits to funding the World Bank's capital increase, the Bank must commit fully to being part of the climate change solution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 11:49:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx At a dinner in the Rayburn Congressional Office Building, representatives of non-governmental organizations, the U.S. government, and multilateral development banks came together to celebrate the Pelosi Amendment, a longstanding requirement for environmental assessment in MDB loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx On April 24, BIC launched a model Energy Strategy for the World Bank. Taking advantage of the many representatives of government and civil society in town for the World Bank Spring Meetings, we held an event with an expert panel addressing the World Bank's problmetic approach to energy and how the Bank can transform its lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx Thu, 06 May 2010 10:08:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx A BIC-IeSR press release calls on the World Bank to clean up its energy investments before approval of an $86 billion recapitalization this fall. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx Wed, 05 May 2010 11:25:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx In a recent CEE Bankwatch article, BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs writes that without drastic changes to the World Bank's Energy Strategy, business as usual will ultimately mean more mega-projects for coal power in middle income countries, instead of an actual reduction in poverty for the most vulnerable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11871.aspx Tue, 04 May 2010 14:24:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11871.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC op-ed on civil society's insight and input into the World Bank's Energy Strategy review process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Mon, 03 May 2010 14:11:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Despite pledges to the contrary, a new report from environmentalist Joshua Frank shows that the Obama administration is subsidizing coal to an unprecedented degree, including through the World Bank and other MDBs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:52:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx A new report from WRI coathored by BIC board member Athena Ballesteros examines MDB investment in the power sector between 2006 and 2008 and what the policies, regulations, and institutional capacities of this period mean for the future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:13:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx A new factsheet from BIC consultant Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs shows that fiscal year 2010 is the most the World Bank has ever loaned for fossil fuel. There are still two months left in FY2010, during which the Bank will decide on a coal plant to be built in Botswana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11867.aspx Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:21:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11867.aspx Human rights organizations welcomed news last week that the World Bank Inspection Panel will conduct a full investigation into the Bank-funded land-titling project in Cambodia, following a complaint that groups vulnerable to forced eviction have suffered serious harm from the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11866.aspx Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:22:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11866.aspx Against the backdrop of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's spring meetings this weekend, numerous groups have chimed in on the need for and direction of a new World Bank energy strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx The World Bank's planned capital increase will add to the voting share of large middle income countries such as China, but will not increase the votes for least developed countries. The money for the GCI must still be approved by country legislatures including the U.S. Congress. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11862.aspx Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:15:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11862.aspx After much debate, the World Bank has created a plan for both a general capital increase to maintain the Bank's ability to lend and special capital increases to realign the voting power of countries in both the Bank and IFC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11860.aspx Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:57:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11860.aspx As the World Bank is crafting its new Energy Strategy, BIC has put together a model for how we think the Bank's final strategy should look. The model was created in consultation with civil society and energy experts worldwide. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:49:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx In an Op-Ed in the Washington Times, Senator Richard Lugar makes the case for refusing a capital increase for the World Bank until reforms are implemented. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11858.aspx Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:59:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11858.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11821.aspx Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11821.aspx Civil society organizations voice opposition to the World Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:41:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx In a moment where the World Bank is reviewing its energy strategy, it is channeling the funds for a major program in the MENA region which may lead to technological breakthroughs with respect to mitigating climate change, but at what cost? This article examines the different factors associated with the development of Concentrated Solar Power in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:19:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11853.aspx Writing for the International Budget Partnership newsletter, Amy explains the origins of the revised policy, its strengths and weaknesses, and the role civil society is playing as it is implemented over the first half of 2010. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11848.aspx Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:02:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11848.aspx The World Bank Access to Information Working Group and its seven subgroups will provide information about how the policy is being implemented, encouraging civil society to monitor and help. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11844.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:57:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11844.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11842.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:47:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11842.aspx Representatives from donor countries, REDD countries plus observers and World Bank staff met in La Lope, Gabon from March 22 to 25 to discuss readiness proposals from several countries. Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mexico were each allocated readiness grants up to 3.6 million USD. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11841.aspx Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:33:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11841.aspx In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Desmond D'Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance spoke about the controversial loan to Eskom and what will be done now that the Board has approved it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Despite strong opposition from concerned South Africans and marathon deliberations, the Bank today voted to approve a loan that will help fund one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:43:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx South African activist Desmond D'Sa is quoted in the ClimateWire article. Sources say that later today, the U.S. will abstain from voting on the controversial Eskom loan rather than vote against it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:42:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Civil society activists converged at the World Bank on Wednesday afternoon in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:00:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx As the World Bank increases cooperation and coordination of development schemes with the Europeans, how might this affect lending trends in the Middle East and North Africa? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:02:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11834.aspx Community members from South Africa's Limpopo Province filed a complaint with the World Bank Inspection Panel today due to the proposed $3.75 billion loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Civil society activists to converge at the World Bank on Wednesday in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx Underlying the controversial proposed loan to the South African utility company Eskom are changing internal politics of the World Bank. Lisa Friedman of ClimateWire analyzes the implications for future World Bank loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Lori Pottinger of International Rivers writes about South Africa's potential for renewable energy, contrasted to the heavy focus on coal power that Eskom is pursuing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:08:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx South Africa's proposed Medupi power station would help maintain the country's status as a low cost location for industry. The Guardian's Joss Garmin discusses the implications of the World Bank loan to Eskom in the context of global politics of climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:32:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx The vote on the controversial loan to Eskom at the World Bank Board of Directors on April 8 is still up in the air. The government of the United Kingdom is still weighing the options, but will very likely be the deciding vote. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx BIC consultant, Bruce Jenkins publishes report examining gaps and gains in the World Bank's revised information disclosure policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11826.aspx Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:35:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11826.aspx BIC highlights the work of Sergei Vorsin of Tajikistan's Taraqqiet Development Centre. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11825.aspx Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:24:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11825.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Habi Center for Environmental Rights continues to engage the World Bank and the Egyptian government on the West Delta project. Egyptian CSOs have been urging the Bank to consider an alternative irrigation project which would help poor farmers as well. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11824.aspx Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:01:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11824.aspx South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:12:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will hold the fifth meeting of its Participants Committee in order to discuss several reforms and readiness proposals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:17:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Find out what the World Bank's strategy is in your country. In some instances, there is a Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), and in others, the Bank has used a more collaborative approach in designing and defining the pillars of their development program, to design a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11805.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:50:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11805.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:58:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:25:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx Find information about your World Bank executive director, including bios and contact information http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10988.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10988.aspx World Bank research paper debunks conventional views that renewable energy is too costly for large-scale expansion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:12:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11799.aspx Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:01:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11799.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11797.aspx Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:10:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11797.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11792.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:39:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11792.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:35:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:10:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx Amy Ekdawi and Nadia Daar of BIC's Middle East and North Africa Program participate in four training sessions for the World Bank's MENA staff on engaging civil society in the region. This training is part of the Bank's Enhanced Action Plan for the MENA region which includes improved consultations, increased translation, and more engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:50:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:49:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11780.aspx Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:07:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11780.aspx The Bangladeshi government objects to grant money being channelled through the World Bank, which it says will attach unfavourable "strings and conditions." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:13:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11772.aspx Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11772.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11762.aspx Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:50:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11762.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:35:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx Represents: Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3076.aspx Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3076.aspx On January 13th, nine executive directors representing China, India, and other countries in the Global South wrote a letter protesting the recently announced guidelines from the U.S. for what coal projects it could support. The directors objected to the United States declaring it wouldn't support coal projects while maintaining its own reliance on coal power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:35:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11758.aspx "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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11756.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11756.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11752.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:21:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11752.aspx On January 27, 2010, BIC's MENA Program Manager, Amy Ekdawi spoke at a workshop organized by the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union's Lebanon Budget Project (LBP) which was geared towards educating Lebanese civil society groups on the World Bank's involvement in Lebanon and how to participate in the Bank's decision making process. This workshop was part of LBP's broader mandate to encourage citizen participation in the design of the Lebanese budget. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11749.aspx Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:03:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11749.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11748.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:33:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11748.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11747.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:39:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11747.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11746.aspx Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:19:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11746.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11742.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:01:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11742.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11741.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:56:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11741.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11740.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:50:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11740.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11738.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:29:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11738.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11737.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:03:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11737.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:31:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:39:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:58:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx What was at first a seemingly simple and non-provocative Inspection Panel case, has now led the Bank to re-evaluate its relationship with civil society across the MENA region and develop an action plan for engagement. Nadia Daar of BIC's MENA program examines the importance of this development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:02:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx In December 2009, the World Bank held two consultative meetings on the Social Welfare Fund Institutional Support Project with Yemeni civil society. These meetings come in the context of the Bank's MENA Management's Enhanced Action Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:20:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx In December 2009, the U.S. Treasury released a guidance note intended to be adapted by individual MDBs and incorporated into their respective operational policies, country and sector strategies, and other procedures that are related to the public or private project cycle for coal-powered generation operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:25:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11708.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11703.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:27:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11703.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:42:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx The World Bank released the final adopted version of "Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy," effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor and looks forward to policy implementation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:26:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11697.aspx Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11697.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11694.aspx Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11694.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:34:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx New position paper outlines hard choices banks must make if they wish to be part of the solution to the climate crisis http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11689.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:16:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11689.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11688.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:53:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11688.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:19:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:36:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11672.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:23:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11672.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:39:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:17:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:35:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11649.aspx Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:48:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11649.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11641.aspx Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:26:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11641.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11642.aspx Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11642.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11634.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:08:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11634.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11631.aspx Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:19:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11631.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11629.aspx Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11629.aspx AIDA, International Rivers, and IMDEC present evidence of human rights violations from dams. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:14:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Within 90 days, all US federal agencies must submit a plan for implementation of regular, meaningful, previous consultation processes with indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11617.aspx Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:05:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11617.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.aspx Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:48:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.aspx In 2009, Development Policy Operations increased dramatically as a percentage of overall World Bank lending, from an average of about 33% to over 50%. Dogged by concerns that stem from a lack of a strong set of safeguard policies or clear results, this shift to greater dependence on DPLs/DPOs raises concerns about arbitrage by Bank clients to soften or avoid transparency and accountability commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:24:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx The 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11610.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:29:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11610.aspx The World Bank is quietly preparing the first capital increase in nearly 20 years to replenish the coffers after unprecedented lending in 2008 and the coming two years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:13:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11592.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:41:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11592.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx The bid to include forests in initiatives to mitigate climate change is turning out to be a sensitive issue for the planet. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:16:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx "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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:39:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11583.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:54:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11583.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11576.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:43:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11576.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11574.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:17:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11574.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:34:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:13:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx Education in the Context of Multiple Crises http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:45:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11556.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:25:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11556.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11554.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:32:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11554.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:32:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11536.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:59:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11536.aspx Peru approves Law Nº 27446, which establishes a national Environmental Impact Assessment system http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11535.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:38:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11535.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:49:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx The new draft was completed based on public consultations in 33 member countries and online comments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11517.aspx Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:30:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11517.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:57:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11515.aspx Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:21:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11515.aspx “Backing from AFC and the IFC would allow us to improve the structuring of bonds”, the Andean agency said today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11511.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:21:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11511.aspx Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx Egyptian NGO, Land Center for Human Rights, has filed an appeal on behalf of farmers in the Egyptian Delta, citing that the joint World Bank and Egyptian government 'West Delta project' violates the Egyptian constitution that should protect the rights of farmers, and not just the interests of wealthy investors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:55:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx The World Bank/IMF Annual General Meetings in Istanbul October 2-7th provide a window of opportunity for civil society to impact ongoing policy reviews. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:41:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11496.aspx Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:32:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11496.aspx The Inspection Panel is to defer its recommendation to investigate into case of the World Bank's "Institutional Reform Development Policy Grant" to Yemen, until after the implementation of Bank Management's enhanced action plan, which seeks to address concerns raised by the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights in their Request to the Inspection Panel in April 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:51:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Ms. Eimi Watanabe, a Japanese national, will replace Mr. Werner Kiene, whose term will expire on October 31, 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11487.aspx Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:06:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11487.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:58:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11480.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:52:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11480.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:53:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx The World Bank is preparing to complete its disclosure policy review by late October 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11481.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11481.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11473.aspx Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:46:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11473.aspx A workshop co-organized by the Bank Information Center (BIC), the World Bank’s Inspection Panel, and the IFC and MIGA’s Office of the Compliance/Ombudsman (CAO) was held in Marrakech, Morocco in late July 2009, and lasted three fruitful days. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11464.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:49:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11464.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:44:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:47:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:27:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:05:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11452.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:38:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11452.aspx The full committee hearing addressed the 2009 World Bank Disclosure Policy Review and the role of civil society participation in achieving successful development outcomes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11448.aspx Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:53:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11448.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11443.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:35:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11443.aspx The loan will finance an environmental sustainability reform program in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11442.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:53:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11442.aspx Egyptian civil society groups suggest an alternative water route for the West Delta Irrigation Project, that could serve poor farmers as well as rich investors, but the World Bank refuses to consider it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11436.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:29:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11436.aspx Waste, particularly manure, can also generate income for farmers, FAO study shows. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11421.aspx Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:47:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11421.aspx After meeting with World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister of Regional Development, Silvan Shalom, stated that the World Bank had agreed to fund the Red-Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Program that involves Jordan, Palestine and Israel. However, Bank officials say that they have made no promises and that the project is still in the feasibility study phase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:05:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11417.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11417.aspx For the first time in Inspection Panel history, an Eligibility Report is being held for board discussion. With little information, we are left wondering what is happening with the investigation into the Yemeni DPL case. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:32:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.aspx Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx In Latin America and elsewhere, the IMF may be re–emerging—but in a changed landscape. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:28:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:22:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:26:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx Read a BIC Letter to the Editor of The Washington Post in response to the July 23 George Will op-ed on climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:05:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11333.aspx Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11333.aspx "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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11351.aspx Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:22:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11351.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11332.aspx Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:14:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11332.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11329.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:06:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11329.aspx The represenatives of the Interamerican Development Bank (BID) and World Bank (WB) in Washington for Honduras rejected the suggestion that IFI funds assigned to Honduras had been "unfrozen." The pause in IFI funding announced on June 28 will be sustained. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11326.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:06:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11326.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11322.aspx Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:20:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11322.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11308.aspx Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11308.aspx Will the new crisis in the Nile affect the implementation of the West Delta project? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11300.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11300.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11298.aspx Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:36:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11298.aspx William Easterly, NYU Professor of Economics and independent voice in international development brings attention to the World Bank's problematic policies on translation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11294.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:20:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11294.aspx Numerous irregularities cited in environmental licensing process for the San Antonio & Jirau dams http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11286.aspx Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:34:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11286.aspx Read a BIC opinion piece from the FP blog, The Argument, explaining why the World Bank must reconsider its current policies on translation and information disclosure in order to promote substantive civil society engagement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:38:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx BIC highlights the work of Yahya Saleh Mohsen of the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights. Yahya played an instrumental role in bringing a case to the World Bank Inspection Panel involving the Bank's translation policies in Yemen and beyond. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx The World Bank approves loans for renewable energy in southern countries while making sure Europe meets its energy goals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:42:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11279.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11278.aspx Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:09:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11278.aspx Joint Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian venture to see 112-mile pipeline built between Read Sea, Dead Sea. Project meant to explore desalination possibilities, raising Dead Sea declining water levels. Minister Shalom: Project staple of financial peace http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:43:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC Op-Ed contrasting the innovative transparency efforts of the Obama Administration with those of the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11271.aspx Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:08:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11271.aspx Submit comments to the World Bank online regarding the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change until July 31st. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.aspx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:27:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.aspx The Egyptian government's engagement in the West Delta project raises many questions regarding the repayment of the World Bank's loan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11268.aspx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:52:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11268.aspx The meeting took place during the Inspection Panel's trip to Sana'a to determine the eligibility of a complaint about Yemeni civil society's inability to access a translation of a key Bank document. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:20:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx 1.5 years after the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights first requested a translation of the World Bank's 2008 Development Policy Loan for Yemen, the Bank has finally made this translation available. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11253.aspx Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:16:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11253.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11250.aspx Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:03:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11250.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11231.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:44:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11231.aspx Palestinians losing out in access to vital shared aquifer in the occupied territories http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11221.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 11:17:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11221.aspx Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) develops a model of transparency for the World Bank to use as a reference during its information disclosure policy review http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11213.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 12:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11213.aspx A freedominfo.org examination of World Bank board minutes versus summaries further strengthens the case for improved access to information at the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11212.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 11:19:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11212.aspx The deadline to submit comments online for the World Bank's disclosure policy "Approach Paper" has been extended until June 5th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11211.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 10:29:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11211.aspx Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) comments on the World Bank‟s Transparency Approach Paper http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11210.aspx Tue, 26 May 2009 11:17:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11210.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx A consortium of civil society representatives met to discuss access to information at the World Bank in Bangladesh on May 20th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:38:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Civil society will have the opportunity to apply for observer seats on two World Bank Climate Investment Fund (CIF) committees and one sub-committee. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11192.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 09:25:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11192.aspx Yemeni group files complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel and now change might already be in the air? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 17:29:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11186.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 11:27:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11186.aspx The World Bank warned earlier this year that many of the Andes' tropical glaciers will disappear within 20 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11182.aspx Tue, 19 May 2009 11:48:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11182.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11177.aspx Thu, 14 May 2009 11:42:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11177.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11170.aspx Tue, 12 May 2009 10:14:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11170.aspx BIC and partner NGOs sound off on the Bank's disclosure policy at this year's Spring Meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11131.aspx Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11131.aspx The World Bank's Inspection Panel Annual Report highlights the problem of access to information within several World Bank-financed projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 14:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.aspx Read "The Anchorage Declaration" from the 2009 Indigenous Peoples' Global Summit on Climate Change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11137.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 13:35:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11137.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11132.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 15:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11132.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11123.aspx Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:35:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11123.aspx Yemeni civil society group take their complaint regarding the World Bank's refusal to translate a key program document, to the Inspection Panel http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:21:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11115.aspx Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11115.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC Op-Ed that urges the World Bank to adopt a modern information disclosure policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11114.aspx Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:20:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11114.aspx Criticized by the Ministry of Environment, a streamlined licensing process should reach 40% of the roads listed in the federal program http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx The World Bank's procedures for detecting fraud in its main program of assistance to poor countries were classified as a "structural weakness" in an internal report, increasing the bank's problems in dealing with issues of corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:04:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:00:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx The World Bank plans to increase lending to Latin America to suplement decreasing levels of foreign direct investment in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:14:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx Scientists say 4°C rise would kill 85% of the Amazon rainforest. Even modest temperature rise would see 20-40% loss within 100 years http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:12:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx On the one hand, Brazil made some improvements reducing the rate of deforestation. On the other hand, IIRSA prevents the country from achieving its national environmental goals while deforestation puts the survival of the entire planet at risk. Deforestation is the cause of 20% of the world's global warming - more than the effects of all automobiles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11096.aspx Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:36:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11096.aspx Read correspondence between the Bank Information Center and the World Bank regarding the Bank's review of its Policy on Disclosure of Information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11094.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:49:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11094.aspx This update provides an analysis of the World Bank's Approach Paper entitled "Toward Greater Transparency: Rethinking the World Bank's Disclosure Policy", which was recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx The workshop discussed the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy Review, and introduced the World Bank’s Inspection Panel to our regional partners. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:30:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11091.aspx Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:29:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11091.aspx Represents: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11087.aspx Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:36:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11087.aspx Represents: Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11086.aspx Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:32:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11086.aspx The Inter-American Development Bank should not receive public funding unless it becomes fully accountable to member governments and the public. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11082.aspx Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:59:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11082.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx The World Bank continues to commission feasibility studies for the proposed Red/Dead Sea Canal, but environmental and political issues remain major issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11124.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11124.aspx The World Bank launched the review of its information disclosure policy on Friday, March 13th with the public release of an Approach Paper. BIC and partners argue the case for greater transparency in Bank procedures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:07:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11070.aspx Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:17:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11070.aspx World Bank publicly launches review of its Disclosure Policy http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11069.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11069.aspx As the World Bank launches a review of its policy on access to information, the Global Transparency Initiative will track the review process and provide analytical support to civil society groups concerned with transparency standards at the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11064.aspx Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11064.aspx On March 11 and March 14 2009, the World Bank will be consulting with civil society in Yemen to discuss their new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) 2010-2013. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11063.aspx Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:07:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11063.aspx Now available in both English and Arabic! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11061.aspx Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:18:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11061.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx BIC to serve as NGO observer at the next meeting of the Committee of Participants for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) that will take place on March 11-13 in Panama, Central America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:17:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11050.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11050.aspx The Government of Albania has requested a revision or retraction of an Inspection Panel Report implicating the country's government in corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.aspx Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11048.aspx Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:23:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11048.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11046.aspx Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11046.aspx Panel finds policy violations, provision of false information, and direct support for controversial demolition of homes in an Albanian village http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx Zoellick: "Bank's record with this project is appalling." Executive Directors acknowledge mistakes in Jale home demolitions and approve action plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11045.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11045.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11032.aspx Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11032.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:04:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx The new country study provides background on the Bank's involvement in Palestine since the Oslo Accords, including recent trends and analyses of its aid coordination role. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11039.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:30:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11039.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11026.aspx Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11026.aspx Bank engages Syria on reforms to its transportation sector, while its technical assistance activities - and its overall strategy for the country - remain unavailable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11022.aspx Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11022.aspx A meeting on the status of the planned natural gas pipeline convenes in Budapest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11025.aspx Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11025.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11021.aspx Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11021.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11017.aspx Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11017.aspx While the international financial institutions report sharp lending increases due to the global financial crisis, concerns over lack of transparency and accountability remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11015.aspx Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:54:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11015.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:05:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:50:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx African Development Bank also contributing record loans to address power shortage. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:20:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10983.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10983.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Concerned parties threaten to file a court case against the Egyptian government if they do not receive satisfactory answers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10964.aspx Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10964.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10977.aspx Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10977.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10978.aspx Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10978.aspx A recent meeting between the World Bank and the Yemeni Planning Minister focused on preliminary negotiations on a proposed water sector project. However, the central question remains whether the Bank is ensuring water access for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:22:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10960.aspx Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10960.aspx Bujagali deal full of risk for one of world’s poorest countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.aspx Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:15:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.aspx Indigenous leader calls for suspension of REDD activities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11693.aspx Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11693.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10942.aspx Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10942.aspx Represents: Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Tonga, Vietnam http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10956.aspx Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10956.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10955.aspx Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:33:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10955.aspx Represents: Australia, Cambodia, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10953.aspx Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:45:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10953.aspx Represents: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Israel, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Romania, Ukraine http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10952.aspx Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:21:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10952.aspx Represents: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, Philippines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10949.aspx Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:45:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10949.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10947.aspx Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:32:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10947.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10946.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10946.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10944.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:47:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10944.aspx A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10934.aspx Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:37:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10934.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3939.aspx Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3939.aspx The World Bank Group is adhering to its pledge for greater engagement in the Middle East and North Africa. However, data on the development impacts on the poor are lacking, while other data suggest that many Bank projects in the region are at risk. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3936.aspx Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:27:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3936.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3935.aspx Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:59:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3935.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3934.aspx Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3934.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3932.aspx Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:20:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3932.aspx A coalition of 630 organizations from 104 countries have issued a statement demanding a truly global response to the global crisis and laying out a set of principles for doing so. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:07:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx Sign-on to the civil society letter, BY OCTOBER 28, supporting the fundamental and far-reaching transformation of the international financial and economic system. The letter supports the major international conference convened by the UN to review the international financial and monetary architecture, its institutions and its governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:34:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3922.aspx Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:21:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3922.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3916.aspx Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:50:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3916.aspx Intrusion exposes vulnerability of the World Bank Group's computer network by compromising confidential information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3915.aspx Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:16:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3915.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3913.aspx Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:59:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3913.aspx In a deal brokered by the United Kingdom's development secretary, the selection of the next World Bank president will be open to candidates from any country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3912.aspx Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:33:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3912.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3890.aspx Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3890.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3910.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:45:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3910.aspx To broaden its use among civil society organizations in China, the Bank Information Center’s World Bank Toolkits for Activists is now available in Chinese. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:47:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx The project will divert water from the Nile to the reclaimed lands in the West Delta region, while the introduction of the private sector for the first time in Egypt could leave small farmers behind. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.aspx Read the special Annual Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3908.aspx Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:57:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3908.aspx Read all the headlines concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3903.aspx Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3903.aspx The World Bank Group (WBG) loans to countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) increased by 30% between FY07 and FY08. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Report by 2007 panel accuses the World Bank of causing "grievous and irreversible damage to those they intend to serve" in India. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3905.aspx Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3905.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3899.aspx Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3899.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3901.aspx Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3901.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3892.aspx Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:34:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3892.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3891.aspx Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:54:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3891.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3889.aspx Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3889.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx New estimates from the World Bank reveal that there are more poor people in the world than previously thought. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3887.aspx Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:14:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3887.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:18:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx The IFIs are set to invest billions of dollars in transportation infrastructure in Central Asia, primarily under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3879.aspx Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3879.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3876.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:13:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3876.aspx James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx The international financial institutions (IFIs) have offered aid to Georgia, as the conflict winds down. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3875.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3875.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx The 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3859.aspx Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3859.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx A new report released by an independent researcher from the Burmese community says that many victims of Cyclone Nargis are still not getting adequate relief material from international aid groups, including the United Nations agencies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx The World Bank has agreed to additional financing for electricity and water projects in the West Bank and Gaza. But the reach of the assistance to the most needy, and the effects on curbing high utility bills are still questionable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx The World Bank Caucus aims to foster dialogue between the World Bank and members of the U.S. Congress on development, poverty and trade issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:26:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx The World Bank will buy 325,480 tons of carbon credits from Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Utilization (ECARU) on behalf of governments and companies in Organisation for Econmic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:02:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx July riots signal the importance of transparency and responsible revenue management for Mongolia’s political stability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx On June 24, 2008, the Jubilee Act passed the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bill must now be considered and passed by the full U.S. Senate before it can go to the President and be signed into law. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx The Bota Foundation, administered by the World Bank, held its first Board of Trustees meeting in June. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3824.aspx Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3824.aspx World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick praised Kazakhstan for its role in reviving the Aral Sea, on a recent visit to the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3825.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3825.aspx World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx As Newmont, the world's largest mining company prepares for gold mining operations in Ghana, civil society groups challenge the purported benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has come under fire for the environmental and social legacies of its gold mining investments in Ghana and its plans proceed to begin the next phase of Newmont's controversial Ahafo gold project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:45:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx The World Bank's Country Director for Kenya, who was criticized over the Bank's portfolio in the country as well as a controversial leaked memo during the country's recent elections, will be the new Bank Director of Operations and Strategy for Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:36:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Egyptian media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx In a Statement issued June 17, the Ethnic Community Development Forum (ECDF) of Burma cautioned the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) against any engagement with Burma's military rulers in the post-Cyclone Nargis scenario given the human rights situation in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx The World Bank’s support for the $15.5 million feasibility studies continues to raise questions about the Bank’s application of its operational safeguard policies on the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx The recent Palestine Investment Conference concluded with pledges amounting to $1.4 billion in private sector investment in the Palestinian Territories, including $75m from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Meanwhile, the World Bank’s conditionalities on utility fees and eliminating public sector jobs raises doubts about the institution’s adherence to its poverty reduction mandate. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx The World Bank's Tiger Conservation Initiative aims to raise global awareness about the plight of the endangered tiger and to work with local and international communities to stave off its extinction. The initiative is unprecedented for an institution whose stated mission is to fight poverty in developing countries rather than conserve endangered species. But a day after the launch, India is reported for have refused the World Bank's "offer" for a loan for the inititiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Kazakhstan has signed into law a 2006 agreement to transport oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, while making plans to connect its oil to the BTC route through additional domestic and trans-Caspian pipelines. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3792.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3792.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3794.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3794.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the Kyrgyz Republic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3795.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3795.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3796.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3796.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Georgia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3797.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3797.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Russia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3798.aspx Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3798.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx The World Bank announced today that it has set up a financing facility in the order of $1.2 billion to assist with the global food crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx Thu, 29 May 2008 15:16:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.aspx Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.aspx Skyrocketing food prices have forced the international financial institutions (IFIs) to articulate responses to the situation. The World Bank has conjured a "New Deal for Global Food Policy" to pump agriculture-oriented loans and programs into Africa and to address emergency financing needs. The IMF has voiced concern over the likely macroeconomic shocks of the food crisis in low-income countries. But the Bretton Woods Institutions must wrestle with a legacy that helped set the stage for diminished food security in many low-income countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 10:31:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Three and a half months after the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the controversial head of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT), the Bank has appointed Leonard McCarthy as the new head of its internal anti-corruption unit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:29:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compliation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx In his blog, Jim Schultz of The Democracy Center writes about the World Bank's attempts to improve its image in Bolivia by rewriting its role in the country's history. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3737.aspx Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:46:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3737.aspx The new Country Assistance Strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the Bank has kept secret, suggests a continued emphasis on the natural resource sectors as sources of growth going forward and predicts at least $1.4 billion in new lending over the next three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Jubilee USA Network heralded the passage by voice vote in the House Financial Services Committee of the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation (HR 2634). The legislation calls on the US Treasury Department to negotiate at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank for an agreement for debt cancellation for up to 24 additional poor countries that need cancellation to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but do not currently qualify for the current IMF/World Bank debt relief initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3721.aspx Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:59:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3721.aspx Wall Street Journal editorial targets corruption in World Bank projects in Kenya, spurring renewed complaints about the Bank’s alleged contribution to a climate of loose ethics and corruption in the Kenyan government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:34:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Updated April 10, 2008: The World Bank's Inspection Panel is recruiting qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in its three-member team. Regional balance considerations could likely mean selection of a candidate from the South East Asia region. The closing date for applications has been extended to April 30, 2008. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:29:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Donors, led by the World Bank, still insist on linking aid for the Palestinian Authority to the removal of subsidies from basic services, in spite of a recent Bank study that highlights increasing poverty and unemployment rates in the West Bank and Gaza. The suggested cuts in the wage bill in the security, health and education sectors could further hinder Palestine's ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.aspx Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:24:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.aspx While IFC meeting with government and private sector is expected to lower corporate taxes, World Bank and IMF conditions will double the General Sales Tax in 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:03:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx World Bank Group General Counsel Ana Palacio is resigning her position, effective April 15, further diminishing former World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz's legacy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:21:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:14:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx New threats and opportunities have pushed the World Bank toward a new form of engagement in the Middle East and North Africa region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.aspx Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:20:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3685.aspx Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:08:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3685.aspx Trainings aim to inform Indonesian civil society about the basics of the multilateral development banks and hold the institutions accountable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3683.aspx Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:12:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3683.aspx Size of debt to be repaid will depend on the size of the penalties for early repayment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3674.aspx Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:03:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3674.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:42:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:22:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx World Bank hopes leading academic's appointment will help strengthen ties with China. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:50:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Addressing the African Union Summit on Thursday, January 31, 2008, World Bank President Zoellick committed to expanding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:11:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx 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.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:09:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.aspx The Arab newspaper Azzaman reported last week that the Iraqi government plans to reduce its food rationing program "in line with the obligations it has made to the World Bank." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx The World Bank will be launching four new projects in Macedonia in 2008, for a total amount of $175 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3661.aspx Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:45:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3661.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:07:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Following the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the previous head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit and the embarrassing revelations of extensive fraud in several of its health projects in India, the World Bank announced on January 23, 2008 that it would implement all the recommendations of the Volcker Panel Review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3652.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:50:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3652.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:11:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.aspx A report issued by the Egyptian Central Auditing Organization accuses the Egyptian government of using misleading financial statistics. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3648.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:47:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3648.aspx First of its kind loan would be invested in health, water, energy and irrigation projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3646.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3646.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Resignation comes after internal review reveals Bank's ineffectiveness in addressing corruption in health projects in India. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx Internal memo raises questions about the institution's political neutrality in Kenya. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3636.aspx Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:07:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3636.aspx Policy conditions attached to the $50 million grant include a reduction of the civil service, land reform, and lower corporate taxes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:55:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Favorable World Bank assessment of Palestinian economic reform program helps pave the way for major donor support. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:17:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx Ecuador's actions are part of a wider dissatisfaction among some Central and South American countries with international investment law and particularly its dispute settlement regime. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3627.aspx Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:10:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3627.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3626.aspx Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:20:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3626.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx The World Bank approved the $50 million grant yesterday without disclosing relevant project documents. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3609.aspx Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:47:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3609.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:17:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Yemeni media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3579.aspx Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:48:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3579.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:03:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3572.aspx Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3572.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx A people's tribunal against the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank was announced in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday, hours before World Bank President, Robert Zoellick's arrival in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:34:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.aspx Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.aspx As World Bank President Robert Zoellick works to secure IDA funds, an influential U.S. Democratic senator calls for changes at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3543.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:15:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3543.aspx Questions remain as to whether the IFC will use its role as a major IDA donor to deflect criticism of its own investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3484.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3484.aspx Critics claim that Aid for Trade schemes could aggrevate rather than alleviate poverty, particularly in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx This is the first of a series of periodic electronic updates on World Bank projects in South Asia, from BIC's South Asia office. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3541.aspx Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:02:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3541.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx The World Bank will focus on labor-intensive export to boost employment in the Arab World. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:54:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.aspx World Bank President Robert Zoellick has named former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as a new managing director of the Bank, effective December 1, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:50:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:15:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx Egypt tops list of reformers in World Bank's 2008 "Doing Business" report. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.aspx Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:42:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:22:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Civil society in the Middle East demands that the Bank give full consideration to viable alternatives to the costly project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:24:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:57:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx World Bank President faces an uphill battle to raise money from donors to support the Bank’s work in poor countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3503.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3503.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx In his first high-level appointment since taking office, World Bank President, Robert Zoellick has named Caroline Anstey as his new Chief of Staff. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3497.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3497.aspx In 2007, IFC financing in the Middle East and North Africa region exceeded lending from IDA and IBRD combined. As the Bank Group heralds high growth in MENA and pumps money to the private sector, equity and employment challenges loom large. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:21:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx A recent 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3490.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:56:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3490.aspx A review of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity and its Governance and Anti-corruption strategy finds that weak management, employee resistance and internal distrust is contributing to the Bank's ineffectiveness in combating corruption in its operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:45:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx The new approach aims to reinvigorate the World Bank with high quality products and financial services. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3482.aspx Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:59:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3482.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:38:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx In a report released today, the Government Accountabilty Project finds that the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity is undermined by a conflict of interest at its top ranks and serious, long-term problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:10:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx 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? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:51:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:25:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx The World Bank's Inspection Panel has named Roberto Lenton as its newest member. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3475.aspx Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:31:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3475.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3473.aspx Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:59:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3473.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Last week, National Public Radio's Morning Edition broadcast a story on the debate surrounding the World Bank-financed Bujagali dam in Uganda. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3471.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:00:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3471.aspx A recent article by the World Bank applauds governments in MENA for increasing investment in environmental protection. While the World Bank is encouraging MENA countries to decrease their carbon emissions, it continues to finance extractive industry projects in the region. This apparent contradiction is just one of several reasons to take a closer look at the Bank's recent coverage of the 'greening' of MENA. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Journalists confirmed that former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, personally intervened in removing the words "climate change" from Bank progress reports, and that it may be years before the World Bank considers greenhouse gas emissions in its projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3467.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:01:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3467.aspx The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), found that 41% of the IFC projects studied had low development ratings. IFC performed particularly poorly in Africa and Asia, where only half of its projects had positive development outcomes. In Africa, the quality of IFC work was particularly poor, rated as “high” in only 45% of projects, as compared to 68% in other regions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx Local CSO observers argue that instead of addressing the root causes of the economic and social challenges facing Lebanon, the World Bank is promoting a "one-size-fits-all" formula of privatization and liberalization in various sectors. To deal with the adverse impacts of these reforms, the Bank is proposing limited social safety net programs. But groups like the Arab NGOs Network for Development say what the country needs is a comprehensive strategy for economic and social development including policitical and administrative reforms. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:41:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3463.aspx Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:27:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3463.aspx 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? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:21:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx New World Bank President Robert Zoellick recently returned to Washington, DC following a Pacific tour. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3456.aspx Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:00:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3456.aspx The Egyptian government is facing criticism from members of its parliament over plans to sell off the country’s publicly owned banks. The plan to privatize several national banks within the framework of an $8.7 billion financial sector reform program has the backing of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and US Agency for International Development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:39:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:43:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx A new World Bank report warns reproductive health services are being overlooked in the fight against poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3451.aspx Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:28:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3451.aspx Meanwhile, divisions on the Bank's Board of Directors over the report's findings could present Zoellick with his first test of leadership. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3449.aspx Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:38:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3449.aspx The new World Bank President spoke of middle income countries, good governance and the need to diversify services at a town hall meeting earlier this month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Africa, middle-income countries and cross-border problems are but some of the issues needing Robert Zoellick's attention. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3444.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:30:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3444.aspx World Bank-backed project to receive Inspection Panel visit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3433.aspx Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:45:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3433.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:34:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx The World Bank allegedly removed inflammatory findings on pollution-related deaths from a report under pressure from the Chinese government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:43:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3423.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:25:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3423.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:28:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3420.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:09:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3420.aspx The Executive Directors of the World Bank unanimously selected Robert B. Zoellick to succeed Mr. Wolfowitz, effective July 1, 2007, as the 11th President of the Bank for a five-year term. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:02:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:25:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3411.aspx Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:20:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3411.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3408.aspx Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:51:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3408.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3405.aspx Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:38:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3405.aspx Despite all the public outcry about the flaws in the World Bank's governance and the need for an open, democratic, and merit-based process for the selection of the next World Bank President, NOT A SINGLE COUNTRY proposed an alternate candidate to the US's pick for the job, allowing the US to continue its grip on the leadership of the institution. The Board is expected to confirm the Bush administration's choice for the job - Robert Zoellick - by the end of June... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:02:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx The 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:12:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Uncontested World Bank presidential nominee makes no major break from Wolfowitz's agenda during Africa tour. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Reactions to the United States' nomination of the former US Trade Representative for the next World Bank President... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3392.aspx Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:04:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3392.aspx Robert Zoellick will travel to Africa, Europe and Latin America in an effort to "listen and learn". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3390.aspx Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:09:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3390.aspx Collaboration to focus on large infrastructure; move seen as attempt by World Bank to avoid growing competition with Chinese counterpart. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:56:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx Critics counter that carbon market amounts to "a carbon accounting loophole for industrialized countries, instead of a tool for climate protection." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3388.aspx Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3388.aspx The White House’s announcement that it will nominate former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick to be the next World Bank President, and the widespread assumption that the choice is a fait accompli, serve as a reminder that the lessons of the Wolfowitz scandal have yet to be learned. Read BIC's May 31 Press Release on the Zoellick nomination. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3381.aspx Wed, 30 May 2007 11:24:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3381.aspx Representatives Frank, Obey, Rangel and Lantos furthermore note that the best candidate for the job need not be American. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3379.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 10:30:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3379.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3387.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3387.aspx Demands join a chorus of voices from civil society and beyond expressing concerns about the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3330.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3330.aspx 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". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3358.aspx Fri, 18 May 2007 11:07:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3358.aspx PRESS RELEASE: World Bank housecleaning has only just begun. Wolfowitz's resignation is the first step to broader governance overhauls at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3357.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 18:21:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3357.aspx The Wolfowitz scandal should serve as a sobering wake-up call to the World Bank on the need for meaningful governance reforms. Its archaic 1940s convention of allowing the US to name the Bank’s leader undermines the institution’s legitimacy as well as the accountability of the Bank’s president. The Bank does not need to look very far for reform proposals - including its own 2001 proposals for an open, competitive selection process that were summarily ignored. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Although a decision on the fate of Paul Wolfowitz was expected this afternoon, the Board of Directors has adjourned discussions until Thursday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3353.aspx Wed, 16 May 2007 13:15:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3353.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3351.aspx Wed, 16 May 2007 12:12:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3351.aspx 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" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3347.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 15:25:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3347.aspx Read the letter to World Bank and IMF executive directors, signed by over 165 individuals http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3344.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 12:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3344.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3335.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 23:18:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3335.aspx African civil society rejects the idea of Wolfowitz as Africa's friend, arguing that the Bank continues to undermine development on the continent. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3331.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 10:35:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3331.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3329.aspx Thu, 10 May 2007 12:25:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3329.aspx Opaque, unilateral control over leadership selection highlights major flaws in the governance of the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3327.aspx Tue, 08 May 2007 16:32:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3327.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3322.aspx Tue, 08 May 2007 12:17:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3322.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3309.aspx Mon, 07 May 2007 11:02:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3309.aspx 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... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3302.aspx Wed, 02 May 2007 18:03:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3302.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3296.aspx Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3296.aspx Quotes from World Bank's shareholding country representatives, US Government, and civil society on the Wolfowitz affair. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3255.aspx Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3255.aspx With all eyes on Wolfowitz, few are looking deeper at the true scandal about the World Bank – that the governance of the world’s leading development agency is shrouded in secrecy and fundamentally undemocratic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3294.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:50:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3294.aspx Bank approves $360 million financing package for dam on Victoria Nile despite concerns about climate change, environmental impacts and cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3291.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:20:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3291.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3290.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:56:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3290.aspx 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? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3287.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3287.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3289.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3289.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3286.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:01:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3286.aspx Some of the latest news and musings about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3282.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:01:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3282.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3292.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3292.aspx In a letter to the Financial Times, over 40 former senior managers call Wolfowitz's resignation a "regrettable but essential step". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3279.aspx Sun, 22 Apr 2007 21:18:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3279.aspx Some of the interesting press and commentaries circulating about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3278.aspx Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:41:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3278.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3277.aspx Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:09:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3277.aspx 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". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3274.aspx Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:39:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3274.aspx The www.worldbankpresident.org blog reviews the various camps concerned with the recent allegations surrounding World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3273.aspx Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:52:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3273.aspx The World Bank Group's pledge to reduce greenhouse gases rings hollow as the organization increases assistance for the development of fossil fuels. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3272.aspx Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:44:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3272.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3268.aspx Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:07:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3268.aspx The blog www.worldbankpresident.org posts a handy summary of ten allegations circulating about World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3266.aspx Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:49:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3266.aspx Some of the interesting press and commentaries circulating about embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3265.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:34:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3265.aspx Some of the recent comments and happenings related to the Paul Wolfowitz affair http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3257.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:08:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3257.aspx Report highlights disrepancies between conclusions of the World Bank and the official project monitors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3270.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3270.aspx Summaries of some recent press and civil society commentaries on embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3256.aspx Sun, 15 Apr 2007 00:50:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3256.aspx Check out www.worldbankpresident.org! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3254.aspx Sat, 14 Apr 2007 14:46:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3254.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3253.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:17:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3253.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3252.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:54:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3252.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3251.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:07:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3251.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3264.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3264.aspx The chair of the World Bank Staff Association, Alison Cave, said that Paul Wolfowitz "must acknowledge that his conduct has compromised the integrity and effectiveness of the World Bank Group and has destroyed the staff's trust in his leadership. He must act honorably and resign." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3248.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:08:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3248.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3246.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:29:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3246.aspx Report entitled "Carving up the Congo" reveals that the world's second largest rainforest is under threat. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:44:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3227.aspx Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3227.aspx President Paul Wolfowitz called on Francois Bour-guignon, the Bank's chief economist, to develop a new strategy for World Bank aid effectiveness. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3233.aspx Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:10:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3233.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3228.aspx Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:35:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3228.aspx Eva Joly encourages Zambian parliamentarians to demand greater revenues so that the country could benefit from its lucrative copper industry http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3396.aspx Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3396.aspx By Aldo Caliari and Paul Martin http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3224.aspx Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:03:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3224.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3223.aspx Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:11:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3223.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3219.aspx Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:37:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3219.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3216.aspx Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:11:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3216.aspx Testimonies were presented by nominees Margrethe Lundsager, Eli Whitney Debevoise II and Curtis S. Chin to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and statements were followed by a question and answer period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3212.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:47:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3212.aspx Reports that a World Bank staffer was shot at an Iraqi checkpoint surfaced in late February. The Bank apparently suppressed the news for several days, presumably in an effort to quell concerns about Bank President Paul Wolfowitz’s recent push to re-open a World Bank office in Baghdad. What should the Bank be doing in Iraq? Following is an overview of current Bank involvement in the country, and some reasons why you should be concerned. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3210.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:34:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3210.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:14:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3200.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:44:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3200.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:30:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx A World Bank staffer was shot in the shoulder at a security check point in Baghdad last week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3192.aspx Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:25:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3192.aspx The German company Lahmeyer, found guilty of bribery while involved in the World Bank's Lesotho Highlands Water Project, has been placed on a list of firms that are ineligible of working with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) following the EBRD's examination of World Bank reports. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3183.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:40:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3183.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3181.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3181.aspx The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has posted draft policies for public comment until April 27, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:30:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx 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... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3173.aspx Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:20:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3173.aspx The Department plays a critical role in rooting out fraud and corruption within the World Bank - a focus many claim is underplayed in the institution's development of its Governance and Anti-Corruption Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:26:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3168.aspx Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:34:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3168.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3167.aspx Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:59:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3167.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3163.aspx Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:56:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3163.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3148.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:20:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3148.aspx Consultation period closed on January 26. Management to update the current draft in preparation for a March 20 Board of Directors meeting. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3146.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:57:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3146.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3145.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:13:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3145.aspx Jennifer Dorn has been serving as Acting Executive Director. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3143.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:37:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3143.aspx Accompanied with new anti-corruption frameworks and laws, loans to both Cambodia and Vietnam have been reinstated after a year of supension. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3137.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:23:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3137.aspx US Treasury International Affairs Under-Secretary Timothy D. Adams announced his resignation on February 2, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3132.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:27:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3132.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3127.aspx Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:30:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3127.aspx Referencing key board documents, investigative journalist Richar Behar exposes deep tensions between World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and the Bank's Board of Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3119.aspx Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:39:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3119.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3108.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:44:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3108.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3103.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:41:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3103.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3102.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:21:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3102.aspx The Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, called for "modernization and reform" of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, at a keynote speech in India on January 17, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:09:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx BIC to host sessions on the African Development Bank and World Bank in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3094.aspx Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:06:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3094.aspx Represents: Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3084.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 13:18:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3084.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3082.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:32:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3082.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3081.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:23:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3081.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx 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". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3071.aspx Wed, 03 Jan 2007 10:50:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3071.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3066.aspx Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:39:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3066.aspx The report will guide the organization's work in Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, China, Laos and Indonesia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3065.aspx Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:09:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3065.aspx 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.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3051.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3051.aspx The new 2007-2009 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Russia was endorsed by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on December 14. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3057.aspx Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3057.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3050.aspx Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3050.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3045.aspx Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:38:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3045.aspx The World Bank President is trying to calm critics and raise money for the next round of International Development Association replenishment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3042.aspx Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:25:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3042.aspx A new report by the Bank's Independent Evaluation Group argues that Bank programs have failed to achieve sustained increases in per capita income. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3041.aspx Fri, 08 Dec 2006 13:04:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3041.aspx Bank's delayed reply fails to address critical issues of public disclosure or consultation http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3040.aspx Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3040.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3048.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3048.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx World Bank yet to disclose audits of Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned copper mining company http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx President Wolfowitz fills position after Africa VP's resignation http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3033.aspx Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3033.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3058.aspx Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3058.aspx The World Bank’s anti-corruption strategy is trudging forward, in spite of continuing tensions over the content and tone of the framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3031.aspx Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:21:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3031.aspx BIC's November 22, 2006 IF-Eye newsletter discusses the World Bank's funding of a controversial Uruguay pulp mill, and key concerns about the World Bank's anti-corruption strategy. It also spotlights recent civil society and international development institution news. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3027.aspx Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:17:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3027.aspx An internal memo warns that the Bank may be complicit in the non-transparent awarding of mining contracts that are unfavorable to the country http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx The World Bank Board of Directors will discuss a new confidential report titled “Good Practice Principles for the Application of Conditionality: A Progress Report,” on December 5, 2006. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3024.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:30:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3024.aspx The World Bank approved $170 million in International Finance Corporation (IFC) financing and $200 million in Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) support for the controversial Botnia pulp mill in Uruguay on Tuesday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3019.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3019.aspx Work begins, in spite of lingering tensions http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3020.aspx Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:02:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3020.aspx Agencies encourage donor countries to channel more Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to Africa under new "Nairobi Framework" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3018.aspx Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3018.aspx Vice President Gobind Nankani considered Wolfowitz's "latest casualty" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3017.aspx Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3017.aspx Comments on the controversial strategy will be accepted for an unspecified amount of time. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3016.aspx Thu, 16 Nov 2006 23:51:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3016.aspx BIC and partners challenge World Bank and US Government controversial support of Big Oil in November 14 Financial Times advertisement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3014.aspx Mon, 13 Nov 2006 23:35:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3014.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3005.aspx Thu, 09 Nov 2006 10:38:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3005.aspx This week the World Bank suspended its contracts to Lahmeyer International after being found guilty of bribing public officials in the multi-billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx Seminars and training sessions will center on the theme of "Better Governance and Improved Institutions". Some of the events open to participants this week and next include panels and workshops on clean energy, climate change, the IFC performance standards and disclosure policy, and on country systems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3004.aspx Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3004.aspx The Sino-African summit wrapped up last weekend amid promises from China to double trade, aid and investment in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3008.aspx Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3008.aspx An article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today, featuring a quote by BIC's Executive Director, provides a comprehensive account of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's continued drive to chart Iraq's future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2995.aspx Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:00:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2995.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2993.aspx Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:28:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2993.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2992.aspx Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:45:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2992.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2991.aspx Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2991.aspx Wolfowitz visited France and Norway this week, and commented on the upcoming IDA replenishment, Africa and the fight against corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2989.aspx Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:33:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2989.aspx The World Bank's controversial Governance and Anti-Corruption Framework was the subject of intense debate prior to the Annual Meetings, raising important questions about the appropriate role for the Bank in fighting corruption, and the need for the institution to clean up its own act before dictating strategies to others. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2986.aspx Sat, 21 Oct 2006 19:23:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2986.aspx BIC's "IFIs in Africa News Briefings" provide summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to International Financial Institutions (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2987.aspx Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2987.aspx In a recent publication, author Frances Seymour of World Resources Institute contends that the evidence has never been stronger that protecting the environment is not only compatible with the World Bank's development objectives, but that it is in fact essential to achieving them. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2972.aspx Fri, 06 Oct 2006 13:15:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2972.aspx Details on the International People's Forum and the official meetings, a boycott timeline, and links to additional resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2966.aspx Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:39:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2966.aspx BIC Executive Director Manish Bapna highlights key flaws with World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's Anti-Corruption Strategy in a September 20 letter to the Wall Street Journal. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2965.aspx Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:29:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2965.aspx World Bank management presented its highly-anticipated governance and anti-corruption strategy to the Development Committee on September 18 at the Annual Meetings in Singapore. The strategy was met with some resistance by member governments, who demanded greater Board oversight of the framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2958.aspx Tue, 19 Sep 2006 04:36:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2958.aspx In a statement released on the last day of the IPF, the organizers celebrate the success of the event and renew demands for multilateral debt cancellation, transparency and participatory audits of IFI lending and policies, and an end to IFI involvement in privatization of public services and environmentally destructive projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 23:56:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx A new NGO report finds that the World Bank's promise to seriously support alternative enery remains unfullfilled. Released in Singapore during the Bank's annual meeting, the report--How the World Bank's Energy Framework Sells the Climate and Poor People Short--calls on the Bank to step up efforts to meet basic energy needs of the poor, to stop subsidizing northern oil companies, and to redirect existing dirty energy financing to renewable technologies and energy efficiency projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2954.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:13:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2954.aspx Despite the Singapore Government's announcement that 22 previously-banned civil society representatives can now enter Singapore to attend the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, the civil society boycott of the meetings continues. The International Peoples' Forum vs the IMF-World Bank released a statement outlining continuing concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2953.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2953.aspx Over 160 organizations have signed a petition supporting a boycott of meetings to take place at the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Singapore. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2948.aspx Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2948.aspx The Development Committee has posted the final versions of its discussion papers for the Singapore Annual Meetings, including a September 8 version of the corruption and governance paper. You can find the Development Committee's provisional agenda for the meetings and multiple discussion papers right here. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2947.aspx Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:40:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2947.aspx New developments have jeopardized the ability of civil society organizations to participate in the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place in Singapore from September 14-20. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2945.aspx Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:31:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2945.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2944.aspx Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:29:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2944.aspx Indonesian police prevent civil society conference; Singapore denies entry to some civil society representatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2943.aspx Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:26:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2943.aspx This policy update by Bruce Jenkins of BIC evaluates a recent World Bank report "Stregthening the World Bank's Engagement with IBRD partner countries" on middle-income countries and distills the main points of the Bank's new strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2942.aspx Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:24:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2942.aspx Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2890.aspx Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2890.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2936.aspx Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:36:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2936.aspx This paper assesses a decade of IFI operations in Azerbaijan and how those operations have performed in relation to the goal of economic diversification – a main objective of IFI lending programs and the main priority of Azerbaijan's poverty reduction program. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2934.aspx Thu, 24 Aug 2006 11:41:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2934.aspx A report by IPS correspondent Emad Mekay published on August 14 features contrasting outlooks from civil society groups and the World Bank about the role of the new Sustainable Development Network at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2932.aspx Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:42:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2932.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2931.aspx Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:31:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2931.aspx BIC's newest policy brief argues that although sustainable development is an elastic concept, with the merger of the World Bank's environment and infrastructure networks World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz may have just stretched it to the snapping point. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2918.aspx Wed, 02 Aug 2006 11:58:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2918.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2917.aspx Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:26:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2917.aspx Keeping abreast of the World Bank's current efforts to develop an “anti-corruption and governance” strategy, here is a collection of thoughts and reactions to the draft document and the preparation process in general. Please feel free to submit your feedback and perspectives on the issue. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2911.aspx Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:12:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2911.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2909.aspx Thu, 27 Jul 2006 18:53:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2909.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2899.aspx Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:23:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2899.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2883.aspx Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:15:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2883.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2882.aspx Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:00:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2882.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2874.aspx Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:46:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2874.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2873.aspx Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:27:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2873.aspx On June 22, the World Bank suspended 13 contracts related to four Cambodian projects, bringing the total number of World Bank contracts suspended in the country to 43. The 43 contracts are associated with a total of seven projects, and are worth $11.9 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2871.aspx Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:22:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2871.aspx Rumors of the pending reorganization have circulated for months, fueling doubts about the Bank's commitment to sustainable development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2865.aspx Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:38:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2865.aspx The IMF and the World Bank have invited comments on proposed improvements to collaboration between the two institutions. Comments may be submitted to: erc@imf.org until September 15, 2006. Comments may also be submitted via <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/comments/bankfund/">electronic mailbox.</a> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2861.aspx Mon, 26 Jun 2006 17:51:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2861.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2849.aspx Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:29:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2849.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2843.aspx Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2843.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2846.aspx Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:28:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2846.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2844.aspx Fri, 16 Jun 2006 08:13:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2844.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2840.aspx Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:50:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2840.aspx In a letter to World Bank Executive Directors, civil society organizations are calling for the recognition of a community referendum in Guatemala. Communities in Sipacapa, one of the municipalities impacted by the mine, registered their position on mineral development through a popular referendum in June 2005 with a majority of villages (11 out of 13) signing community acts stating their position against mining. It has become increasingly apparent that the IFC is not taking responsibility for the problems posed by the Marlin Mine and in particular the plight of the communities which have been adversely affected. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2838.aspx Tue, 13 Jun 2006 16:48:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2838.aspx The projects in question are land management and administration, infrastructure, and water supply and sanitation projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2833.aspx Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:41:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2833.aspx The World Bank has initiated its review of the 2002 Forest Policy and Strategy and a draft report will be open for public comments in August. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2832.aspx Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:35:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2832.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2830.aspx Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:16:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2830.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2822.aspx Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:02:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2822.aspx The institution is currently funding 53 projects in India, totaling almost $12 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2798.aspx Tue, 16 May 2006 15:33:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2798.aspx Shannon Lawrence and Peter Bosshard contend that the World Bank's actions facilitate rather than discourage corruption in the country's infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2795.aspx Fri, 12 May 2006 12:45:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2795.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2762.aspx Thu, 04 May 2006 16:46:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2762.aspx On April 27th, the World Bank announced that it had reached an interim agreement with the Government of Chad to resume lending and unfreeze bank accounts containing the country's oil revenues. The accounts had been blocked since January of this year, when the Bank suspended lending to the country following the government's decision to rewrite the revenue management law and use oil money for security spending. <ul><li class="DocHTM"> <a href="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/0,,contentMDK:20903775~menuPK:258657~pagePK:146736~piPK:146830~theSitePK:258644,00.html"> World Bank press release on interim agreement </a></li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2750.aspx Wed, 03 May 2006 16:40:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2750.aspx Read and find links to select meeting summaries http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2747.aspx Wed, 03 May 2006 16:31:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2747.aspx BIC is proud to release the fourth issue of its biweekly newsletter publication, the IF-Eye! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2754.aspx Mon, 01 May 2006 16:08:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2754.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2746.aspx Mon, 24 Apr 2006 17:43:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2746.aspx The call follows Wolfowitz's recent sketching of broad measures to address corruption during his recent trip to Indonesia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2744.aspx Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:44:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2744.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2740.aspx Mon, 24 Apr 2006 13:06:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2740.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2739.aspx Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2739.aspx The commission's goal is to produce a greater understanding of economic growth for development and poverty reduction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2737.aspx Sat, 22 Apr 2006 12:16:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2737.aspx April 21, 2006 Media Briefing on Wolfowitz and Corruption http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2770.aspx Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:58:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2770.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2738.aspx Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:48:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2738.aspx Wolfowitz's opening remarks touched on key themes to be discussed this week, and were interrupted by protestors http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2736.aspx Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:15:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2736.aspx Wheeler was named Acting Manager Director following Shengman Zhang's departure last January. Daboub has previously served as Finance Minister of El Salvador. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2735.aspx Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:07:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2735.aspx With the Spring Meetings rapidly approaching, here is some preliminary information about the events that will be taking place and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2656.aspx Thu, 20 Apr 2006 14:52:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2656.aspx Indonesian NGOs express disappointment with Paul Wolfowitz's lack of commitment to combatting corruption in past World Bank lending. Read the press release http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2728.aspx Thu, 13 Apr 2006 16:24:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2728.aspx IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato will ask finance ministers to consider increasing the relative voting power of some rising economies at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2727.aspx Thu, 13 Apr 2006 14:27:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2727.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2724.aspx Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:53:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2724.aspx World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is considering the merits of opening an office in Iraq to engage more intensively in reconstruction efforts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2720.aspx Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:44:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2720.aspx IMF head Rodrigo de Rato and World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz have announced their intent to evaluate World Bank-IMF collaboration in an upcoming review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2716.aspx Wed, 05 Apr 2006 17:50:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2716.aspx In its recently posted audit, the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) found several compliance issues regarding the International Financial Corporation's environmental and social due diligence in considering the Orion-Celulosas de M'Bopicua (CMB) paper mill projects in Uruguay. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2708.aspx Fri, 31 Mar 2006 11:48:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2708.aspx On March 28 the World Bank's Board of Directors approved the details of the institution's participation in the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). Scheduled to take effect beginning July 1, the MDRI will cancel the debts of 17 countries to the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA). The cancellations are expected to total more than $37 billion over the next 40 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2703.aspx Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:00:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2703.aspx The hearing emphasizes the current administration's interest in gauging the effectiveness of development programs and funding. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2700.aspx Mon, 27 Mar 2006 17:52:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2700.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2695.aspx Thu, 23 Mar 2006 15:58:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2695.aspx Funding for debt relief, supported by G8 nations, produces questions about the International Development Association’s (IDA) ability to lend money to the world’s poorest nations in the future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2694.aspx Thu, 23 Mar 2006 13:55:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2694.aspx George joins BIC from the Trade Directorate of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. He'll continue the program's work on extractive industries and revenue and contract transparency in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2692.aspx Thu, 23 Mar 2006 10:06:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2692.aspx Hilary Benn chastises the US and the EU for failing to modernize the presidential selection processes of the World Bank and the IMF. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2684.aspx Thu, 16 Mar 2006 15:32:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2684.aspx The World Bank has temporarily suspended financial support to the Mumbai Urban Transport Project due to concerns about the equitable treatment and resettlement of affected communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2663.aspx Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:06:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2663.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx Fri, 03 Mar 2006 15:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2661.aspx Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:28:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2661.aspx Recent articles, letters and papers attempt to address some of the World Bank and IMF's institutional deficiencies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2659.aspx Tue, 28 Feb 2006 11:14:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2659.aspx Read the second issue of BIC's new monthly newsletter: the IF-EYE! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2652.aspx Mon, 27 Feb 2006 13:27:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2652.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2657.aspx Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:05:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2657.aspx An open letter to the Prime Minister of Signapore from civil society expresses concern regarding the policy on protest actions during the upcoming IMF-WB Meeting in September http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2655.aspx Thu, 23 Feb 2006 14:25:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2655.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2644.aspx Tue, 14 Feb 2006 14:36:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2644.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2643.aspx Tue, 14 Feb 2006 14:32:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2643.aspx On February 10, GAP released the “Vaughn Report,” commissioned by the World Bank as a blueprint to modernize that institution’s inadequate whistleblower protection policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2640.aspx Tue, 14 Feb 2006 11:16:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2640.aspx Wolfowitz discussed the recent staff survey and senior-level appointments, and took questions from bank staff. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2637.aspx Thu, 09 Feb 2006 18:45:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2637.aspx Wheeler also answers questions about allegations of corruption within the Bank Group and deceleration of decision making. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2634.aspx Thu, 09 Feb 2006 13:06:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2634.aspx The review reveals that the World Bank Group has done little to effectively and transparently factor governance considerations into the selection and sequencing of its support for extractive industry (EI) projects and strategies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2630.aspx Tue, 07 Feb 2006 18:40:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2630.aspx Wilton has held the position since 2004. His responsibilities have included overseeing the World Bank's overall business strategy and financial management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2629.aspx Tue, 07 Feb 2006 18:21:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2629.aspx The senior vice president and general counsel's resignation was effective January 31. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2628.aspx Tue, 07 Feb 2006 18:14:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2628.aspx Read highlights from the 2005 World Bank Staff Survey, and download the overall results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2627.aspx Mon, 06 Feb 2006 17:26:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2627.aspx Kodera will assume the position in mid-February, reports the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2626.aspx Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:26:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2626.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2621.aspx Wed, 01 Feb 2006 16:25:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2621.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2609.aspx Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:22:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2609.aspx The World Bank president met with organizations from Colombia, Germany, Mali, Pakistan, Poland, and Zambia on January 18. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2608.aspx Thu, 26 Jan 2006 21:59:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2608.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2602.aspx Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:11:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2602.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2597.aspx Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:20:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2597.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2589.aspx Thu, 19 Jan 2006 13:24:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2589.aspx Danino is rumored to have informed his staff of his resignation on January 13. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2585.aspx Wed, 18 Jan 2006 18:06:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2585.aspx Suzanne Folsom was named Director of the Department of Institutional Integrity on January 17. Martin de Jong stepped down from the position last fall. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2581.aspx Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:03:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2581.aspx Kevin Kellems, current Senior Advisor to World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, has previously served as Communications Director and Spokesman for Vice President Dick Cheney. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2579.aspx Wed, 11 Jan 2006 10:15:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2579.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2569.aspx Fri, 06 Jan 2006 16:33:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2569.aspx The Bank's Vice President of External Affairs informed Bank staff of Rice's decision on January 4. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2568.aspx Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:39:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2568.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2565.aspx Tue, 03 Jan 2006 17:34:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2565.aspx The India Country Updates provide information about recent developments and civil society concerns related to International Financial Institution (IFI) involvement in India, including that of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. <ul><li class="DocPDF"> <a href=" http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/India Country Update 3 suggestions.pdf ">India Country Update # 3</a> Bank Information Center, December 2005 (Acrobat pdf 313 KB)</li></ul><ul><li class="DocDOC"> <a href=" http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/India Country Update 3 suggestions.doc"> India Country Update #3 </a> Bank Information Center, December 2005 (MS Word 171 KB)</li></ul><ul><li class="DocPDF"> <a href=" http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/India country- update-3-project table.pdf"> India Project Table </a> Bank Information Center, December 2005 (Acrobat pdf 595 KB) </li></ul><ul><li class="DocDOC"> <a href=" http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/India country- update-3-project table.doc"> India Project Table</a> Bank Information Center, December 2005 (MS Word 307 KB)</li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2537.aspx Mon, 26 Dec 2005 13:17:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2537.aspx CEE Bankwatch and BIC release new report "Grounded in Washington" assessing World Bank Group implementation of the Extractive Industries Review commitments. <ul><li class="DocPDF"> <a href=" http://aa.ecn.cz/img_upload/2a47e698cb07569dfd0ebe077b6aad99/grounded_in_dc_web.pdf "> “Grounded in Washington” </a> CEE Bankwatch and BIC, December, 2005 (Acrobat PDF 1.5MB) </li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2552.aspx Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:04:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2552.aspx Two recent memos circulated to World Bank staff address apparent staff concerns about the confidentiality of the institution's Staff Survey responses. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2545.aspx Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:56:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2545.aspx The World Bank President met with Mario Tema and Magali Rey Rosa on December 9 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2540.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2005 19:23:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2540.aspx Former World Bank Treasurer and Vice President to chair Senior Management Search Committee and act as Managing Director following Shengman Zhang's exit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2526.aspx Mon, 12 Dec 2005 16:41:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2526.aspx Wolfowitz comments on Chad's proposed amendments to the Petroleum Revenue Management Law http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2519.aspx Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:04:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2519.aspx New Indian ED replaces Mr. Chander Mohan Vasudev as representative for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka. Outoing ED leaves position of chair of Board Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) open for successor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2505.aspx Mon, 05 Dec 2005 12:40:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2505.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2503.aspx Fri, 02 Dec 2005 11:55:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2503.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2496.aspx Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:59:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2496.aspx New legislation includes provisions targeting reforms at the multilateral development banks (MDBs) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2489.aspx Thu, 17 Nov 2005 15:15:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2489.aspx Donors from around the world including many IFIs are currently in Pakistan attempting to coordinate funding for relief efforts in the wake of last month's devastating earthquake. Civil society will be lobbying these organizations to implement the most appropriate and helpful strategies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2485.aspx Mon, 14 Nov 2005 16:20:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2485.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2480.aspx Wed, 09 Nov 2005 15:57:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2480.aspx In an email circulated to World Bank staff, the Staff Association expressed concern over being left out of recent senior management meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2479.aspx Tue, 08 Nov 2005 21:52:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2479.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2454.aspx Fri, 28 Oct 2005 12:40:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2454.aspx Opposition party leader Robert Fico accuses World Bank of providing Slovak government with strategies for political spin campaign. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2451.aspx Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:09:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2451.aspx Coinciding with the proposed time for release of WB Progress Report on EIR implementation, on December 11-14, 2005 CEE Bankwatch and BIC will host a workshop in Washington, DC to highlight WBG performance on the implementation of EIR recommendations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2446.aspx Wed, 26 Oct 2005 11:47:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2446.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2433.aspx Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:06:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2433.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2379.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2005 18:14:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2379.aspx World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has announced that Shengman Zhang will leave his position as Managing Director, a position he has held since 1997. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2378.aspx Thu, 06 Oct 2005 17:56:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2378.aspx Read summaries of both official and NGO meetings held during the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2368.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2005 12:56:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2368.aspx In response to recommendations arising from last July's G8 summit at Gleneagles, the World Bank and the G8 Presidency began work on an investment framework and implementation strategy for clean energy and sustainable development during the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2355.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:38:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2355.aspx Although World Bank and IMF agreem