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 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 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.11796.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:49:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11796.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 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 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.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 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 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 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:26:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11360.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 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 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 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 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 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 World Bank has agreed to additional financing for electricity and water projects in the West Bank and Gaza. But the reach of the assistance to the most needy, and the effects on curbing high utility bills are still questionable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3843.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:42:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3844.aspx The World Bank 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 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 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 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 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 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 agreements to cancel an estimated $40 billion in debt owed by 18 countries are major steps towards the cancellation of highly-indebted poor country (HIPC) debt, monitoring and pressure will need to continue until the deals are signed and the debt has been legally and irrevocably cancelled. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2351.aspx Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:04:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2351.aspx World Development Movement released a statement claiming that senior IMF staff threw two Members of Parliament (MPs) out of the meeting of the Group of 24 Developing Country Ministers on the 23 September 2005. Dr. Dradjad Wibowo MP from Indonesia and Hon. Mohammed Jagri MP from Ghana had good reason to believe they could attend the meeting to present a petition calling for democratic oversight of World Bank and IMF policies, and to question World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato. The International Parliamentarians Petition (IPP) has been signed by over 1100 MPs from 55 parliaments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2349.aspx Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:01:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2349.aspx World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz commented on key themes for the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings at the Annual Meeting 2005 Opening Press Conference on September 22. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2348.aspx Mon, 26 Sep 2005 15:52:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2348.aspx See logistical information, who's coming to town, events, and more. Civil society accreditation deadline September 5th! http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2249.aspx Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:47:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2249.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2331.aspx Mon, 12 Sep 2005 17:09:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2331.aspx La Via will serve as a member of World Bank President Wolfowitz's senior management team. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2330.aspx Mon, 12 Sep 2005 17:07:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2330.aspx One of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's first appointees, Robert Pozen will evaluate transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity in World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2295.aspx Thu, 25 Aug 2005 17:48:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2295.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2288.aspx Tue, 16 Aug 2005 13:16:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2288.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2287.aspx Tue, 16 Aug 2005 09:43:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2287.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2274.aspx Wed, 10 Aug 2005 15:40:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2274.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2250.aspx Fri, 05 Aug 2005 12:03:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2250.aspx Browse a list of current country directors (includes emails) for borrowing member countries of the World Bank in sub-Saharan Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2247.aspx Wed, 03 Aug 2005 16:50:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2247.aspx This resource is designed to help Burmese speakers understand MDB engagement with Burma. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2218.aspx Thu, 21 Jul 2005 15:55:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2218.aspx Water Law will decentralize control of country’s water resources and allow private sector involvement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2206.aspx Tue, 19 Jul 2005 14:25:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2206.aspx More than 70 civil society organizations send a letter to the WB Executive Directors highlighting concerns about an increase in high-risk EI investment and the Bank’s lack of progress in implementing its EIR commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2197.aspx Wed, 06 Jul 2005 15:12:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2197.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2192.aspx Fri, 01 Jul 2005 14:34:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2192.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2168.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2005 16:13:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2168.aspx The IFI Policy Review Web page is a recent addition to the BIC website! This page is updated regularly to allow you to keep track of consultation documents, important dates, civil society analyses and more. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2107.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2005 15:09:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2107.aspx A new Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) audit calls for environmental reclassification and better oversight of the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2145.aspx Mon, 06 Jun 2005 17:02:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2145.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2122.aspx Fri, 20 May 2005 14:39:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2122.aspx The Laos Country Updates provide information about recent developments, decisions, civil society concerns and recommendations related to International Financial Institution (IFI) involvement in Laos, including that of the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2121.aspx Fri, 20 May 2005 12:18:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2121.aspx The Thailand Country Updates provide information about recent developments, decisions, civil society concerns and recommendations related to International Financial Institution (IFI) involvement in Thailand, including that of the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2120.aspx Fri, 20 May 2005 10:19:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2120.aspx Communities vow to take own measures if demands are not met. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2113.aspx Tue, 17 May 2005 13:40:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2113.aspx A coalition of over 60 activist groups from more than 25 countries have signed onto a statement criticizing the World Bank’s Global Policy Forum. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2091.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2005 14:01:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2091.aspx Banks approve NT2 despite significant environmental and social costs, lack of revenue management oversight, and presence of other least-cost options. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2067.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2005 16:33:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2067.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2052.aspx Wed, 30 Mar 2005 13:54:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2052.aspx Following an almost two-year, secretive review process, the World Bank’s Board approves several new disclosure requirements to be effective as of April 1, 2005. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2049.aspx Thu, 24 Mar 2005 17:16:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2049.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2013.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2005 22:30:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2013.aspx The appointment represents the outcome of an opaque and undemocratic selection process and raises serious questions about the future trajectory of the World Bank Group. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1988.aspx Wed, 16 Mar 2005 17:19:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1988.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1986.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2005 22:06:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1986.aspx Panel heeded Government’s recommendation that “recent torrential rains” and upcoming local elections will hamper investigation. Villagers say Panel was misinformed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1985.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2005 16:55:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1985.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1967.aspx Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:55:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1967.aspx The IFI Democracy Coalition demands a transparent and accountable process, open to candidates from all countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1927.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:49:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1927.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1925.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:58:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1925.aspx The February G7 meeting produced talk of providing “as much as 100% multilateral debt relief,” but no consensus was reached on concrete actions moving forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1877.aspx Sun, 06 Feb 2005 13:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1877.aspx According to FT article, IFC head Peter Woicke claims a secretive deal between the US and Europe to replace James Wolfensohn would damage the credibility of his successor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1885.aspx Thu, 03 Feb 2005 15:21:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1885.aspx NGOs cite flaws in project's environmental impact assessment and social development plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1879.aspx Tue, 01 Feb 2005 11:52:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1879.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1878.aspx Fri, 28 Jan 2005 12:41:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1878.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1872.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2005 11:01:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1872.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1866.aspx Thu, 13 Jan 2005 09:59:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1866.aspx On January 7th, 2005, US Secretary of Treasury John Snow announced Brookins' resignation, which will be effective as of January 14th, 2005. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1860.aspx Fri, 07 Jan 2005 17:05:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1860.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1855.aspx Mon, 03 Jan 2005 15:58:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1855.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1807.aspx Tue, 07 Dec 2004 16:46:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1807.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1776.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2004 10:25:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1776.aspx In response to a rapid and substandard policy consultation process, 26 NGOs declined to participate in the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) civil society meeting in Washington DC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1640.aspx Wed, 06 Oct 2004 10:07:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1640.aspx The journal Foreign Policy, in its issue of September/October 2004, published a polemic by the journalist Sebastian Mallaby against NGOs and their role in influencing World Bank projects. NGO International Rivers Network issues its response. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1631.aspx Tue, 21 Sep 2004 11:29:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1631.aspx This policy update introduces the ongoing policy reviews at the IFC, outlines the review process, and provides useful links to background documents. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1619.aspx Tue, 07 Sep 2004 17:28:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1619.aspx BIC is gathering information from various networks on planned actions, seminars, workshops, visiting colleagues, and other relevant details. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1607.aspx Fri, 27 Aug 2004 12:26:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1607.aspx World Bank influence on Indian development policy condemned http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1565.aspx Wed, 11 Aug 2004 14:28:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1565.aspx In a letter sent to the IFC, civil society groups are calling for a greater focus on human rights and transparency as the IFC begins to draft its safeguard and disclosure policy approach papers this month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1523.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:25:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1523.aspx On June 18, 2004, World Bank Group Management issued its final response to the EIR for a 30-day public comment period, through July 18, 2004. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1494.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:40:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1494.aspx Update includes final draft Indigenous Peoples Policy, indigenous concerns about a hastily planned WB legal roundtable, and information about a planned briefing for the Board on Free Prior and Informed Consent http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1474.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2004 09:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1474.aspx New developments in the World Bank’s safeguard policies review indicates more reliance on country systems rather than Bank policy. This represents a profound shift in the development assistance framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1476.aspx Thu, 10 Jun 2004 13:24:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1476.aspx This follows last week's Foreign Relations Committee hearing on "Combatting Corruption in the MDBs," showing growing interest within the Senate in overseeing International Financial Institutions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1461.aspx Wed, 19 May 2004 13:20:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1461.aspx Sign-on letters, public statements and press coverage reflect mounting pressure on the World Bank Group to implement EIR recommendations. World Bank management will submit its response to the recommendations and proposed action plan to the Board of Directors for discussion some time in June 2004. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1361.aspx Fri, 07 May 2004 20:11:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1361.aspx Prior to its departure, DC-based NGOs met the delegation to stress the need for affected communities have an opportunity to influence the project's outcome and use of revenue. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1435.aspx Thu, 29 Apr 2004 14:29:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1435.aspx NTPC has released the first two chapters of the project's Environmental Assessment and Management Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1434.aspx Thu, 29 Apr 2004 13:26:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1434.aspx This policy update from BIC provides background on the policy revision, and a summary of key provisions of the new draft policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1427.aspx Tue, 27 Apr 2004 17:20:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1427.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1449.aspx Sat, 24 Apr 2004 16:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1449.aspx Civil Society Organizations and the World Bank have organized numerous events around the Spring World Bank/IMF Meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1390.aspx Fri, 23 Apr 2004 16:22:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1390.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1403.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 20:00:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1403.aspx In March 2004, BIC submitted comments on a World Bank discussion paper “Issues and Options for Improving Engagement Between the World Bank and Civil Society" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1400.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 18:54:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1400.aspx The IFC has released the Terms of Reference for the PPAH review, laying out a rough timeline for the two-year project and identifying key areas that need to be addressed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1399.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 18:34:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1399.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1342.aspx Fri, 05 Mar 2004 18:23:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1342.aspx World Bank staff have been invited to discuss civil society questions regarding content and implementation of the IAP on Friday, March 12 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1326.aspx Tue, 02 Mar 2004 14:30:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1326.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1292.aspx Fri, 06 Feb 2004 12:56:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1292.aspx The letter includes the findings of an NGO fact-finding mission to the project site conducted in November 2003 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1260.aspx Tue, 03 Feb 2004 14:23:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1260.aspx The World Bank released initial project documents for the West African Gas Pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.570.aspx Sun, 11 Jan 2004 13:53:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.570.aspx In November 2003, representatives from BIC, Environmental Defense, and two European NGOs visited the Nam Theun 2 (NT2) project area. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1179.aspx Mon, 15 Dec 2003 17:49:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1179.aspx This is the third time that the World Bank has delayed the final US $150 million tranche to the Government of Indonesia http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1181.aspx Fri, 28 Nov 2003 18:08:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1181.aspx