http://www.bicusa.org/en/Institution.6.aspx The latest news on the International Finance Corporation from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Institution.6.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compliation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx In a recently released audit report, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Office of Compliance, Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) has found that the IFC is out of compliance with safety standards for toxic emissions at the giant Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3745.aspx Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:43:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3745.aspx In response to requests from the Bank Information Center (BIC) and other civil society organizations, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has begun providing links to where IFC extractive industry clients disclose their payments to host governments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:52:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx Lea la edición especial de la Actualización de Bretton Woods, coproducida por Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike y Eurodad. Esta edición esta disponible también en ingles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3733.aspx Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3733.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 BIC's MENA Program Manager, Amy Ekdawi, writes about the IFC's rapidly increasing investment in the region, and the contradictions of its pledge to reduce poverty while undermining labor standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3726.aspx Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:34:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3726.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx While IFC meeting with government and private sector is expected to lower corporate taxes, World Bank and IMF conditions will double the General Sales Tax in 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:03:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3703.aspx Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) presents investment opportunities that could hurt the poor, who have already been hit by increasing food prices. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3695.aspx Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3695.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:07:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Concerns abound about vague promises to exempt the impoverished from payment, while debate continues over whether public institutions should allocate resources to private providers at the expense of the public health sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3653.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:53:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3653.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 Una delegación de alto nivel de líderes indígenas, de la sociedad civil y parlamentarios de Perú se encuentran en Washington DC para tratar de incidir frente al voto del BID sobre préstamos públicos para la planta de licuefacción de gas natural de Camisea. La delegación argumenta que al aprobar el proyecto PERU LNG, tanto el BID, como la CFI y el Banco Ex- Im estarían violando sus propias salvaguardias sociales y ambientales. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3628.aspx Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:59:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3628.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 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 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 Leaked report lists IFC-sponsored Kalukundi concession among contracts recommended for renegotiation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:34:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx The claim runs contrary to a recent report which found that over 40 percent of IFC projects implemented between 1996 and 2006 failed to deliver positive development results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3575.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:15:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3575.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 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 Last week, International Finance Corporation (IFC) chief Lars Thunell told Reuters that the IFC is "trying to do more in high-risk countries," adding that it is investing more in post-conflict countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.aspx Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:27:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.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 Proposed copper-cobalt and gold projects re-enforce civil society's misgivings about the International Finance Corporation's commitment to environmental and social sustainability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx In 2007, IFC financing in the Middle East and North Africa region exceeded lending from IDA and IBRD combined. As the Bank Group heralds high growth in MENA and pumps money to the private sector, equity and employment challenges loom large. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:21:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx 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 Major weaknesses found in IFC’s environmental, health standards http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3477.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:12:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3477.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 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 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 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 A critical article from the Inter Press Service draws on research conducted by BIC's new MENA Program. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3439.aspx Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:26:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3439.aspx The Middle East & North Africa region has become the IFC's fastest-growing portfolio, surpassing $1 billion in new investments for the first time last year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:56:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Plans to scale up investments in mining, large infrastructure, and private education raises concerns among civil society groups skeptical of the IFC's commitment to development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx Many question banks' rhetoric of "support[ing] environmentally and socially sustainable investment" on the continent, citing dubious track records. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3403.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:33:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3403.aspx Local groups argue that the controversial IFC-sponsored Ahafo gold mine seriously threatens the environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3338.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3338.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 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 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 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 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 A report released last week documents the failure of the proposed Bujagali Dam in Uganda to fully comply with the international best practices set by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3157.aspx Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3157.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 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 An article in The Times described a secret high-level meeting of the heads of several Western mining companies and UN and World Bank officials concerning competition from Chinese investors in Africa’s mining sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3140.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3140.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 Both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Investment Bank (EIB) disclosed project documents for the controversial Bujagali hydroelectric dam this week; IFC board date set for April 2007 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3070.aspx Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3070.aspx A recent article in the Financial Times highlights the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) increasing level of activity in the developing world, noting that the institution has "about 50 per cent more business under its belt in the 12 months to June 30 than in the same period the previous year." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3056.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:08:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3056.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 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 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 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 On the "golden" 50th anniversary of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), civil society organizations have released a briefing paper questioning the institution's investment in gold mining and calling for the IFC to report its development impacts on a project-by-project basis. <UL> <LI class=DocPDF> <DIV class=DocPDF><A href="http://www.bicusa.org/proxy/Document.9518.aspx" target="">Tarnished Gold: Mining and the unmet promise of development</A> September 2006 (Acrobat pdf 376 KB)</DIV></LI></UL> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2956.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:05:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2956.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 The banks known as the Equator Principles Financial Institutions revised standards intended to ensure that projects financed by the institutions are socially and environmentally responsible. The standards are based on the International Finance Corporation's safeguard policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2870.aspx Fri, 07 Jul 2006 14:00:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2870.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 March 30 IFC Executive Vice President Lars Thunell announced the reorganization of IFC senior management along regional and industry lines, as well as several new appointments. The IFC is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2713.aspx Tue, 04 Apr 2006 14:24:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2713.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2711.aspx Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:09:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2711.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 The Compliance-Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) released last week its comments on the January 25th drafts of the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Safeguards policies, which the IFC approved February 21, 2006. Following the IFC’s lead, a collection of private sector financial institutions intends to complete a review of their guiding policies on social and environmental issues, the Equator Principles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2676.aspx Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:37:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2676.aspx Following the approval of IFC financing for Newmont's Ahafo mine in Ghana, the Bank Information Center, Oxfam-America, FoodFirst Information Action Network, Earthworks, WACAM, and ABRANDH sent a letter to IFC repeating the call for urgent action to be taken on unresolved problems related to the social and environmental impacts of the mine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.aspx Mon, 13 Mar 2006 18:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.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 Warning that the International Finance Corporation’s overhaul of its social and environmental standards relies too heavily on promises of good intentions, international civil society organizations have called the IFC’s new approach a risky experiment that could leave the people and environments affected by its projects more vulnerable than they were before.<p/><a href="http://ifis.choike.org/esp/informes/307.html">Also available in Spanish </a> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2650.aspx Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:23:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2650.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 A group of Ghanaian and international organizations is urging the World Bank to postpone funding for a new gold mining project in Ghana until the Bank addresses the project's human rights and environmental problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2611.aspx Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2611.aspx These comments address transparency and consultation concerns with the draft IFC Disclosure Policy, Social and Environmental Sustainability Policy and Performance Standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2501.aspx Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:33:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2501.aspx Affected communities ask to meet with World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2466.aspx Fri, 04 Nov 2005 14:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2466.aspx Manish Bapna, BIC's Executive Director, highlighted the importance of strengthening the IFC's performance standards and creating binding social and environmental obligations for the mining industry in a recent letter to the New York Times. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2463.aspx Mon, 31 Oct 2005 11:27:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2463.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 The release begins a 60-day period in which civil society may make comments before the policies receive final revisions and are sent to the Board for approval in late January. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2357.aspx Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:13:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2357.aspx Lee un análisis y resumen de la evaluación del proyecto Mina Marlin por la CAO. Ve como critica a la CFI y la compañía Glamis Gold. Aprende sobre las diferencias entre la versión final del documento y el borrador. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2335.aspx Thu, 15 Sep 2005 11:02:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2335.aspx Read the Bank Information Center's review of the CAO report criticizing the IFC's role in the Marlin open pit goldmine project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2333.aspx Tue, 13 Sep 2005 10:37:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2333.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 On August 29, the International Finance Corporation indicated its intent to provide $125 million in loans to Newmont Gold Corporation, the largest gold producer in the world, for its development of two mining sites in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Prior to the public announcement about proposed IFC support for the mining activities, local community members and civil society organizations in Ghana had expressed concern about Newmont's operations, community relations and the lasting environmental impacts of the open-pit gold mine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2328.aspx Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:39:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2328.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 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.2184.aspx Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:52:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2184.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2154.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2005 14:59:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2154.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 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Safeguard Policy Review is the winner of the 2004 'Award for the Most Flawed Consultation Process' within the World Bank Group, civil society organizations announced. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2086.aspx Fri, 22 Apr 2005 11:39:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2086.aspx BIC submits comments on the IFC's Disclosure Policy Framework calling for strengthened disclosure principles, procedures and constraints; increased institutional transparency; and increased investment-specific transparency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2063.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2005 12:29:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2063.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 Read a report on the Marlin Mine and the effects of foreign investment in mining in Guatemala from the perspective of those impacted by the industry. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2019.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2005 12:21:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2019.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2003.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:12:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2003.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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1858.aspx Mon, 24 Jan 2005 09:54:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1858.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1634.aspx Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:46:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1634.aspx A September 9 letter signed by 76 civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urges the IFC to protect communities that may be exposed to pollutants due to IFC-financed projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1628.aspx Thu, 16 Sep 2004 14:42:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1628.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 The Japan Center for Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES) sent a letter and report to the IFC raising concerns on the IFC's invitation-based consultation process and offering recommendations on how to expand civil society participation and ensure transparency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1608.aspx Mon, 30 Aug 2004 11:13:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1608.aspx On July 6, 140 NGOs endorsed a letter to the IFC regarding the reviews of its environmental and social policies and standards. The IFC responds ... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1561.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2004 12:38:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1561.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 A letter from the IFC notes that the IFC may move away from a “document-driven” policy to one that is based on transparency “principles” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1477.aspx Thu, 10 Jun 2004 14:12:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1477.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.1292.aspx Fri, 06 Feb 2004 12:56:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1292.aspx CEE Bankwatch Network has released its report, "Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey pipeline systems: An evaluation of the public disclosure and consultation process." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.631.aspx Tue, 13 Jan 2004 12:13:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.631.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.663.aspx Thu, 30 Oct 2003 11:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.663.aspx