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 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 A new letter from civil society organizations to the International Finance Corporation demands that the lender focus its loans more directly on social and environmental good to achieve poverty alleviation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11802.aspx Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:05:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11802.aspx A mining law which the International Financial Corporation has been helping the Yemeni government to draft has recently been completed and will be submitted to Parliament. According to this article, one of the main hindrances for potential investment in Yemen's mining sector is the security issue, leaving us with a few questions: Is the IFC willing and planning to invest? Would the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency provide insurance for investors? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11798.aspx Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:35:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11798.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 After the Democratic Republic of Congo cancelled an IFC backed mining contract over disputed payments, the World Bank arm has declared that it will not begin new projects in the country until the dispute is resolved. The IFC is currently active in nine projects in Congo with a commitment of $104.6 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:35:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx This Thursday, Mark Constantine of the IFC will speak at the Greenpeace offices in Washington, DC about the IFC's new approach to the forestry sector. The meeting is open to the public, so feel free to join us. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11779.aspx Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:41:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11779.aspx A cement plant in India financed in part by the IFC and ADB has been shut down pending a Supreme Court review of the mining operation supplying the plant. The complaint alleges that land was illegally transferred from tribal groups, that mining was undertaken without approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, and that customs and other duties were ignored. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11768.aspx Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:07:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11768.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 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 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 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 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 E&E News reports on the IFC's review of palm oil investments. Marcus Colchester of the Forest Peoples Programme is quoted as saying that the review will be extended to soy and cocoa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11648.aspx Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:42:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11648.aspx The Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES) and Friends of the Earth Japan have released a joint set of recommendations to the IFC for the ongoing review of their Policy on Social and Environmental Stability and the Policy on Disclosure of Information http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11640.aspx Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11640.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 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 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 The Annual Meetings of the World Bank/IMF in Istanbul were the site of the first in-person consultation for the IFC Social and Environmental Policy Review. This BIC article published by the Huffington Post discusses several key issues raised during the consultation. In addition to the in-person consultations, the IFC is hosting online discussions, including one on Wednesday, November 4. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11593.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:48:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11593.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 October 12, the Agency for Promotion of Private Investment (ProInversión) approved contract bidding for purchase of energy from hydroelectric centers, which are expected to begin supply between 2013 and 2015, stated Executive Director Cayetana Aljovín. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11581.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:50:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11581.aspx Investors promise to address the growing demand for gas in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11580.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:28:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11580.aspx The Minister was questioned by Congress on persistent complaints about a gas shortage on the local market. Now the Minister claims that there are 15 TCF in gas reserves, which will supply the internal market for a period of up to 27 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11579.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:09:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11579.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 BNDES has invested close to $R 5 bilion in the last two years as shareholders in the largest beef shippers, including JBS Friboi and Bertin. In Bertin alone, BNDES has purchased 27% equity position. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:55:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.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 Civil society has voiced concerns regarding the Bank’s social and environmental sustainability policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11520.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:07:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11520.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 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 In response to pressure from civil society and a CAO report detailing violations of the IFC's social and environmental standards in Indonesia, IFC agreed to suspend all palm oil financing until the gaps in procedures that allowed these violations to happen are closed. Over the next six months, IFC will study how failures have happened in the palm oil sector and how they can be overcome in the future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11456.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:04:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11456.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 IFC officially begins the review of its Performance Standards with launch of website. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11449.aspx Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:57:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11449.aspx DRC mining review process struck down the contract, citing issues such as non-payment of royalties and failure to adhere to an agreed timetable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:59:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx Peruvian government will negotiate directly with the companies. Specialists said they should also review the export tariffs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11400.aspx Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:45:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11400.aspx In the midst of a possible energy crisis en Peru over the coming years, increasing criticism of exports of as much as half of the Camisea gas reserves requires greater attention http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11395.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:30:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11395.aspx Civil society groups remain skeptical that either is in a position to ensure the environmental and social sustainability of their investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11386.aspx Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:44:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11386.aspx The World Bank’s private sector arm – the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – has allowed commercial interests to override its social and environmental standards in making major loans to the oil palm sector in Indonesia, an internal audit reveals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11402.aspx Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11402.aspx DC civil society issue critique highlighting issues surrounding the implementation of IFC's Policy and Performance Standards and ambiguities with review process http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11372.aspx Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11372.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11385.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:57:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11385.aspx Nearly 150 CSOs write to IFC urging consultations with individuals and communities directly impacted by its projects as it reviews three years of implementation of the Performance Standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11370.aspx Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:26:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11370.aspx A little known fact is that the majority owners of Lot 88 and Lot 56, which produce gas from Camisea, as well as the hydrocarbon liquids, are the same majority owners of the Peru LNG consortium, which is the entity that buys the Camisea gas and exports it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11330.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11330.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 QUILLABAMBA, Peru | A national strike by thousands of rain-forest Indians is spawning accusations of a proxy war involving Venezuela and an emboldened peasant movement seeking to undermine Peru's pro-U.S. president. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:24:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.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 After an abrupt about-face, an agency frets about its footprint http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:39:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx An airport expansion project in Cambodia is drawing strong criticism from NGOs and families facing eviction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11261.aspx Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:14:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11261.aspx Just two weeks after the publication of Greenpeace's report "Slaughtering the Amazon" the IFC halts a $30 million payment to the Bertin corporation which was using the IFC loan to expand further into the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:10:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx Camisea not resolving Peru's domestic energy needs http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11222.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 20:38:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11222.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 Trends in the relationship between World Bank and IFC technical assistance policies and the IFC’s investment portfolio raise questions over possible conflicts of interest. Disclosure at the IFC remains opaque, making details of projects and policies hard to come by. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11117.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:06:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11117.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 Civil society requests for a delay go unanswered as the project is approved in the absence of an environmental impact assessment and amid significant transparency and governance issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11047.aspx Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:23:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11047.aspx Meanwhile, IFC mining investments in Guinea face uncertainty after the government revoked half of the IFC-backed Simandou concession, and over the future of the massive Guinea Alumina Project as Guinea's president dies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11001.aspx Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:11:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11001.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 Meanwhile, the IFC’s advisory services in revising the region's mining policies reinforce concerns over the lack of transparency of these types of operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10991.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:36:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10991.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 Six months after CAO found the IFC out of compliance with its own environmental and social norms in Karachaganak, no relief for local residents. No serious effort was made by either the KPO- a consortium of oil companies or IFC to mend the situation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10959.aspx Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:04:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10959.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 Six months after the Office of Compliance, Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) found the IFC out of compliance with its own regulations for toxic emissions at the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan, the case remains open with the CAO because the IFC has failed to bring into compliance significant failures in the IFC’s environmental monitoring of activities at the Karachaganak field. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3926.aspx Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:28:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3926.aspx The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) website on extractive industries government payment disclosure has made progress, but certain gaps in data availability remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3924.aspx Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3924.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 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 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a US$50 million loan for expansion of oil and gas extraction operations in the Timan-Pechora basin of the northern Komi Republic in Russia. Various civil society groups have raised concerns of the major project's implications for the environment and the indigenous Komi-Izhemts people's rights. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3902.aspx Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3902.aspx Following the August 25 reopening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline after the armed conflict in Georgia, the BTC has faced several technical and strategic issues when it comes to its future and viability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3900.aspx Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3900.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 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 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 IFI involvement in mining and oil projects in the Timan-Pechora basin raises environmental and social concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.aspx Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.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 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) fails to provide adequate links to government payment disclosures by its extractive industry clients. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) $35 million investment in a Guinea iron mine is in jeopardy after the government rescinded a deal with mining company, Rio Tinto. At the same time, the IFC is exploring the possibility of a $500 million stake in a massive aluminum project in the West African country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.aspx Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:39:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.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 A fire on the Turkish segment of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline has led to declined oil production, pipeline closure, and security fears. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3867.aspx Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3867.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 "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 As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx The "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 "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 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 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 "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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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