http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.25.aspx The latest news on Accountability at the World Bank from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.25.aspx The outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Brazil, Mahktar Diop, challenges the conclusions of an evaluation by Bank Information Center of the $1.3 billion Sustainable Environmental Management Development Policy to promote environmental reforms in Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:39:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx BIC/MENA publishes a study which overviews and analyzes the World Bank Group's role in Lebanon over the past five years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:27:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12582.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:12:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx A new evaluation of a $1.3 billion World Bank development policy loan to promote sustainability reforms at the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) that questions the effectiveness of DPLs due to weaknesses in existing Bank policy guiding their design and execution. This brief calls for the reform of Bank DPL policy as an urgent part of the ongoing revision of World Bank safeguard policies to ensure consistent management of risk across all World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx A new evaluation of a $1.3 billion World Bank development policy loan to promote sustainability reforms at the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) that questions the effectiveness of DPLs due to weaknesses in existing Bank policy guiding their design and execution. The report calls for the reform of Bank DPL policy as an urgent part of the ongoing revision of World Bank safeguard policies to ensure consistent management of risk across all World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12553.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:13:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12553.aspx Civil society representatives from Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon and Tunisia find Executive Director Merza Hasan receptive to their concerns and willing to break new ground in future engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:54:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx This piece provides a brief update about the role of the World Bank in post-revolution Tunisia http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:08:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12533.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:55:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx It took many years to establish the World Bank's operational policies that safeguard society and the environment, and are some of the world's highest development standards. As the Bank reviews these policies, civil society is organizing efforts to present their concerns and expectations, and offer their imputs as to what the outcome of the review should be. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:01:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx As Egypt's revolution continues to unfold, potential loans from international financial institutions have stoked intense debates. BIC's Amy Ekdawi writes that the fate of these loans must be contingent on open engagement with Egyptian civil society, not backroom deals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:07:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx The World Bank, the Technical Advisory Panel, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility present their comments on the latest draft of the the Colombia R-PP. (Document links). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.aspx Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:11:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.aspx The World Bank and the Government of Bolivia recognize the observations of the TCO Takana I on deficiencies in the Indigenous Peoples Plan of the Ixiamas - San Buenaventura Highway project and accept to start a process to improve the Indiginous Plan even after the project was approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Beatrice Edwards of Government Accountability Project argues against the U.S recapitalization of the World Bank for 2012 in light of the Bank’s involvement in projects linked to corruption allegations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:51:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12425.aspx The recent uprisings that have affected almost every country in the Middle East and North Africa region are indicative of deep structural issues that are facing societies in these countries. Calls for democracy, economic reforms, employment opportunities and greater accountability require us to question the development model pursued in the region by institutions like the World Bank and the underlying assumptions that may have led to the failure of this model. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:25:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx On March 14, 2011, the World Bank disclosed two documents related to the Inspection Panel case filed by 51 residents of the Greater Beirut area against the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project (GBWSP), a water project in Lebanon that is being financed by the Bank. The GBWSP aims to provide potable water for the citizens of the Greater Beirut area and the low-income neighborhoods of Southern Beirut from the Litani and Awali rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:16:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx The project has a great potential to reorder and even positively or negatively change the dinamics of development and conservation in the region. Bolivia's government has decided that the PAD will not be public before it's approved. It seems that the project underestimates its indirect influence, and there are shortcomings in planification and consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx The World Bank’s Inspection Panel found that the Bank breached its operational policies by failing to properly design and supervise the Cambodia Land Management and Administration Project (LMAP), contributing to the forced eviction of some 4,250 families. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12373.aspx Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:11:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12373.aspx Con 45 millones de habitantes, estabilidad economica, y oportunidades en el carbon y el petroleo, Colombia ha entrado al radar de inversionistas Brasileños. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:36:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx Civil society sent a letter to President Luis Alberto Moreno expressing their support, yet concern and strong disagreement with parts of the report’s analysis which, if misinterpreted, could negatively affect the integrity of the principles of sustainability in Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:10:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx After two years of negotiation, Publish What You Fund celebrates the finalization of the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), stating "When everyone can see how much aid is being spent where, and on what, governments – whether giving or receiving aid – can be held accountable by their citizens for spending it well.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12354.aspx Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:19:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12354.aspx As the World Bank sets out to review and update its Safeguard Policy framework over the next two years, the Operational Policy 8.60 governing the use of DPLs should be included in that review. This brief identifies five areas of DPL policy guidance that merit revision and could guide a full DPL evaluation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:45:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Just a month after World Bank $500 million DPL payment to Brazil, followed by $614 million BNDES bridge loan to Belo Monte builders, New Dilma Government approves fast-track forest clearance and commencement of controversial Belo Monte construction site. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:46:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx It seems that the Government has forgotten its commitment to the environment when in January of 2011, it enacted the Emergency Decree No. 001-2011 to eliminate environmental impact certificates to approve 33 projects for investment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:55:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx On January 20, 2011, the World Bank hosted a dialogue on the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Program in the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt in order to discuss the overall CSP program and any key concerns that stakeholders might have. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:03:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Civil Society Organizations question the World Bank disbursement of the DPL SEM I to Brasil without clear evidence regarding the implementation of BNDES Safeguards and Social and Environmental policy in emblematic cases http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:08:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:30:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12334.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:26:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx BIC is happy to announce the publication of our new Executive Director advocacy toolkit. Built around our ED advocacy workshop held during the 2010 Annual Meetings, this guide provides strategies for civil society actors to engage and build relationships with the World Bank's Executive Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx As the World Bank is expected to announce a new funding package for the world's poorest countries, Matthew Berger of IPS examines NGOs' last-minute appeals to donor countries to use their leverage to compel reforms at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12311.aspx The energy giant plans a global expansion in 2011 that by 2020 will generate 10% of total revenues from outside the region and allow Brazil to import energy for increasing demand. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:27:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx On the heels of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) approval by the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the World Bank Working Group (WBWG) in Lebanon, a CSO coalition, pushes for increased transparency and broader representation of affected stakeholders in the design and implementation of Bank strategies, programs, and projects in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:03:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12236.aspx BNDES, Brazil's national development bank, contributed to Amazon deforestation by lending billions of dollars to commercial meatpackers, driving expansion of cattle ranching across the world's largest rainforest, ruled an audit by the Federal Audit Court. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:59:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx The Government of Guyana is planning to build a 140 MW hydroelectric dam on the Potaro River with funding from China and Norway and technical support from the IDB and WB. The first dam is part of a 1060 MW complex that will have signficant social and environmental impacts in the western Amazon region of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:26:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Under the World Bank's new Access to Information Policy, summaries of meetings of the Board of Directors are regularly released. A new FreedomInfo.org study, however, finds many summaries missing, and the ones that are released significantly shorter than summaries from before the new policy was passed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12186.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:01:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12186.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC article examining civil society and World Bank perspectives of the first 99 days of the implementation of the institution's Policy on Access to Information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12184.aspx Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12184.aspx BIC highlights the work of Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, a rights-based activist organization in Bangladesh. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:03:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12156.aspx Relationship between Egypt and the World Bank is gaining momentum with the Bank's hire of a new Egyptian Managing Director http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:51:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12155.aspx Pending Board approval, Zambia will represent a number of Anglophone African countries on the World Bank's Board of Directors, effective October 21, 2010. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to identify which countries will comprise the newly-formed third African seat on the Board. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx It is one thing for the World Bank to promote a discourse of transparency and information disclosure and quite another to commit to being a public finance institution that respects all of the rights of people affected by the projects which they finance. Unfortunately, the Bank has not been willing to make this commitment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12077.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:53:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12077.aspx The Panel was given the green light today to conduct a full investigation into alleged policy violations in the World Bank's loan to South African power utility Eskom based on a complaint from local communities, who allege that the project will result in significant harms to their health, environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features a summary of the event entitled "Oil and Mining Booms and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Peru for Development Planning & Revenue Management at the National and subnational level" (Washington, DC, June 16, 2010). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:44:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx BIC and partners convene at the World Bank to celebrate the implementation of the Bank's revised access to information policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11936.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11936.aspx The Washington Post published a BIC Letter to the Editor arguing that significant reform must accompany the World Bank's request for an $86.2 billion general capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:51:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx The World Bank Inspection Panel began its investigation into the Bank-funded Land Management and Administration Project (LMAP) in Cambodia last week, following a complaint that World Bank safeguard policies were disregarded during the $28.8 million project, leading to more than 20,000 forced displacements. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11897.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:21:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11897.aspx BIC consultant, Bruce Jenkins publishes report examining gaps and gains in the World Bank's revised information disclosure policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11826.aspx Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:35:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11826.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:12:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx A new report from the Center for American Progress looks into the World Bank's ability to exacerbate or alleviate climate change through its project funding and its ability to set standards for other institutions. BIC's analysis of the Bank's energy lending is cited http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:35:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx Amy Ekdawi and Nadia Daar of BIC's Middle East and North Africa Program participate in four training sessions for the World Bank's MENA staff on engaging civil society in the region. This training is part of the Bank's Enhanced Action Plan for the MENA region which includes improved consultations, increased translation, and more engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:50:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11787.aspx What was at first a seemingly simple and non-provocative Inspection Panel case, has now led the Bank to re-evaluate its relationship with civil society across the MENA region and develop an action plan for engagement. Nadia Daar of BIC's MENA program examines the importance of this development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:02:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11727.aspx In December 2009, the World Bank held two consultative meetings on the Social Welfare Fund Institutional Support Project with Yemeni civil society. These meetings come in the context of the Bank's MENA Management's Enhanced Action Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:20:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11722.aspx In December, the Bank's civil society team released "World Bank – Civil Society Engagement: Review of Fiscal Years 2007 – 2009", and hosted a discussion of the publication in Washington, DC. BIC founder and Executive Director Chad Dobson participated as commenter, noting both the Bank's improvements and continuing obstacles to civil society engagement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11703.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:27:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11703.aspx The World Bank released the final adopted version of "Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy," effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor and looks forward to policy implementation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11700.aspx BIC and several key partners sent the letter to encourage the Board of Directors to approve a full investigation of a how communities have been affected by the project. Though the Cambodian government ended the agreement after seven years, the forced displacement suffered over that time is still weighing heavily on the Cambodian people. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:17:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx As the Bank seeks to position itself as the vehicle of choice for future climate finance, the experience of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) calls its competence into question. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:35:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx AIDA, International Rivers, and IMDEC present evidence of human rights violations from dams. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:14:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:04:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx 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 With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx After work was halted for 45 days, the licensee Sustainable Energy of Brazil, in charge of building the Jirau hydroelectric project on the Madeira River, is cautious about formalizing a request for an advance schedule for the entry into operation of the plant. The president of the company, Victor Paranhos, says it is entirely possible to begin generation of the first megawatts, but fears that new strikes could delay the work further. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:34:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx With funding from the World Bank, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment is planning to expedite and integrate the environmental licensing processes now divided between Federal, State and Local authoriteis. In an effort to speed up large infrastructure with the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the move could lead to licensing regional of river basins. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx According to the executive secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Isabella Teixeira, the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA) is studying a way to streamline licensing by issuing regional licenses to address the country's increasing energy demands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:13:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:49:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx The report, entitled "The Potential of Evaluation: Creating Political Space for Dialogue and Action," examines the impact of the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group's (IEG) findings through the last decade. It finds that Bank management rarely adopts the recommendations of the IEG. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:57:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx In November of 2008, the WB announced a US$ 1.3 billion development policy loan to the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The DPL is the first operation in a series of two loans which span the period 2008-2010. In this article, we review the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, specifically the lack of transparency, accountability, and a clear public consultation plan. We then offer a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. Civil society firmly believes that until practices of transparency and dialogue between the World Bank, the Brazilian government and civil society organizations are truly adopted, the laudable goals of the SEM DPL will not be achieved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx 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 The Inspection Panel is to defer its recommendation to investigate into case of the World Bank's "Institutional Reform Development Policy Grant" to Yemen, until after the implementation of Bank Management's enhanced action plan, which seeks to address concerns raised by the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights in their Request to the Inspection Panel in April 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:51:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11488.aspx Ms. Eimi Watanabe, a Japanese national, will replace Mr. Werner Kiene, whose term will expire on October 31, 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11487.aspx Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:06:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11487.aspx President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the General Assembly of the United Nations, will ask for reform of the UN itself, as well as of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, a government spokesperson said. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:58:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx The full committee hearing addressed the 2009 World Bank Disclosure Policy Review and the role of civil society participation in achieving successful development outcomes. BIC board member, Richard Bissell testified. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11480.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:52:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11480.aspx A workshop co-organized by the Bank Information Center (BIC), the World Bank’s Inspection Panel, and the IFC and MIGA’s Office of the Compliance/Ombudsman (CAO) was held in Marrakech, Morocco in late July 2009, and lasted three fruitful days. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11605.aspx BIC Board Director Richard Bissell testified alongside other IFI experts about access to information at the World Bank during a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee. Chairman Barney Frank stated his intention to withhold any further money for the Bank until the suggestions of the panel were incorporated into policy http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11464.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:49:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11464.aspx 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 The full committee hearing addressed the 2009 World Bank Disclosure Policy Review and the role of civil society participation in achieving successful development outcomes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11448.aspx Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:53:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11448.aspx For the first time in Inspection Panel history, an Eligibility Report is being held for board discussion. With little information, we are left wondering what is happening with the investigation into the Yemeni DPL case. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:32:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11415.aspx This is one of several articles spotlighting the findings of a BIC commissioned study by Lalitha Kamath and Vinay Baindur. Findings reveal how India's urban poor are meted out injustice as local needs are left unaddressed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.aspx Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.aspx Money for urban infrastructure in India is being spent on megaprojects that benefit only a tiny, wealthy minority of the population, while access to basic services like clean water and health facilities remains rare. A new report by Vinay Baindur and Lalitha Kamath shows how governance of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank allows privileged access to money for some while the poorest are left in the dust. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx William Easterly, NYU Professor of Economics and independent voice in international development brings attention to the World Bank's problematic policies on translation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11294.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:20:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11294.aspx 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 The loan would support an overall US$1.08bn transport infrastructure development program, of which another US$630mn is to be covered by the state and US$150mn by IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx A consortium of civil society representatives met to discuss access to information at the World Bank in Bangladesh on May 20th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:38:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Experts at the World Bank see an opportunity in the face of crisis to invest in infrastructure projects in Latin America. According to the Bank, the deficit in infrastructure is quite noticeable in Bolivia, even below the average for the Latin America region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11177.aspx Thu, 14 May 2009 11:42:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11177.aspx The World Bank's procedures for detecting fraud in its main program of assistance to poor countries were classified as a "structural weakness" in an internal report, increasing the bank's problems in dealing with issues of corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:04:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx The World Bank plans to increase lending to Latin America to suplement decreasing levels of foreign direct investment in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:14:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx New study by BIC shows that IFIs have fallen far short of matching project design with discourse when it comes to promoting a culture of accountability through their own project loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx Several organizations and social networks have asked the World Bank to postpone a decision on a $1.3 billion project in Brazil. The groups argue that prior loans have not adequately addressed environmental concerns and that the pending project-loan has the potential to continue this trend. Moreover, the groups see attractive alternatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx The Government of Albania has requested a revision or retraction of an Inspection Panel Report implicating the country's government in corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.aspx Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.aspx Panel finds policy violations, provision of false information, and direct support for controversial demolition of homes in an Albanian village http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx Zoellick: "Bank's record with this project is appalling." Executive Directors acknowledge mistakes in Jale home demolitions and approve action plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11045.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11045.aspx The World Bank Country Director for the Philippines has been ordered to appear before a Philippine Senate inquiry into a corruption scandal involving a multi-million dollar road project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:04:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx A new agreement between Brazil, the World Bank and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies is intended to train Brazilian state governments on reforms to local regulatory and licensing frameworks to facilitate great foreign direct investment in infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:05:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx Meanwhile, people displaced by the project finally receive monetary compensation, nearly four years after being impoverished through a resettlement process that denied them the option of the land compensation they were entitled to. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Talco, a major aluminum mining company controlled by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, is being investigated by the IMF to address issues of extreme mismanagement of funds and lack of openness. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3934.aspx Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3934.aspx To broaden its use among civil society organizations in China, the Bank Information Center’s World Bank Toolkits for Activists is now available in Chinese. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:47:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx The World Bank Group (WBG) loans to countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) increased by 30% between FY07 and FY08. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Report by 2007 panel accuses the World Bank of causing "grievous and irreversible damage to those they intend to serve" in India. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3905.aspx Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3905.aspx James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx The World Bank Caucus aims to foster dialogue between the World Bank and members of the U.S. Congress on development, poverty and trade issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:26:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Egyptian media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Three and a half months after the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the controversial head of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT), the Bank has appointed Leonard McCarthy as the new head of its internal anti-corruption unit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:29:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Trainings aim to inform Indonesian civil society about the basics of the multilateral development banks and hold the institutions accountable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3683.aspx Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:12:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3683.aspx Following the resignation of Suzanne Rich-Folsom, the previous head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit and the embarrassing revelations of extensive fraud in several of its health projects in India, the World Bank announced on January 23, 2008 that it would implement all the recommendations of the Volcker Panel Review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx 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 Resignation comes after internal review reveals Bank's ineffectiveness in addressing corruption in health projects in India. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx World Bank's Inspection Panel expected to submit findings of its investigation into claims made by local communities that the project violated the Bank's environmental and social policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Ecuador's actions are part of a wider dissatisfaction among some Central and South American countries with international investment law and particularly its dispute settlement regime. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3629.aspx Working session aims to update the Indonesian civil society organizations and movements on the old and new trends in the governance and operations of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as they relate to Indonesia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx In 2006, the World Bank’s Inspection Panel (IP) issued its investigation report for the Bank-funded Pakistan National Drainage Program (NDP). The inspection requesters strongly feel the World Bank Board should ask the Inspection Panel to monitor progress of Management's Action Plan so as to provide the Board with an independent assessment of progress or lack thereof. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx A people's tribunal against the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank was announced in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday, hours before World Bank President, Robert Zoellick's arrival in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:34:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx As the World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, embarks on his first official visit to South Asia, non-governmental organizations in Pakistan urge the Bank to cease funding for large infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx As World Bank President Robert Zoellick works to secure IDA funds, an influential U.S. Democratic senator calls for changes at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Whistleblowers have found evidence of large scale fraud in Armenia, but the World Bank's Institutional Integrity Department (INT) has deemed the case to be of only "medium priority," and is holding off inquiries into the allegations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:15:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx In its preliminary findings, the first ever Independent People’s Tribunal on the World Bank in India found that the Bank had an undue and disturbingly negative influence in shaping India’s national policies disproportionate to its contribution, financial or otherwise. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:22:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:24:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:57:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx The four-day Independent People's Tribunal on the World Bank, the first of its kind in India, begins today. The Tribunal is an opportunity for impacted commununities and concerned groups to discuss how the World Bank has influenced their lives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx A review of the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity and its Governance and Anti-corruption strategy finds that weak management, employee resistance and internal distrust is contributing to the Bank's ineffectiveness in combating corruption in its operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:45:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx In a report released today, the Government Accountabilty Project finds that the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity is undermined by a conflict of interest at its top ranks and serious, long-term problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:10:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx The Wall Street Journal has leaked a 2005 report by the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT) that documents consistent fraud and corruption under Bank-financed health care projects in India. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:25:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx The World Bank's Inspection Panel has named Roberto Lenton as its newest member. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3475.aspx Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:31:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3475.aspx The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) filed a request for inspection of the World Bank's Kwabenya landfill project in Accra, the capital of Ghana. They argued that the project would displace a significant portion of the Agyemankata community and cause health problems for residents, who were not adequately consulted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx The new World Bank President spoke of middle income countries, good governance and the need to diversify services at a town hall meeting earlier this month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:44:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Civil society groups are calling for candidates with clear commitments to accountability and deep understanding of civil society and grassroots impacts of World Bank investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:28:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx Zoellick met with the 24-member Board on June 20 in a four hour, informal meeting. The discussion will continue on Monday June 25. The Board is expected to formally appoint Zoellick by the end of the month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:25:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx Despite all the public outcry about the flaws in the World Bank's governance and the need for an open, democratic, and merit-based process for the selection of the next World Bank President, NOT A SINGLE COUNTRY proposed an alternate candidate to the US's pick for the job, allowing the US to continue its grip on the leadership of the institution. The Board is expected to confirm the Bush administration's choice for the job - Robert Zoellick - by the end of June... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:02:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx The White House’s announcement that it will nominate former US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick to be the next World Bank President, and the widespread assumption that the choice is a fait accompli, serve as a reminder that the lessons of the Wolfowitz scandal have yet to be learned. Read BIC's May 31 Press Release on the Zoellick nomination. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx The Wolfowitz scandal should serve as a sobering wake-up call to the World Bank on the need for meaningful governance reforms. Its archaic 1940s convention of allowing the US to name the Bank’s leader undermines the institution’s legitimacy as well as the accountability of the Bank’s president. The Bank does not need to look very far for reform proposals - including its own 2001 proposals for an open, competitive selection process that were summarily ignored. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Applications are being accepted for the next member of the Inspection Panel. Candidates should have a clear commitment to accountability and a deep understanding of civil society and grassroots impacts of World Bank investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3268.aspx Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:07:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3268.aspx 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 Department plays a critical role in rooting out fraud and corruption within the World Bank - a focus many claim is underplayed in the institution's development of its Governance and Anti-Corruption Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:26:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3169.aspx A new film by independent Malian director demands accountability from the IFIs for their impacts in Africa. Staged in a typical family courtyard in Mali, "Bamako" beautifully documents a people's trial of the World Bank and IMF. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx The 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 Concerns include the draft's failure to adequately address the Bank's internal governance and the role of the private sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3118.aspx Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:43:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3118.aspx The Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, called for "modernization and reform" of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, at a keynote speech in India on January 17, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:09:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3099.aspx Work begins, in spite of lingering tensions http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3020.aspx Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:02:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3020.aspx 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 Communities vow to take own measures if demands are not met. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2113.aspx Tue, 17 May 2005 13:40:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2113.aspx Panel heeded Government’s recommendation that “recent torrential rains” and upcoming local elections will hamper investigation. Villagers say Panel was misinformed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1985.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2005 16:55:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1985.aspx A proposed project in Mexico will be the first to test the World Bank’s new approach to social and environmental safeguards. BIC sends a letter outlining serious concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1470.aspx Tue, 08 Jun 2004 11:57:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1470.aspx Letter also requests that the strategy's Mexican pilot project not be approved while there is no agreement about the overall strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1469.aspx Mon, 07 Jun 2004 15:39:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1469.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2004 17:21:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx