http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.28.aspx The latest news on Transparency at the World Bank from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.28.aspx World Bank alumni report points out problems in internal management, human resource functions and policy leadership; calls for reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12631.aspx Mon, 14 May 2012 15:14:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12631.aspx Jelson Garcia, our Asia Program Manager, debated the World Bank's future challenges on Al Jazeera's Inside Story last week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12622.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12622.aspx In a second open letter, Indonesian NGOs detail their needs so that an open dialogue can take place. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12618.aspx Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:42:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12618.aspx An open letter from BIC and other NGOs requesting a meeting to discuss the challenges the next President will face. This letter is open indefinitely for signatures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12616.aspx Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:56:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12616.aspx The Washington Post and the Center for Global Development will be live streaming Q & A sessions with the candidates starting April 9th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12615.aspx Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:10:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12615.aspx The new Forest Investment Program promises to affect entire communities, and yet it's not being made available in a way that Indonesians can easily access, read, or comment on. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12610.aspx Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:05:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12610.aspx A 5% cap will limit P4R Operations over a 2 year pilot period, but questions remain about how P4R expansion will be conditioned upon the results of management and IEG evaluations http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12602.aspx Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:03:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12602.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, and Lebanon 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 Civil society organizations (CSOs) submitted a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick on the World Bank safeguards review on August 31, 2011. The letter includes signatories as of this date and organizations who wish to sign the letter can do so below. On Sep 20, 2011 World Bank Managing Director Caroline Anstey responded to this letter. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:06:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx 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 BIC presents a toolkit for civil society on how to access information at the World Bank. This resource was officially launched at the World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2010, and updated in July 2011 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12148.aspx Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12148.aspx As Egypt's revolution continues to unfold, potential loans from international financial institutions have stoked intense debates. BIC's Amy Ekdawi writes that the fate of these loans must be contingent on open engagement with Egyptian civil society, not backroom deals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:07:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12493.aspx The World Bank and the Government of Bolivia recognize the observations of the TCO Takana I on deficiencies in the Indigenous Peoples Plan of the Ixiamas - San Buenaventura Highway project and accept to start a process to improve the Indiginous Plan even after the project was approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Over the last decade, the Mexican government has received significant sums in loans from multilateral institutions such as the IDB and WB and the governments of Norway and Germany for climate change-related initiatives. Yet there has been no assessment of the environmental outcomes achieved through this increase in external debt. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:42:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12434.aspx 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 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 As the Brazilian Treasury and BNDES look into the role that subsidies will play in the future of South America, Roberto Smeraldi of Friends of the Earth Brazil discusses how the question is not one of subsidies or not, but rather what subsidies will apply. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:28:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx 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 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.12333.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:39:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.aspx The report details progress made since the policy's July 1st effective date as well as pre-implementation preparations. The report notes that prior to July 1st, the institution "released more than 17,000 documents and an additional 5,000 legal agreements, which were either restricted under the previous disclosure policy or not readily accessible." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12322.aspx Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:36:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12322.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:26:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx On November 4, 2010 the World Bank’s Inspection Panel received a complaint from a Lebanese citizen representing himself and approximately 50 Beirut inhabitants who say that a World Bank water project will have negative impacts environmentally and economically. Management at the Bank has until December 13, 2010 to respond to the complaint. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:24:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx 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 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 In an effort to influence the outcome of an August 31st World Bank Board of Executive Directors' meeting where the Board planned to discuss Lebanon's new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), a group of Lebanese CSOs submitted a letter to the Board expressing their concerns with the the CPS and the process through which it was prepared. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:06:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12123.aspx 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 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 Kirk Herbertson, Kim Thompson and Robert Goodland of the World Resources Institute ask why the World Bank Group – which is owned by the same governments that demanded a human rights policy at the EBRD – is hesitant to discuss human rights openly. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11918.aspx Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:30:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11918.aspx The World Bank's new site, data.worldbank.org, provides a huge library of data on worldwide development that used to be available only to paying subscribers, including interactive maps and information in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11854.aspx Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:13:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11854.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 On January 27, 2010, BIC's MENA Program Manager, Amy Ekdawi spoke at a workshop organized by the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union's Lebanon Budget Project (LBP) which was geared towards educating Lebanese civil society groups on the World Bank's involvement in Lebanon and how to participate in the Bank's decision making process. This workshop was part of LBP's broader mandate to encourage citizen participation in the design of the Lebanese budget. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11751.aspx Brazil's Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the National Departament of Infrastructure and Transport (DNIT) will begin to implement water transport projects over the next 20 years. The projects will be supported by the World Bank Strategic Waterway Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:31:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx 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, 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 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 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 The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) released its analysis of the World Bank’s new draft disclosure policy, Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy. GTI found that despite gains in access to information, significant policy weaknesses remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx 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 The new draft was completed based on public consultations in 33 member countries and online comments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11517.aspx Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:30:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11517.aspx 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 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 The World Bank is preparing to complete its disclosure policy review by late October 2009. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11481.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11481.aspx 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 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 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 Read a BIC opinion piece from the FP blog, The Argument, explaining why the World Bank must reconsider its current policies on translation and information disclosure in order to promote substantive civil society engagement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:38:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11281.aspx BIC highlights the work of Yahya Saleh Mohsen of the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights. Yahya played an instrumental role in bringing a case to the World Bank Inspection Panel involving the Bank's translation policies in Yemen and beyond. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11280.aspx 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 The meeting took place during the Inspection Panel's trip to Sana'a to determine the eligibility of a complaint about Yemeni civil society's inability to access a translation of a key Bank document. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:20:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11257.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11250.aspx Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:03:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11250.aspx Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) develops a model of transparency for the World Bank to use as a reference during its information disclosure policy review http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11213.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 12:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11213.aspx A freedominfo.org examination of World Bank board minutes versus summaries further strengthens the case for improved access to information at the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11212.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 11:19:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11212.aspx The deadline to submit comments online for the World Bank's disclosure policy "Approach Paper" has been extended until June 5th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11211.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 10:29:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11211.aspx Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) comments on the World Bank‟s Transparency Approach Paper http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11210.aspx Tue, 26 May 2009 11:17:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11210.aspx The loan would support an overall US$1.08bn transport infrastructure development program, of which another US$630mn is to be covered by the state and US$150mn by IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx A consortium of civil society representatives met to discuss access to information at the World Bank in Bangladesh on May 20th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:38:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11198.aspx Yemeni group files complaint with the World Bank's Inspection Panel and now change might already be in the air? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 17:29:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11188.aspx While the deadline to submit comments online for the World Bank's disclosure policy "Approach Paper" is this Friday, remaining in-person consultations will take place as planned and all comments provided at the consultations will be noted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11186.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 11:27:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11186.aspx Read BIC's memo on World Bank Board transparency that has been sent to the U.S. Treasury, World Bank staff, and the office of the United States Executive Director at the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11170.aspx Tue, 12 May 2009 10:14:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11170.aspx BIC and partner NGOs sound off on the Bank's disclosure policy at this year's Spring Meetings http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11131.aspx Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11131.aspx The World Bank's Inspection Panel Annual Report highlights the problem of access to information within several World Bank-financed projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 14:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.aspx Yemeni civil society group take their complaint regarding the World Bank's refusal to translate a key program document, to the Inspection Panel http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:21:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11116.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC Op-Ed that urges the World Bank to adopt a modern information disclosure policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11114.aspx Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:20:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11114.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11096.aspx Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:36:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11096.aspx Read correspondence between the Bank Information Center and the World Bank regarding the Bank's review of its Policy on Disclosure of Information. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11094.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:49:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11094.aspx This update provides an analysis of the World Bank's Approach Paper entitled "Toward Greater Transparency: Rethinking the World Bank's Disclosure Policy", which was recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx The workshop discussed the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy Review, and introduced the World Bank’s Inspection Panel to our regional partners. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:30:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11093.aspx BIC and FUNDAR (Mexico) are jointly organizing a workshop for the civil society of Mesoamerica in order to deepen their knowledge and plan for effecting change at the World Bank. The workshop will take place April 20th in Mexico City, the day before the World Bank's official consultation about their disclosure policy. Please read the document (in Spanish) linked below for information about participating in the workshop. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11091.aspx Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:29:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11091.aspx New study by BIC shows that IFIs have fallen far short of matching project design with discourse when it comes to promoting a culture of accountability through their own project loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx The World Bank launched the review of its information disclosure policy on Friday, March 13th with the public release of an Approach Paper. BIC and partners argue the case for greater transparency in Bank procedures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:07:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Read the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11070.aspx Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:17:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11070.aspx As the World Bank launches a review of its policy on access to information, the Global Transparency Initiative will track the review process and provide analytical support to civil society groups concerned with transparency standards at the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx World Bank publicly launches review of its Disclosure Policy http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11069.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11069.aspx 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 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 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 Bank engages Syria on reforms to its transportation sector, while its technical assistance activities - and its overall strategy for the country - remain unavailable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11031.aspx 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 Concerned parties threaten to file a court case against the Egyptian government if they do not receive satisfactory answers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx 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 James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Egyptian media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx In a Statement issued June 17, the Ethnic Community Development Forum (ECDF) of Burma cautioned the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) against any engagement with Burma's military rulers in the post-Cyclone Nargis scenario given the human rights situation in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx 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 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 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 As a significant rebel threat to his government appears to recede, Chadian President Idriss Deby has clamped down on political opponents and bypassed controls established by an agreement with the World Bank to redirect oil revenues for military use. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:14:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Addressing the African Union Summit on Thursday, January 31, 2008, World Bank President Zoellick committed to expanding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:11:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3667.aspx 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 Policy conditions attached to the $50 million grant include a reduction of the civil service, land reform, and lower corporate taxes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:55:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3635.aspx 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 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 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 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 BIC's new assessment reviews EI operations in more than 40 countries for the lending period of July 2005 to December 2006. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3462.aspx Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:39:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3462.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 The World Bank allegedly removed inflammatory findings on pollution-related deaths from a report under pressure from the Chinese government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:43:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx 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 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 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 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 In July 2001, the World Bank Group (WBG) commissioned the Extractive Industry Review (EIR), a process led by an independent secretariat established to analyze whether extractive industries projects could be compatible with the WBG’s goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3081.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:23:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3081.aspx 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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2931.aspx Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:31:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2931.aspx Highlighting the steps taken by the United Nations, Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa (Republican) and Norm Coleman from Minnesota (Republican) sent a letter to President Paul Wolfowitz seeking a status report on whistleblower protection at the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2880.aspx Thu, 13 Jul 2006 16:49:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2880.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 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 Following an almost two-year, secretive review process, the World Bank’s Board approves several new disclosure requirements to be effective as of April 1, 2005. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2049.aspx Thu, 24 Mar 2005 17:16:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2049.aspx 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1462.aspx Mon, 24 May 2004 17:15:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1462.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1262.aspx Mon, 02 Feb 2004 12:18:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1262.aspx Provides an overview of the World Bank’s new Translation Framework and information on how it can be used http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.492.aspx Tue, 06 Jan 2004 17:07:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.492.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.325.aspx Sat, 13 Sep 2003 14:23:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.325.aspx