Global Transparency Initiative

GTI Update: World Bank to Review Transparency Standards

Friday, March 06, 2009

Dear friends,

The World Bank will soon launch a review of its policy on access to information. The review provides a significant opportunity for civil society groups to challenge continued secrecy of decision-making at the World Bank and to expand access to information to Bank-financed projects and programs.

Below please find a link to the Global Transparency Initiative's (GTI) update on the World Bank transparency policy review. The update outlines access to information problems at the Bank and the upcoming review process.

In addition to a web-based comment period, the Bank will be conducting in-person consultations in the coming months.

GTI will track the policy review and provide analytical support to civil society groups concerned with access to information at the Bank.

GTI's Transparency Charter for International Financial Institutions: Claiming Our Right To Know outlines core principles that form the basis for rights-based IFI access to information systems. The Charter will be an important advocacy tool for the upcoming review.

Visit the GTI website to endorse the Charter and to learn more about IFI transparency issues.

Also visit BIC's webpage on the World Bank transparency policy review.

Contact us at gtiupdates@bicusa.org if you would like to receive further updates or would like more information on civil society initiatives regarding the World Bank transparency policy review.

Best wishes,

Bruce Jenkins
Bank Information Center