http://bicusa.org/en/Index.aspx The latest news from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://bicusa.org/en/Index.aspx The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) dismisses a proposal for a joint seminar on Amazon infrastructure and sustainability planning mechanisms at upcoming civil society meeting in Montevideo. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3888.aspx Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3888.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx New estimates from the World Bank reveal that there are more poor people in the world than previously thought. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3887.aspx Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:14:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3887.aspx International Financial Institution (IFI) lending through financial intermediaries (FIs) has become particularly significant in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, but the IFIs lack adequate policies to ensure social and environmental best practices are applied to subsequent FI lending. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx IFI involvement in mining and oil projects in the Timan-Pechora basin raises environmental and social concerns. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.aspx Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.aspx Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx The IFIs are set to invest billions of dollars in transportation infrastructure in Central Asia, primarily under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3879.aspx Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3879.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx The international financial institutions (IFIs) have offered aid to Georgia, as the conflict winds down. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3875.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3875.aspx The International Finance Corporation (IFC) fails to provide adequate links to government payment disclosures by its extractive industry clients. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3874.aspx James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank president, may have assisted a corrupt businessman seeking control of Azerbaijan’s state oil company. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3873.aspx The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) $35 million investment in a Guinea iron mine is in jeopardy after the government rescinded a deal with mining company, Rio Tinto. At the same time, the IFC is exploring the possibility of a $500 million stake in a massive aluminum project in the West African country. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.aspx Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:39:36 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.aspx As the great powers seek energy security, Turkmenistan is at the center of a number of pipeline proposals. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3870.aspx Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3870.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx A fire on the Turkish segment of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline has led to declined oil production, pipeline closure, and security fears. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3867.aspx Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3867.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx The author, Shripad Dharmadhikary, examines why being a knowledge provider is so important to the World Bank, and how the Bank uses its research and knowledge services to intervene in the policy making of borrowing countries. The Bank Information Center supported the distribution of this book so as to highlight this little discussed role of the World Bank. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3859.aspx Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3859.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx A new report released by an independent researcher from the Burmese community says that many victims of Cyclone Nargis are still not getting adequate relief material from international aid groups, including the United Nations agencies. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3858.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx On July 11th a bus carrying activists from different social movements collided with a truck transporting gas. The explosion of both vehicles caused the death of fourteen people, four of them activists of the Movement for Dam-Affected People (MAB). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.aspx Civil society access to information is often impeded by the Asian Development Bank. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3854.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:34:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3854.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:26:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3852.aspx Europe’s pursuit of new energy routes has helped secure Central Asia’s eligibility for funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), leading to concerns about further extractive industry financing in the region. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3851.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3851.aspx On July 9-10, 2008, the International Monetarty Funds’s (IMF) Working Group on Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) held a two-day meeting in Singapore to address concerns around SWFs and consider possible guidelines. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3849.aspx Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3849.aspx On July 8-9, 2008, Indonesian NGOs held a two day workshop in Bandung, West Java on the ADB’s pipeline Integrated Citarum Water Resource Management (ICWRM) Project. The occasion marked the launch of the Peoples Alliance for Citarum (Aliansi Rakyat untuk Citarum-ARUM). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3850.aspx Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:32 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3850.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx The World Bank will buy 325,480 tons of carbon credits from Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Utilization (ECARU) on behalf of governments and companies in Organisation for Econmic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:02:01 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx July riots signal the importance of transparency and responsible revenue management for Mongolia’s political stability. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3837.aspx Bank Information Center has recently released it's new "Handbook for Advocacy on Extractive Industry Revenues: Good Practices and the IMF’s Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:34:41 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx For the first time, the Europeans have decided to stay out of the bidding for the chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3835.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:58:36 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3835.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx On June 24, 2008, the Jubilee Act passed the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bill must now be considered and passed by the full U.S. Senate before it can go to the President and be signed into law. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3831.aspx World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:10 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3818.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx The recent Palestine Investment Conference concluded with pledges amounting to $1.4 billion in private sector investment in the Palestinian Territories, including $75m from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Meanwhile, the World Bank’s conditionalities on utility fees and eliminating public sector jobs raises doubts about the institution’s adherence to its poverty reduction mandate. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3805.aspx The World Bank's Tiger Conservation Initiative aims to raise global awareness about the plight of the endangered tiger and to work with local and international communities to stave off its extinction. The initiative is unprecedented for an institution whose stated mission is to fight poverty in developing countries rather than conserve endangered species. But a day after the launch, India is reported for have refused the World Bank's "offer" for a loan for the inititiative. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:53:13 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Kazakhstan has signed into law a 2006 agreement to transport oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, while making plans to connect its oil to the BTC route through additional domestic and trans-Caspian pipelines. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3804.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will earmark 40% of its Russian lending to infrastructure. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Read highlights from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) Annual Meeting, held last month in Kiev, Ukraine. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3787.aspx Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:52:39 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3787.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx The World Bank announced today that it has set up a financing facility in the order of $1.2 billion to assist with the global food crisis. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx Thu, 29 May 2008 15:16:41 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending is at an all time low, and the institution is forced to redefine its role as developing countries benefit from the availability of other sources of finance. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx Wed, 28 May 2008 11:57:54 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved new Environmental and Social Policy as well as a Public Information Policy, a week before the EBRD Annual Meetings. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3767.aspx Thu, 15 May 2008 14:37:52 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3767.aspx Marina Silva's resignation is linked to her opposition to many of the major megaprojects planned and underway in the Brazilian Amazon, including two large hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx Wed, 14 May 2008 11:26:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx After ignoring civil society demands that called for a halt to public consultations, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has finally agreed to issue an additional draft and consultation. The announcement comes a week before the Asian Development Fund (ADF) replenishment wrap-up, and ADB watchers believe the concession was made after the U.S. tied its ADF contribution to a satisfactory resolution of the review. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3765.aspx Tue, 13 May 2008 14:59:47 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3765.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Skyrocketing food prices have forced the international financial institutions (IFIs) to articulate responses to the situation. The World Bank has conjured a "New Deal for Global Food Policy" to pump agriculture-oriented loans and programs into Africa and to address emergency financing needs. The IMF has voiced concern over the likely macroeconomic shocks of the food crisis in low-income countries. But the Bretton Woods Institutions must wrestle with a legacy that helped set the stage for diminished food security in many low-income countries. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 10:31:29 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Less than a week after 591 employees at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opted to take a buyout package, the IMF’s chief economist announced his resignation. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3761.aspx Wed, 07 May 2008 16:25:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3761.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:29:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3752.aspx In a recent sign-on statement, multiple civil society organizations rejected the Asian Development Bank's new strategy, arguing that it will push for more private sector involvement in development and lead to more harmful impacts on services, livelihoods, food security and the environment. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3753.aspx Tue, 06 May 2008 14:37:09 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3753.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compliation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:40 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to face escalating deficits and a crisis of credibility, almost a quarter of its 2,400 full-time staff in Washington, D.C. have voluntarily applied for resignations. At the same time, the Board of Governors of the IMF has approved the proposed quota and voice reforms with a 92% majority vote. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3747.aspx Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3747.aspx As the Asian Development Bank prepares to meet for its upcoming annual meeting, it faces criticism from shareholders concerned about its role and relevance in the region and by civil society over its handling of the global food crisis. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3746.aspx Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:01:13 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3746.aspx A confidential report by the Asian Development Bank's evaluation unit reveals that the Bank is violating its own rules by investing more in private equity firms than it is allowed. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3744.aspx Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:51:34 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3744.aspx While the U.S. remains committed to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its mission of reducing poverty in Asia, objections to the Bank's lending policies and its function are causing concerns that U.S. funding commitments could be cut because of the dispute. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3741.aspx Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:01:29 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3741.aspx In response to requests from the Bank Information Center (BIC) and other civil society organizations, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has begun providing links to where IFC extractive industry clients disclose their payments to host governments. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:52:05 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3734.aspx The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC-Asia Pacific represents 18.6 million members in 48 national affiliates from 29 countries in the region. In a letter to President Kuroda of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the ITUC and ITUC-AP point out that the ADB draft omits mention of all labor issues except one brief mention. They urge the ADB to adopt a policy on core labor standards and other basic labor conditions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3730.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3730.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Updated April 10, 2008: The World Bank's Inspection Panel is recruiting qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in its three-member team. Regional balance considerations could likely mean selection of a candidate from the South East Asia region. The closing date for applications has been extended to April 30, 2008. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:29:05 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx As a result of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) recent realignment, indigenous issues are now demoted within a Bank that touts its credentials for social inclusion. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3711.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3711.aspx A publication of civil society groups working to reform the Inter-American Development Bank. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3713.aspx Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3713.aspx As part of its North America leg of consultations, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held a half day event in Washington, DC on April 1 to seek feedback on its draft Safeguard Policy Statement. Several NGOs declined attendance in support of the position taken by the NGO Forum on ADB which calls for a "halt" in consultations given the weakness of the consultation draft. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3714.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:36:25 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3714.aspx Loan conditions imposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are blamed for lifting measures that protect the farm sector. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3710.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3710.aspx Donors, led by the World Bank, still insist on linking aid for the Palestinian Authority to the removal of subsidies from basic services, in spite of a recent Bank study that highlights increasing poverty and unemployment rates in the West Bank and Gaza. The suggested cuts in the wage bill in the security, health and education sectors could further hinder Palestine's ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.aspx Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:24:10 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3706.aspx A struggle over selecting the successor to the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has divided donor and recipient countries in a manner that is reminiscent of the recent debates over succession at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3705.aspx Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:28:29 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3705.aspx Rising global food prices have led to outbreaks of civil unrest in West and Central Africa. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank plan their responses to the growing crisis, Cameroon, site of worst strife, relaxes IMF policies on wages and prices. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx World Bank Group General Counsel Ana Palacio is resigning her position, effective April 15, further diminishing former World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz's legacy. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:21:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3697.aspx Although the U.S. Treasury has voiced its support for International Monetary Fund (IMF) gold sales under its own set of reform priorities, the ultimate leverage rests with the U.S. Congress. Civil society has started to conduct policy advocacy to the U.S. Congress, calling for the attachment of a number of key policy reforms for development in low-income countries. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3698.aspx Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:56:16 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3698.aspx Representatives of the U.S. Senate judiciary and House financial services committees, urge Hank Paulson, the U.S. Treasury secretary, to demand that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stick to tougher environmental and social criteria. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3696.aspx Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:36:12 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3696.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recently published a draft of its newly revised Environmental and Social Policy. EBRD is soliciting public comments on the draft policy document until April 9, 2008. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3694.aspx Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3694.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:14:58 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Groups from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Burma have refused to attend the Asian Development Bank's safeguard policy update consultations held this week in Hanoi, citing weakness of the draft. As a result, only three (3) NGOs attended the consultation adding another blow to ADB's beleaguered efforts to pass off the consultation process as credible. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3692.aspx Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:39:35 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3692.aspx Burmese civil society groups have sent an open letter to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stating that the ADB's weak Safeguard Policy Statement draft will cause not only social and environmental harms but may also lead to human rights violations. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3691.aspx Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:14:12 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3691.aspx Following similar announcements by other multilateral development banks, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) last week endorsed the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3689.aspx Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:45:26 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3689.aspx New threats and opportunities have pushed the World Bank toward a new form of engagement in the Middle East and North Africa region. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.aspx Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:20:52 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3687.aspx Directors from several non-governmental organizations in Vietnam have sent a letter to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stating their refusal to participate in upcoming ADB consultations in Hanoi on March 5-6, 2008. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3682.aspx Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3682.aspx Read the preliminary assessment of the implementation of project level revenue transparency commitments for the extractive industry projects financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3685.aspx Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:08:37 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3685.aspx Proposed projects would include transcontinental transportation corridors that would require a huge outpouring of money. They would serve to benefit exporters and, by extension, transnational companies that profit the most from Africa’s commodities. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:54:25 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Panel's suggestions include merging of the African Development Fund (ADF) with the African Development Bank (ADB), and eliminating the performance-based allocation (PBA) system. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:37:35 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Iraq’s renewed Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) includes macroeconomic policy reforms that may restrict fiscal space for public spending, particularly on the public wage bill. It also continues the deep involvement of international financial institutions in Iraq’s oil sector. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3671.aspx Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3671.aspx In a press release, members of the Manila-based NGO Forum on ADB ask the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to stop its public consultations and revise the draft document known as the Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) released in October 2007. The coalition demands ADB re-draft the policy before resuming consultations because the SPS is an “unacceptable and unsuitable basis for public review and consultation.” http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3675.aspx Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:46:16 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3675.aspx Kashagan Oil Field threatens local livelihoods, health, and endangered species. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3669.aspx Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3669.aspx Robert Zoellick told Africa's leaders the World Bank wanted to expand its "efforts to help countries produce their own food, instead of relying on imports.” This would represent a complete reversal of Bank policy which has focused thus far on encouraging Africa to devote more land and resources to growing commodities, and to rely on international markets to purchase the food they were no longer growing. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:42:30 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx While the World Bank has expressed its support for the move, calling the new fiscal regime "more equitable," critics counter that the Bank was responsible for insisting on rock-bottom tax rates in 1998 that have deprived the government of much-needed revenue as copper prices soared. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:22:07 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx BIC and Oxfam Australia have closely followed the review of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Safeguards Policies since it was first announced in August 2005. Both organizations believe the dilution and weakening of the October 2007 Consultation Draft of the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) contradicts assurances the ADB publicly made on several occasions, and both have stated that unless revised, the current consultation process is not worthy of further engagement. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3670.aspx Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:08:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3670.aspx World Bank hopes leading academic's appointment will help strengthen ties with China. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:50:25 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx BIC has joined the international campaign that advocates for increases in the quantity and quality of assistance for agriculture, rural development and food to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3665.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:00:27 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3665.aspx Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn attempts to fix the IMF’s fractured legitimacy and financial fiasco through an ambitious, opaque, and inaccessible "Interim Work Program." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3664.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3664.aspx The Arab newspaper Azzaman reported last week that the Iraqi government plans to reduce its food rationing program "in line with the obligations it has made to the World Bank." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3663.aspx The World Bank President also spoke of the need to “speed up the process of clearing the arrears of countries that have fallen behind in payments to multilateral lenders.” http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:09:09 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:07 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3657.aspx Leading donors to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have demanded that the institution overhaul its staffing and oversight procedures. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3655.aspx Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:57:45 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3655.aspx An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Resignation comes after internal review reveals Bank's ineffectiveness in addressing corruption in health projects in India. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3641.aspx Close to fifty people representing social movements in India and other parts of South Asia delivered a boycott statement to Asian Development Bank officials in New Delhi on January 16th, at the start of the Bank's consultations on its Draft Safeguard Policy Statement. The organised protest consisted of slogans and plackards, one of which read: "End to Lending." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3644.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:24:50 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3644.aspx Citing violations of five of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) own policies, non-governmental organizations from around the world have petitioned the ADB to discontinue its pre-appraisal of the Phulbari Coal Project and remove it from the funding pipeline. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3642.aspx Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:04:37 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3642.aspx Internal memo raises questions about the institution's political neutrality in Kenya. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx On January 3, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report by its Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on the use of structural conditionality in IMF programs. The IEO has a record of often making sharp criticisms of IMF practice, though its recommendations are sometimes criticized for being too moderate in relation to the severity of its critique. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3636.aspx Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:07:30 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3636.aspx The Compliance Review Panel is part of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Accountability Mechanism. It is a citizen’s complaint panel where people affected by ADB projects can request an independent investigation into problems they face and policy violations committed by the ADB. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3634.aspx Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3634.aspx AfDB President Donald Kaberuka praises the United Kingdom's “concretization of commitments to double aid to Africa” made at the Gleneagles G-8 summit in 2005. However, Kaberuka’s willingness to credit the UK with “concretizing” its pledges appears overly generous. To date, the UK and the G-8 have fallen well short of the mark in meeting their promises. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3633.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:18:26 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3633.aspx Favorable World Bank assessment of Palestinian economic reform program helps pave the way for major donor support. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:17:30 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3631.aspx Last week, the Financial Times published an article on the World Bank's errors in its forest operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of support for illegal logging in the country by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Just two days later, the IFC announced it would sell its stake in Olam International Ltd., the Singaporean commodity trading company accused of "environmental malpractice" in the world's second largest rainforest. As those gathered in Bali for the United Nations conference on climate change discuss the importance of forests to the future health of the planet, the Bank's missteps in Congo deserve a closer look. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Seven South American leaders launched the Bank of the South (Banco del Sur) on Sunday, touting it as the continent's alternative to U.S.-backed lenders. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3614.aspx Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:20:24 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3614.aspx In an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the new Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reveals plans for significant layoffs at the institution, by as many as 300-400 jobs. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3607.aspx Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:11:06 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3607.aspx One World Trust’s 2007 report identifies vital accountability standards for global actors. Ratings of policies and systems, however, do not reflect the most critical dimension of accountability: on-the-ground practice. Asian groups disagree with top scores for ADB. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3598.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3598.aspx A prominent New York Times article describes how Malawi went from food aid recipient to regional food provider in just two years after re-introducing fertilizer subsidies for its low-income farmers. The move contravened years of policy guidance from the World Bank and IMF, which warn against such distortions of the “free market.” But donors find it hard to argue with success, especially because in violating what its wealthy benefactors in Europe and North America say, Malawi is doing precisely as they do. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:11 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) -- its flagship initiative to address deforestation-related greenhouse gas emissions -- at the United Nations climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, we offer some background on the FCPC and outline the concerns surrounding this controversial new mechanism. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:17:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Yemeni media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3591.aspx الشركاء والقراء يستطيعون الآن الحصول على معلومات عن برنامج مركز معلومات البنك في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا باللغة العربية http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3590.aspx Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:28:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3590.aspx Partners and readers from the Middle East and North Africa region can now access information on BIC's MENA Program in Arabic. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3589.aspx Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:35:03 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3589.aspx Resolution is welcomed by NGOs campaigning to have export credit agencies and public investment banks be held accountable for their actions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3586.aspx Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:36:41 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3586.aspx The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:11:22 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3584.aspx A coalition of U.S. development and environmental groups has released a joint platform containing needed World Bank reforms, ahead of the 15th replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) negotiations in Dublin, Ireland. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3579.aspx Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:48:32 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3579.aspx Thousands of teachers and hundreds of nurses in Burundi went on strike last month to protest the government’s inability to meet its commitments to increase wages and improve working conditions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3577.aspx Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3577.aspx Eight countries are planning to inaugurate the Bank of the South in December 2007. The Bank of the South represents the cornerstone to a more wholesale renovation of the regional financial architecture long dependent on Northern banks. Read Vince McElhinny's new info brief on the Bank of the South and what it means for Latin America, and the continued relevance of the international financial institutions for the region. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3573.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:58:22 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3573.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced yesterday that it will write off Liberia's debt by securing $842 million from its own institutional reserves and donor country pledges. The move comes after the Fund endured heavy criticism in the international media last month for not following through on its commitment to Liberia, eighteen months after the country had met the IMF's stringent policy conditions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3568.aspx Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3568.aspx For the first time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly disclosed the official terms of appointment for its new Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. His terms include an annual salary of $420,930 (net of income taxes), an annual allowance of $75,350 for maintaining “a scale of living,” and the ability to resign from his position at any time. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3564.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:02:24 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3564.aspx A coalition of non-governmental organisations from Europe, North America, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched an international appeal today demanding the publication of the final report of the ministerial commission on the review of mining contracts without delay. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:15 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx The NGO Forum on ADB, on October 24 and 25, raised several issues with the ADB around the review of its Safeguard Policies. The ADB responded by agreeing to change dates of two regional consultations and to provide Vietnamese and Bahasa translations of the Consultation Draft. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3562.aspx Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:04:31 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3562.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:34:52 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx On November 1, Jubilee South and other civil society organizations unveiled an open letter to the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela calling for a sovereign, supportive, sustainable and integrated Bank of the South. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3557.aspx Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3557.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:42:12 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former Finance Minister of France, takes over as the new Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on November 1. DSK, as he is generally known, inherits an institution experiencing crises of legitimacy, identity, and solvency, yet is unlikely to implement real changes at the institution. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3554.aspx Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:49:45 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3554.aspx Robert Zoellick’s first World Bank annual meeting passed with little fanfare or flak – a marked contrast to the boisterous semi-annual meeting in April, when the pressure on his predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz, to resign reached a fever pitch. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.aspx Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3551.aspx In a letter to the Asian Development Bank's Environment Division, non-governmental organizations raised substantial concerns about recent developments with the Safeguard Policy Update (SPU) process, calling into question the possibility of genuine participation by civil society organizations. It reminds the ADB to honour its previous commitments about the process of these consultations. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3548.aspx Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:17:16 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3548.aspx As the World Bank launches its latest flagship World Development Report, this year on "Agriculture for Development," the Independent Evaluation Group's report clearly acknowledges that the Bank's engagement with the most important sector in its highest-priority region has largely been a failure. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:38 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Questions remain as to whether the IFC will use its role as a major IDA donor to deflect criticism of its own investments. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx Critics claim that Aid for Trade schemes could aggrevate rather than alleviate poverty, particularly in Africa. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx In it's first major petrochemical investment since Peru’s Camisea Natural Gas project, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will likely loan US$1.5 billion to Ecuador to help the country's state-owned oil company PetroEcuador. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3535.aspx Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:48:24 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3535.aspx The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued a consultation draft of its safeguard policies and is seeking comments on the draft during a 90-day public comment period. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3533.aspx Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:37:52 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3533.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx As yet another top post at the International Monetary Fund goes to a European, critics question the institution's committment to increasing the voice and representation of developing country constituencies in the Fund. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3528.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:51:38 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3528.aspx The World Bank will focus on labor-intensive export to boost employment in the Arab World. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:54:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3526.aspx World Bank President Robert Zoellick has named former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as a new managing director of the Bank, effective December 1, 2007. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:50:47 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Last week, International Finance Corporation (IFC) chief Lars Thunell told Reuters that the IFC is "trying to do more in high-risk countries," adding that it is investing more in post-conflict countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.aspx Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:27:32 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.aspx Controversial both inside and outside the institution, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) strategy in low-income countries was debated at a recent panel that questioned whether or not the IMF should exit low-income countries. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.aspx Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:15:22 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3517.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today announced that Dominique Straus-Kahn will take over as managing director of the IMF beginning November 1, 2007. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3516.aspx Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3516.aspx Egypt tops list of reformers in World Bank's 2008 "Doing Business" report. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.aspx Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:42:36 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3515.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:22:37 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx The World Bank has approved plans to proceed with the development of the controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, although many critical issues remain unanswered. Civil society groups are concerned that the initiative may end up being profitable for governments, companies and investors without any real reductions in carbon emissions, true protection of forest resources, or equitable benefits for the poor. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:19:42 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx World Bank President faces an uphill battle to raise money from donors to support the Bank’s work in poor countries. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3503.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3503.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3496.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx In his first high-level appointment since taking office, World Bank President, Robert Zoellick has named Caroline Anstey as his new Chief of Staff. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3497.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3497.aspx Civil society groups monitoring the Asian Development Bank's "safeguard" policies find that the ADB needs to make substantial improvements to catch up with international standards and peer institutions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3494.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:17:44 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3494.aspx In 2007, IFC financing in the Middle East and North Africa region exceeded lending from IDA and IBRD combined. As the Bank Group heralds high growth in MENA and pumps money to the private sector, equity and employment challenges loom large. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:21:58 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3493.aspx A recent World Bank report on Eastern and Central Asia "proposes structural reforms in areas where expenditure pressures are acute and suggests how to create fiscal space in other areas critical for growth." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3490.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:56:55 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3490.aspx On August 28, the Board of the World Bank Group’s political risk insurance arm approved new social, environmental and disclosure policies, and committed to report on the development impacts of its most ‘sensitive’ projects. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3489.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:49:03 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3489.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:45:59 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3488.aspx Four members of the team tasked with revising the ADB project "safeguards" have resigned in protest against management's efforts to dilute the bank's policies on environment, resettlement and indigenous people. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3487.aspx Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:08:07 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3487.aspx The Asian Development Bank is contemplating changing mission its from “poverty reduction” to “inclusive, environmental friendly growth” and promoting “regional economic integration” as it tries to re-invent itself for the “New Asia.” http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3486.aspx Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:25:11 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3486.aspx The U.K. confirms its support of the EU nominee Dominique Strauss-Kahn for the leadership of the IMF; Luxembourg's prime minister assures a non-European leader in the future; and emerging countries such as India call out for real reform of governance in the IMF. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3483.aspx Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:22:54 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3483.aspx The new approach aims to reinvigorate the World Bank with high quality products and financial services. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3482.aspx Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:59:43 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3482.aspx The Bank's new "Lighting Africa" program, which was launched this week, seeks to catalyze business interest in developing innovative ways to bring light to millions of Africans who are not connected to the electricity grid. While the attention to off-grid and non-fossil fuel based electricity supply in Africa is welcome, it remains questionable whether the private sector can meet the Bank's goal of delivering affordable lighting to 250 million people on the continent by 2030. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:38:06 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx While the World Bank pumps more money to sub-Saharan Africa, much of it to finance large-scale infrastructure projects, poverty levels across the continent continue to rise. How effective is the Bank's aid to Africa? http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:51:19 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3480.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:10:13 GMT http://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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:25:27 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3478.aspx The World Bank's Inspection Panel has named Roberto Lenton as its newest member. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3475.aspx Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:31:37 GMT http://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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:01:33 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx A recent article by the World Bank applauds governments in MENA for increasing investment in environmental protection. While the World Bank is encouraging MENA countries to decrease their carbon emissions, it continues to finance extractive industry projects in the region. This apparent contradiction is just one of several reasons to take a closer look at the Bank's recent coverage of the 'greening' of MENA. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:19:20 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), found that 41% of the IFC projects studied had low development ratings. IFC performed particularly poorly in Africa and Asia, where only half of its projects had positive development outcomes. In Africa, the quality of IFC work was particularly poor, rated as “high” in only 45% of projects, as compared to 68% in other regions. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:21:41 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx While western European countries continue to assert naming rights to run the IMF, Russia makes a surprise nomination. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3469.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3469.aspx Journalists confirmed that former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, personally intervened in removing the words "climate change" from Bank progress reports, and that it may be years before the World Bank considers greenhouse gas emissions in its projects. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:46 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx During his recent visit to Cambodia, new World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, mentioned corruption reform in the county only in passing. Global Witness called on Zoellick to do more to tackle corruption in Cambodia. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3467.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:01:16 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3467.aspx Written in November 2005 by the Arab NGO Network for Development, this commentary on the need for more active monitoring of the World Bank and IMF in the MENA region remains relevant today. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3465.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:11:55 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3465.aspx Local CSO observers argue that instead of addressing the root causes of the economic and social challenges facing Lebanon, the World Bank is promoting a "one-size-fits-all" formula of privatization and liberalization in various sectors. To deal with the adverse impacts of these reforms, the Bank is proposing limited social safety net programs. But groups like the Arab NGOs Network for Development say what the country needs is a comprehensive strategy for economic and social development including policitical and administrative reforms. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:41:19 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3464.aspx The Asian Development Bank has completed the consultation process on its draft Energy Strategy. Civil society organizations from throughout the region have called on the ADB to incorporate current international best practices in sector, and at minimum to adopt the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:54:54 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx BIC's new assessment reviews EI operations in more than 40 countries for the lending period of July 2005 to December 2006. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3462.aspx Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:39:27 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3462.aspx China's "no-strings-attached" investments in Africa appear to many a welcome alternative to the conditional loans offered by the World Bank and IMF. But what consequences will China's growing involvement on the continent have for Africans? http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:21:03 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx New World Bank President Robert Zoellick recently returned to Washington, DC following a Pacific tour. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3456.aspx Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:00:03 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3456.aspx The Egyptian government is facing criticism from members of its parliament over plans to sell off the country’s publicly owned banks. The plan to privatize several national banks within the framework of an $8.7 billion financial sector reform program has the backing of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and US Agency for International Development. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:39:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3455.aspx The Bank's $250 million Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will offer some nations carbon credits in exchange for preserving their forests. The fund is anticipated to launch in December. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:43:05 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx The world's first debt audit commission began July 23 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3453.aspx Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:45:06 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3453.aspx The U.S. backing of Dominique Strauss-Kahn will likely confirm his nomination to head the IMF, continuing the "old boy's club" tradition. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3452.aspx Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:12:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3452.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:44:39 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3447.aspx Africa, middle-income countries and cross-border problems are but some of the issues needing Robert Zoellick's attention. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3444.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:30:32 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3444.aspx The European Investment Bank this week approved €100 million ($130 million) for the controversial Tenke Fungurume mining project, despite calls from civil society for public lenders to await the outcome of an ongoing examination of 60 mining contracts. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:21:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx Whatever else you might say of him, Luis Alberto Moreno does not waste time. Named fourth president of the Inter-American Development Bank in 2005, he announced IDB would remake its role in Latin America at his first annual meeting just one year later. Read Vince McElhinny's new policy brief on the realignment process, components and concerns. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:52:22 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx World Bank-backed project to receive Inspection Panel visit. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx Critics argue that OPIC's expected investment in the Tenke Fungurume mine appears to prejudge the outcomes of the ongoing government review process. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:05:49 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx The first U.S. Social Forum concluded July 1, having drawn over 10,000 activists to Atlanta, Georgia, for five days of talks on social, economic and political issues. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3435.aspx Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:26:49 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3435.aspx European countries are rushing to protect their patronage rights to name the head of the IMF after Rodrigo Rato's surprise resignation announcment just two weeks ago. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3434.aspx Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:34:49 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3434.aspx The Middle East & North Africa region has become the IFC's fastest-growing portfolio, surpassing $1 billion in new investments for the first time last year. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:56:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3431.aspx Will the International Monetary Fund learn from the recent World Bank crisis, and reform the outdated process through which European countries basically appoint the Managing Director? http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3430.aspx Sun, 08 Jul 2007 22:38:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3430.aspx Critics argue that the Bank and many of its borrowers are ill-equipped to effectively utilize the substantial increase in aid requested on Africa's behalf. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:34:09 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between June 16 and 29 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3425.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3425.aspx The World Bank allegedly removed inflammatory findings on pollution-related deaths from a report under pressure from the Chinese government. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:43:57 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx News on Robert Zoellick's confirmation as World Bank president, mounting tensions at the Inter-American Development Bank, and current events—all inside Issue #19. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3422.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:38:40 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3422.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:28:28 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3421.aspx The issues discussed at the second replenishment meeting in Maputo included the role of IDA in the global aid architecture and IDA's role in fragile states. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3420.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:09:05 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3420.aspx Find out more about BIC's brand-new Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Program. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3418.aspx Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:26:25 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3418.aspx In a message to IMF staff on Thursday, Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato announced he will step down after the 2007 Annual Meetings for personal reasons. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3416.aspx Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:24:02 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3416.aspx The US Social Forum is a civil society gathering that provides space for groups to engage in developing their thoughts and visions of the world. There will be three days of workshops and discussions. Find the full calendar on the USSF 2007 website. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3415.aspx Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:34:44 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3415.aspx The Executive Directors of the World Bank unanimously selected Robert B. Zoellick to succeed Mr. Wolfowitz, effective July 1, 2007, as the 11th President of the Bank for a five-year term. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:02:56 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3414.aspx The Bank's Employee Association sent a letter to IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno on June 6 expressing "deep concern" about the IDB's upcoming realignment. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3413.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:32:34 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3413.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:25:13 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3412.aspx In his testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed the need to upgrade global governance structures and operations. He also touched on U.S. and global economic developments, strategic economic dialogue with China, promoting open trade and investment, foreign direct investment, helping small businesses in Latin America and strengthening the international framework against illicit finance. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3411.aspx Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:20:13 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3411.aspx They will discuss "key issues of interest to the World Bank Group, including the challenges of development...governance and leadership as well as future strategic directions". The Board is expected to confirm Zoellick on June 30. Read the most recent statement from the Executive Directors on the process. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3408.aspx Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:51:33 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3408.aspx The only official nominee for the post of World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, recently concluded a two week tour of Africa, Europe and Latin America and commented on what it will take to steer the institution back on track. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3405.aspx Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:38:37 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3405.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:02:24 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3400.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between May 26 and June 15 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3401.aspx Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3401.aspx The World Bank is preparing to announce a new $250 million fund aimed at using carbon finance to reduce emissions from deforestation. According to recent news reports, world leaders have encouraged the Bank to move forward with plans to create a Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which would leverage private investor money and donor contributions to help countries develop strategies for avoiding forest degradation and secure payment for forest-related emissions reduction, through the creation of tradable carbon credits. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:12:42 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Uncontested World Bank presidential nominee makes no major break from Wolfowitz's agenda during Africa tour. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx Find out what extractive industry (oil, gas, mining) and energy projects the international financial institutions (IFIs) are financing in your country. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx While NGOs express disappointment at the G8’s failure to take any bold steps on climate change during the recent summit in Heligendamm, Germany, the World Bank has praised the meeting outcomes and applauded the emphasis on market mechanisms to combat climate change. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:01:33 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Reactions to the United States' nomination of the former US Trade Representative for the next World Bank President... http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3392.aspx Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:04:32 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3392.aspx The Asian Development Bank released a draft of its proposed Energy Strategy on May 28 for a sixty day comment period ending July 27, 2007. Civil society groups will engage with ADB but want to see more iterations of draft. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3391.aspx Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:56:07 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3391.aspx Robert Zoellick will travel to Africa, Europe and Latin America in an effort to "listen and learn". http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3390.aspx Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:09:23 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3390.aspx Amy brings a wealth of experience to her task of managing BIC's brand new Middle East & North Africa regional program. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3389.aspx Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:03:33 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3389.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between May 12 and 25 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3383.aspx Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:53:26 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3383.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:23 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3382.aspx In spite of international calls for an open, merit-based process for choosing Paul Wolfowitz's successor, President Bush is expected to name Zoellick later this afternoon. His nomination must still be approved by the Bank's Board of Executive Directors. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3381.aspx Wed, 30 May 2007 11:24:39 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3381.aspx Representatives Frank, Obey, Rangel and Lantos furthermore note that the best candidate for the job need not be American. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3379.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 10:30:35 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3379.aspx A final decision may be announced this week. Robert Zoellick, former US Trade Representative and Deputy Secretary of State, is rumored to be the frontrunner. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3330.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3330.aspx Demands join a chorus of voices from civil society and beyond expressing concerns about the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3376.aspx Issue #17 highlights World Bank governance challenges, key conversations overshadowed by the Wolfowitz scandal, the Bank of the South and the Asian Development Bank Annual Meetings http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3374.aspx Wed, 23 May 2007 14:56:59 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3374.aspx Following World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's resignation, the Staff Association said, "we are shocked by the statement from the Board today which represents a full reversal of their own findings". The SA is asking that Wolfowitz be placed on administrative leave, an acting-President be appointed and staff are protected against any retaliation while ensuring Wolfowitz "prevented from making any decisions affecting the work of the Bank or its staff". http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3358.aspx Fri, 18 May 2007 11:07:58 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3358.aspx PRESS RELEASE: World Bank housecleaning has only just begun. Wolfowitz's resignation is the first step to broader governance overhauls at the institution. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3357.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 18:21:39 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3357.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://bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:20 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3355.aspx Although a decision on the fate of Paul Wolfowitz was expected this afternoon, the Board of Directors has adjourned discussions until Thursday. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3353.aspx Wed, 16 May 2007 13:15:34 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3353.aspx These new pages reflect the expanding focus of BIC's Latin America Program. Both pages are in Spanish. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3349.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 17:17:41 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3349.aspx World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz responded to the Board of Directors' Ad Hoc Committee's recent report on the President's alleged improprieties. At a Board meeting on Monday evening, Wolfowitz stated: "It is quite apparent that this matter has ceased to have much to do with the case itself--and everything to do with issues about my management style and my policy choices." http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3351.aspx Wed, 16 May 2007 12:12:26 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3351.aspx Although Bush administration officials came to the President's defense in recent days, the White House has recently stated that "all options are on the table" http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3347.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 15:25:33 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3347.aspx Read the letter to World Bank and IMF executive directors, signed by over 165 individuals http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3344.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 12:43:34 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3344.aspx The EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum will be held 20-21 May 2007 in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. One hot topic of conversation will be over the institution's profits. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 12:43:05 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx The committee has been investigating whether World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz inappropriately arranged for salary raises and promotions for his former girlfriend, Shaha Ali Riza. Also: links to a new letter from 37 World Bank Country Directors calling for quick resolution of the crisis. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3335.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 23:18:00 GMT http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3335.aspx African civil society rejects the idea of Wolfowitz as Africa's friend, arguing that the Bank continues to undermine development on the continent. http://bicusa.org/en/Article.3331.aspx Mo