2004
World Bank Delays NGO Consultations (November 5, 2004)
"Civil society groups" boycotted several consultation meetings on the World Bank's social and environmental policies for lending because they see the meetings as simply a "public relations exercise." NGOs say the Bank's financial actions should uphold international law, and they hope the Bank will set a precedent by withholding funding from companies with bad environmental and social records. (Inter Press Service)
Groups See Hope for Debt Cancellation for Poorest Countries in Upcoming Meeting (September 22, 2004)
The Group of Seven (G-7), the world's wealthiest governments, will meet to decide whether to back a joint British-US proposal of total debt cancellation 33 of the world's poorest countries. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) welcome this initiative but urge caution, stating that the debt elimination initiative might imply less aid money for poor nations. (One World)
ECOSOC/BWI Meeting: Joint NGO Statement (April 26, 2004)
Addressing the 2004 High Level ECOSOC Meeting with the Bretton Woods institutions and the WTO, NGOs called on strengthening the Financing for Development process by giving it a firm intergovernmental framework and strengthening its secretariat. NGOs also called for more decision making power in these institutions. (Third World Network)
Rethinking Participation (April 2004)
This ActionAid report documents how NGOs, participating in government-led consultations for Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers, have no power to change the economic policy reforms required by the IMF and World Bank as mandatory loan conditions. The report calls on NGOs to consider other formats such as civil forums for advocating alternative development policies.
Eurodad Annual Conference Report (2003)
Eurodad presents the report from its Annual Conference and General Assembly held in Prague in December 2003. The failure of "new development agenda" initiatives including PRSPs and MDGs to live up to their standards, prompted the Conference to aim for a fresh perspective on tackling poverty.
Reducing Poverty or Repeating Mistakes? (December 18, 2003)
In 1999, the World Bank invented the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) to replace its increasingly criticized Structural Adjustment Programs. Yet, this report argues that both mechanisms generate the same neo-liberal policy contents, such as privatization and liberalization, instead of focusing on equity issues and poverty reduction. (People Participating in Poverty Reduction)
Between Grassroots and Governments (September 2003)
This report by the Danish Institute for International Studies examines the challenges facing international NGOs and civil society organizations (CS) seeking to identify national and local priorities for poverty eradication. The report criticizes international NGO and CS lobbying efforts directed at governments and international institutions, arguing that these efforts fail to support local civil society initiatives.
PRSP's: ‘Political Space' at Whose Expense? (September 12, 2003)
The World Bank's Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers allowed NGOs to participate in the formulation of public policies. This article from the Bretton Woods Project argues, however, that this procedure benefits large international NGOs rather than local actors, hindering the possibility of "deepening democratic oversight."
The Myths and Dangers of PRSPs (September 8, 2003)
This article calls on Northern NGOs to view Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) with a critical eye. The author argues that some Northern NGOs fell for IMF and World Bank propaganda and forced their Southern partners to participate in the PRSP process. (Bretton Woods Project)
US Blocks Stronger African Voice at World Bank - NGO (June 26, 2003)
US executive minister to the World Bank Carol Brookins attempted to halt reforms giving African countries greater voting power. "This example of a large country throwing its weight about in global institutions shows precisely why reforms are needed.'' (Inter Press Service)
More Bad News for Small Farmers (June 2003)
International financial institutions (IFIs) push for greater cooperation between developing countries and the WTO. To respond to the increased influence of IFIs on the trade policies of their borrowing countries, NGOs must adapt by finding strategies that similarly link trade and finance. (MIJARC News)
Civil Society Lags as Economic Gurus March on Mideast (May 19, 2003)
International financial institutions (IFIs) have increased their economic initiatives in the Middle East, following Washington's plan to transform Iraq into a free-market model for the region. NGOs have been slow to respond, raising concerns that the region may become an "unmonitored corporate playfield." (Inter Press Service)
IMF, World Bank Join Forces with WTO (May 12, 2003)
Senior officials of the IMF, World Bank and WTO will meet in Geneva to synchronize their policies on developing nations. NGOs are concerned that the common agenda will make trade and development policy more inflexible, entrenching the organizations one-sided approach to development and widening the gap between the rich and poor. (Inter Press Service)
Rich Nations Continue to Wield Power in Global Bodies (May 6, 2003)
NGOs point out the undemocratic governance structures of the UN, WTO, IMF and World Bank. Despite professing to create an equitable global community, these institutions concentrate power among world's richest nations. (Inter Press Service)
World Bank Supports Community-Driven Development in Bangladesh (March 18, 2003)
The World Bank approves $18.2 million credit for a project to help poor and vulnerable groups in Bangladesh increase their ownership of local development initiatives. The project is largely a result of an NGO campaign, empowering women and the impoverished to become more self sufficient. (World Bank)
A Civil Discourse (February 11, 2003)
Civil society leader Dr. Kumi Naidoo stresses inherent contradictions in globalization during his speech at the World Bank's Presidential Fellows Lecture Series in Washington. Dr Naidoo also called for the World Bank's decision making process to become more transparent, allowing more input from civil society. (OneWorld)
Open Statement on Steps to Democratize the World Bank and IMF (January 2003)
This statement circulated by NGOs proposes structural reforms of the World Bank and IMF. The reforms include rebalancing board composition and making the institutions more transparent to allow public scrutiny. (Bretton Woods Project)
Choosing a Better World (January 22, 2003)
In reference to the upcoming World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, World Bank President James Wolfensohn commends civil society for helping to shift Bank policy and world consensus on sustainable development, transparency, and accountability. Co-opting the rhetoric of the global justice movement, he calls for "a global system based on equity, human rights and social justice." (Inter Press Service)
The World Bank Defends its Record on Human Rights (November 2002)
Human Rights NGOs criticize the World Bank for lending to governments that commit human rights abuses against their citizens. World Bank officials respond by pointing out that the institution's articles of agreement forbid political interference in the domestic affairs of member governments. (Advocacy Project)
Should Government Take IMF Seriously? (November 25, 2002)
This article from the Chronicle Newspaper in Malawi reveals the complex relationships the IMF can produce with, and between, recipient country governments and civil society. Malawian civil society blasts the government for taking their criticism seriously only when the IMF agrees.
Real Impact of New Poverty Analysis Uncertain (November/December 2002)
Under pressure from NGOs, the World Bank and IMF have agreed to introduce Poverty and Social Impact Analyses (PSIA) for loan proposals. However, pilot PSIAs have focused more on tweaking already existing policies than on alternative options and have been carried out with only minimal consultation with civil society groups. (Bretton Woods Project)
World Bank/IMF Meetings: 1-2 October 2002 (October 2002)
At the World Bank/IMF meetings in October, NGOs voiced their concerns about issues such as the institutions' endorsement of WTO trade liberalization and the slow move to implement a rights-based approach to development. (BOND)
World Bank Pushed to Open Up TNC Arbitration Process (September 2, 2002)
NGOs demand public access to the World Bank Group "secret trade court" that will rule on a dispute between Bolivia and an American transnational water company. (Bretton Woods Project)
Chop Agricultural Subsidies, Say World Bank and NGOs (August 27, 2002)
NGOs join the World Bank in saying that the $1 billion per day in agricultural subsidies are one of the main causes of the food crisis in southern Africa. (Inter Press Service)
Thailand - Activists Wary of 'Green' Offer from Rich (August 20, 2002)
NGOs are concerned that a World Bank offer of $8 million to fund a privately built biomass project is actually "a way for developed countries to dodge binding commitments to cut greenhouse gases" by earning carbon credits without making internal reforms. (Inter Press Service)
'G8, IMF, World Bank Are the Source of Problems' (June 28, 2002)
Women for Change, an African NGO, accuses the IMF, World Bank and G8, of causing African countries' problems, claiming that "NEPAD was based on the same development and economic model […]that has been in place for the last 20 years, with catastrophic effects. (allAfrica)
IMF Accused of Role in Malawi Famine (June 14, 2002)
NGOs accuse the IMF of causing famine and death in Malawi. They hold the Fund responsible for creating "the commercial debt that the government sought to pay off with proceeds of the grain sale." (One World)
World Spank (June 07, 2002)
"When World Bank president James Wolfensohn gives MIT's commencement address, he will face not only street protesters, but a city that is formally boycotting purchase of the bank's bonds." (Boston Phoenix)
World Bank Chief, NGOs Wrangle Over Access (April 20, 2002)
The World Bank attempts to deflect criticism over its failure to adequately consult civil society by claiming that national governments insist "unaccountable groups" should not be involved in negotiations at the international level. (Inter Press Service)
Nobel Laureate Encourages Global Justice Movement (October 15, 2001)
Joseph Stiglitz points out the unfairness of trade agreements, especially when it comes to developing countries. The Nobel Prize winner in economics asserts that the global justice movement must go on. (Inter Press Service)
What Are We For? (September 6, 2001)
Globalization has led to increased poverty, injustice, subordination, anti-solidarity and ecological disasters. New institutions are needed to replace the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO as they serve strictly the interests of the elite. (ZNet)
Activists Blast World Bank and IMF Policies (April 29, 2001)
The proportion of the population in poverty declined modestly, from 28 percent to 24 percent, between 1987 and 1998. How did the World Bank achieve so little while spending about $200 billion? (United Press International)
Call to Cancel Poor Nations' Debt (April 25, 2001)
World Bank policy makers insist that they have met NGO debt reduction goals, but Oxfam and others urge World Bank and IMF to do more and back the 100 percent cancellation of debts. (Agence France Presse)
NGOs Plead for Co-Responsibility and Civic-Control (March 29, 2001)
The IMF and the World Bank met with African heads of state in the end of February. NGOs delivered a strong statement why they think this meeting was dishonest (African News Service).
Do Not Hijack the Internet, NGOs Warn World Bank (October 2000)
Not only structural adjustment programs or big dam projects worry NGOs. This time it is a portal website project called the "Global Gateway". (Terraviva)
NGO Meeting With Mr. Wolfensohn (September 22, 2000)
At the core of the discussion between the Bank and NGOs, Wolfensohn highlighted " the need for cultural change on both sides." ( World Bank's Transcript)
World Bank Chief Takes a Swipe at Non-Governmental Groups (September 3, 2000)
Weary of the unrelenting criticism from all over the world, World Bank president James Wolfensohn lashed out at NGOs as being unfair to the organization and not acknowledging the Bank's poverty reduction efforts. (Inter Press Service)
Chad Oil Project Nears Decision (June 13, 2000)
There are concerns about environmental degradation, corruption, human rights abuses and whether oil exploitation will benefit the poorest in Chad. Such concerns have caused 18 Chadian NGOs to call for a postponement of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project again after a number of delays.(Bretton Woods Project)
Position Briefing of the Initiative Against Economic Globalization (March 2000)
The IAEG is an NGO group trying to unify NGOs' voices at the WB-IMF annual meeting to face the globalization of capital. (INPEG)
CSOs Matter to MDBs (June 2,1999)
The World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) tend to have a positive view of their evolving relations with NGOs. However, views from NGOs on MDBs are diverse.(WTO Watch)
The World Bank and NGOs
An analysis by GPF Director James Paul of how the World Bank and NGOs impact each other.
Civil Society, the UN and the World Bank (November, December 1998)
Civicus World discusses the World Bank's "new spirit of openness and partnership" with NGOs, but also the deep skepticism that remains about the Bank's programs and economic philosophy.(Civicus
Bretton Woods and UN Move Closer (Fall 1998)
Article from UN Development Update includes comment on UN's involvement with civil society in contrast to Bretton Woods institutions' more adversarial relationship with NGOs.
