Bretton Woods Project
Encyclopedia
The Bretton Woods Project works as a networker, information-provider, media informant and watchdog to scrutinise and influence the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Through briefings, reports and the bimonthly digest Bretton Woods Update, it monitors projects, policy reforms and the overall management of the Bretton Woods institutions with special emphasis on environmental and social concerns.
Created as an independent initiative by a group of British non-governmental organisations (NGOs), it works with an extensive network to press for increased transparency and civil society participation in World Bank and IMF policies and interventions. This includes over 7000 non-governmental organisations, policy-makers, journalists, researchers and parliamentarians worldwide.
By encouraging information exchange and debate, it seeks to move the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank
and IMF
) away from simplistic approaches to development. Priority areas include:
Briefings and reports are produced to clarify issues in-depth in non-technical language.
In addition to NGOs, academics, parliamentarians, journalists and activists worldwide, the Project facilitates contacts with staff of the Bretton Woods institutions and decision-makers in bilateral aid ministries. It is often asked to advise NGOs in Europe, USA and the South planning meetings, reports and campaigns. Many from governmental and intergovernmental organisations also contact the Bretton Woods Project for briefings or to find out about NGOs working on particular issues.
is hosting the Bretton Woods Project.
Created as an independent initiative by a group of British non-governmental organisations (NGOs), it works with an extensive network to press for increased transparency and civil society participation in World Bank and IMF policies and interventions. This includes over 7000 non-governmental organisations, policy-makers, journalists, researchers and parliamentarians worldwide.
By encouraging information exchange and debate, it seeks to move the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank
World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is a family of five international organizations that makes leveraged loans, generally to poor countries.The Bank came into formal existence on 27 December 1945 following international ratification of the Bretton Woods agreements, which emerged from the United Nations Monetary...
and IMF
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
) away from simplistic approaches to development. Priority areas include:
- World Bank and IMF Roles
- structural adjustment and poverty reduction strategies (PRS)
- the environment
- social issues
- the World Bank as a knowledge bank
- governance and accountability
Publications and services
Bretton Woods Update is a bimonthly digest of key World Bank and IMF initiatives, controversial policy trends, projects and debate. The Update is read by around 6000 key officials, journalists, NGOs and researchers and is respected as a reliable source of information on the Bretton Woods institutions. It is available on the web, in print or can be emailed as plain text. The results of the 2006 survey of Update readers is also available.Briefings and reports are produced to clarify issues in-depth in non-technical language.
Networking
Networking and information exchange among the wide range of people and organisations interested in the World Bank and IMF is one of the key functions of the Bretton Woods Project. It is currently involved in discussions to improve the communication strategies of IFI watchers, including through networking critical video on the IFIs.In addition to NGOs, academics, parliamentarians, journalists and activists worldwide, the Project facilitates contacts with staff of the Bretton Woods institutions and decision-makers in bilateral aid ministries. It is often asked to advise NGOs in Europe, USA and the South planning meetings, reports and campaigns. Many from governmental and intergovernmental organisations also contact the Bretton Woods Project for briefings or to find out about NGOs working on particular issues.
Organisational structure and origins
The Bretton Woods Project was established in 1995 by the Development and Environment Group (DEG), a network of UK-based NGOs, to facilitate monitoring of the social and environmental impacts of World Bank and IMF policies and projects. The Project coordinates and consults with the UK BWI network, over 40 organisations working in development, environment and human rights. The Bretton Woods Project Steering Group, made up of some members of the DEG, meets on a regular basis to advise and review Project activities. The Project is funded by CS Mott Foundation and The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and receives in-kind and other support from members of the Development and Environment Group. At present, ActionAidActionAid
ActionAid was founded in 1972 as a child sponsorship charity when 88 UK supporters sponsored 88 children in India and Kenya, the focus primarily being to provide children with an education. Global accounts are now reported in Euros and in 2007 and 2008 turnover was close to 180m Euros...
is hosting the Bretton Woods Project.