How can we encourage accountability and systems reform in the COVID-19 recovery?
Over the past few months, BIC has continued to examine the impact of COVID-19 on development projects. We've provided recommendations for how the multilateral development banks can protect the environment and marginalized groups during COVID-19 responses and launched our Projects Repository, which tracks all COVID-19-related projects that the World Bank is financing. BIC engaged with the ongoing accountability review process at the IFC, advocating for transparent, effective reform. BIC also provided feedback on the IDB's new Environmental and Social Policy Framework, where our advocacy contributed to safeguards that enable more inclusive, sustainable development.
How is BIC tracking the World Bank’s COVID-19 projects?
BIC's “COVID-19 World Bank Emergency Response: Projects Repository” tracks the COVID-19-related projects the World Bank is financing to clarify how much money the Bank is committing to countries for pandemic response and through what financing instruments. The “Projects Repository” spreadsheet supports BIC’s broader efforts to advocate for the Bank to be transparent and inclusive in its pandemic response. We hope the spreadsheet will also serve organizations and communities advocating for improvements and accountability in the Bank’s response, both for specific projects and at a higher policy level.
How can the IFC/MIGA realize the right to effective remedy within the accountability system?
On September 11, 2020, BIC submitted joint comments on the external review of the IFC/MIGA's Environmental and Social Accountability. Our submission proposed recommendations for reforms that will strengthen accountability and provide remedy for communities adversely affected by IFC/MIGA projects. Along with our partners, we urge the IFC/MIGA Board to endorse the recommendations of the external review team and propose and implementation plan for public review and input.
How does the IDB's new Environmental and Social Policy Framework benefit people and the environment?
Throughout the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)'s revision of its environmental and social safeguards, BIC and a coalition of CSOs have advocated for policies that promote more inclusive, sustainable development. With the IDB's recent approval of its final policy, we recognize the achievements from out engagement in the review process and our advocacy, while continuing to urge the IDB to provide guidance and comprehensive post-approval and implementation processes that will benefit people and the environment.
How can the World Bank foster more inclusive systems that support children in COVID-19 recovery?
The legacy of COVID-19 is likely to have a long term impact on children. Therefore, it is essential that the World Bank take a more inclusive approach to systems strengthening that emphasizes and reinforces child rights and child protection. A comprehensive and cross-cutting approach to child protection should be fundamental to all COVID-19 response and recovery projects so that children, particularly those that are the most marginalized, are able to thrive in the post-COVID recovery period. Focusing on the needs and voices of children is absolutely critical to building back better, more inclusive systems.
How does stakeholder engagement improve forest projects?
Given the immense value that forests provide to communities and individuals, it is critical to consider the power of stakeholder engagement in forest projects to protect both people and the environment. Applying effective and innovative stakeholder engagement practices is especially important as the Bank approves a myriad of projects to aid in the COVID-19 response. Forests must remain an important priority in a sustainable, inclusive recovery. In our analysis, we recommend ways in which the World Bank can improve stakeholder engagement to generate better outcomes in forest projects.
BIC looks forward to engaging with the World Bank's Civil Society Policy Forum and Annual Meetings over the next three weeks. You can register for the CSPF and Annual Meetings here. We invite you to join us for the following events that BIC is co-sponsoring:
Energy Access for a Just Recovery in Africa
Thursday, October 1 from 8:00-9:30am Washington, D.C. time Are the World Bank Group’s Accountability Systems Working for Communities?
Wednesday, October 7 from 10:00-11:30am Washington, D.C. time
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