World Bank

As Vietnam graduates from IDA, the World Bank’s concessional finance window, there will be a major change in the types of development finance the country can access. Oxfam is concerned about what this changing financial landscape might mean for Vietnam’s fight against poverty, inequality, and gender inequality.

The World Bank’s Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) announced today that it will launch a formal investigation into investments made by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in for-profit multinational school chain Bridge International Academies.

Oxfam's response to today’s announcement that Christine Lagarde is stepping down as Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), effective on September 12, 2019.

This paper outlines Oxfam’s position on the 19th Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA19), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. It calls on donors for a strong replenishment, and with that financial commitment, to agree on a strong programmatic and policy agenda for IDA19 across the agreed upon special and cross-cutting themes.

"We can't settle for what the World Bank has committed to so far ―now is the time to build momentum and raise ambition of all members, proving the bank's value as a leader on such urgent global issues," said Nadia Daar, Oxfam International's Head of Washington DC Office, in reaction to new World Bank president David Malpass’ press conference.

The World Bank continues to steadily increase support for privatized education in lower-income countries despite mounting evidence that this approach is freezing out poorer children ―especially girls― and doesn’t mprove education quality. Oxfam’s new report "False Promises" says the Bank should immediately stop promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that expand private education.

A growing body of evidence shows that education public-private partnerships (PPPs) which support private schooling are too often failing the most vulnerable children and risk deepening inequality. Despite this, the World Bank has been increasingly promoting education PPPs in poor countries through its lending and advice.

Reaction to today’s ruling by the US Supreme Court that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was not categorically immune from lawsuits under US law.

"The selection of David Malpass as the US nominee for World Bank president is concerning. Mr. Malpass has yet to demonstrate his commitment and vision for addressing many of the great global challenges of our time," said Nadia Daar, Head of Oxfam International’s Washington Office, in reaction to President Trump’s reported selection of David Malpass as the US nominee for World Bank president.

Oxfam responds to the announcement that Jim Kim is stepping down as President of the World Bank from 1st February 2019 before the expiry of his term in 2022.