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World Bank approves revised Policy on Disclosure of Information

23rd December 2009

The World Bank released the final adopted version of "Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy," effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor and looks forward to policy implementation.

Today, Wednesday 23 December 2009, the World Bank released the final adopted version of Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy, effective date 1 July 2010. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) congratulates the World Bank for the significant improvements of the new policy over its predecessor. According to Toby Mendel, Senior Legal Advisor, ARTICLE 19: “The policy breaks important new ground, not only for the World Bank but for all international financial institutions (IFIs), in particular inasmuch as it accepts for the first time the principle that all Bank information should be available to the public unless it falls within the scope of the regime of exceptions.”

Several types of previously unreleased documents will now be accessible to the public. For the first time, the Bank will release documents throughout project implementation, enabling citizens and civil society to monitor project progress and fight corruption. The World Bank will also publicly release several types of documents at the same time they are sent to the Board for consideration, a practice known as “simultaneous disclosure.”

The revised policy contains some important new features. These include an improved system for information requests, a groundbreaking commitment to establish an independent appeals panel to review complaints, and a commitment to assess whether a review of its translation framework is necessary.

At the same time, the policy fails to meet the standards set out in the GTI’s Transparency Charter for International Financial Institutions. According to Toby Mendel, “The procedural achievements of the policy may be largely undercut by the seriously overbroad regime of exceptions.” Such exceptions include unduly broad protection for internal information through a wide “deliberative process” exception, along with government and third party vetoes over the release of information.

Implementation of the policy is of paramount importance, as a progressive policy without the necessary means for implementation means little. The goal must be improved access to information for civil society and local stakeholders that results in enhanced participation and improved development effectiveness.

The World Bank began discussions on implementation immediately following the 17 November approval of the disclosure policy. The Implementation Working Group is divided into seven sub-groups that will hash out the specific details of implementation. Each sub-group will produce detailed work plans and budget estimates for the coming six months.

Amy Ekdawi, Middle East North Africa Program Manager of the Bank Information Center, noted: “Adopting the new policy is just the first step,” said Ekdawi. “The Bank now needs to implement it in a way that promotes participatory development and democratic accountability. We look forward to working with the World Bank to ensure successful policy implementation.”

NOTES:
For additional information, please contact:

■Amy Ekdawi, Manager, Middle East North Africa Program, Bank Information Center, aekdawi@bicusa.org, +1-202-624-0631
■Rebecca Harris, Information Services Coordinator, Bank Information Center, rharris@bicusa.org, +1-202-624-0632
■The GTI is an independent network of organisations that works around the world to promote access to information held by international financial institutions.

GTI Comments on World Bank draft Disclosure Policy (Nov 2009)

3rd November 2009

GTI analyzed the World Bank's draft Disclosure Policy (16 October 2009 version). GTI reviewed the proposed Policy in light of the GTI Charter and Model World Bank Policy. GTI applauds the Bank for taking significant steps in reorienting its approach to access to information. At the same time, serious limitations in the draft Policy would undermine key proposed principles, such as "maximizing access."

Significant advances include:

  • assertion of true presumption of disclosure
  • expanded routine disclosure
  • increased (yet still limited) access to decision-making
  • a request system
  • a two-stage appeals process, with a first-of-its-kind independent appeals body.

Serious limitations include:

  • a vastly overbroad deliberative process exception
  • limited or no access to draft information
  • third party vetos
  • closed Board meetings and withholding of Executive Director statements
  • long declassification timelines
  • lack of specificity

Please click here to download the comments. (Adobe Acrobat format).

Related resources

GTI Comments on World Bank draft Disclosure Policy (Nov 2009)
Published 3rd November 2009 by GTI

GTI Comments on ADB Whistleblower Policy

28th July 2009

As part of the ADB's review of its Whistleblower Policy, GTI submitted a set of comments.

Please click here to download the comments. (Adobe Acrobat format).

Related resources

Comments on ADB Whistleblower Policy
Published 28th July 2009 by GTI

Related Organisations

Access to Information Network (ATIN)

Comments on EIB Transparency and Disclosure Policies

22nd July 2009

GTI, CEE Bankwatch, and CounterBalance submitted comments as part of the EIB's review of its Transparency and Disclosure policies.

Please click here to download the comments. (Adobe Acrobat format).

Related resources

Comments on EIB Transparency and Disclosure Policies
Published 22nd July 2009 by CEE Bankwatch

Related Organisations

CEE Bankwatch Network">CEE Bankwatch Network

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