GTI Global Transparency Initiative

Accountability and International Financial Institutions - Deepening transparency and opening political space

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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

GTI Develops Model Policy for World Bank Transparency

27th May 2009

GTI has developed a Model World Bank Disclosure Policy that delineates the approach which we believe an IFI disclosure policy should take. It provides a strong statement of the right to information, alongside practical provisions to give effect to this right, including:

  • A commitment to the automatic disclosure of a wide range of information, including to facilitate participation in decision-making.
  • Clear and progressive rules on the processing of requests.
  • A narrow regime of exceptions (constraints) based on a clear risk of harm to protected interests and a public interest override.
  • A broad right to appeal refusals to disclose information to the Inspection Panel, an oversight body which is independent of Bank management.
  • A strong and yet practical set of promotional measures to ensure fulsome implementation of the policy.

GTI has submitted the Model Policy for consideration by the World Bank as it reviews its information disclosure policy.

Please click here to download the Model Policy in English (Adobe Acrobat format).

Related resources

GTI Model World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information
Published 27th May 2009 by GTI

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