Extension Of Date For Providing Electronic Feedback On The Bank’s Proposed New Approach To Disclosure

Contacts: 

In Washington: Geetanjali Chopra 202-473-0243

gchopra@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2009 ─ In order to accommodate the views of as many interested persons as possible, the World Bank has extended the electronic consultation period on its proposed new approach to Disclosure. The last opportunity to submit feedback electronically now is Friday, June 5, 2009.

The World Bank launched the public consultation phase of the comprehensive review of its disclosure policy on March 12 to seek feedback on the proposed new approach. The Approach Paper—Toward Greater Transparency: Rethinking the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy—is available for review and comment online at www.worldbank.org/disclosure.

To ensure maximum feedback, in addition to web-based consultations, the Bank planned consultations in over 30 member countries in Africa, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and East Asia as well. 

The Bank has so far completed 15 consultation events involving 16 countries with a wide range of external stakeholders—including member country authorities, partner organizations, representatives of civil society, academics, think-tanks, media, the private sector, and others who have an active interest in disclosure issues. Another 12 consultation events with 16 countries will be completed over the next few weeks.

“We are very pleased that the country consultations so far have been well attended.  The feedback  we have received will contribute greatly to the development of this process,” said Peter Harrold, Director, Operational Policy and Country Services, World Bank. “It is important to note that the consultation meetings are not the only means of engagement with stakeholders. The Bank is open to ideas and to working with stakeholders, and looks forward to continuing to receive additional comments via the web or e-mail.”

At the conclusion of the external consultations, the Bank will synthesize the inputs received and post a summary of how Management proposes to address the key issues raised. The policy paper will be revised and posted on the external website for a period of about four weeks, after which the Executive Directors are expected to consider the proposed revision to the policy.

For more information on the World Bank’s Disclosure Policy and its evolution please click here. The schedule, locations, lists of participants and summaries of completed events are available at www.worldbank.org/disclosure.