Global Citizenship in Action?

What contributions can civil society engagement of global governance make to the accountability of bodies like the IMF and the World Bank? Many policymakers and activists have argued that civil society can fill accountability gaps in global governance, but what does the actual record show?

This seminar, hosted by the IMF and World Bank Civil Society Teams, presents for open debate the findings and recommendations of the Civil Society and Accountable Global Governance project, which has examined in what ways and to what extents citizen groups have made 13 global regulatory agencies answer to their public constituents. The book that assembles these studies is contracted with Cambridge University Press.

At this forum, Professor Jan Aart Scholte from the University of Warwick and the London School of Economics will summarize the general conclusions of the project, as well as findings related to the IMF. Professor Alnoor Ebrahim from the Harvard Business School will evaluate experiences in respect of the World Bank. Offering an assessment of a different kind of global governance agency, Dr Nata Duvvury and Carolyn Long will present their work done at the International Center for Research on Women concerning the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The discussion that follows these presentations will be kicked off by Vasuki Shastry, Chief of Public Affairs at the IMF, and a World Bank respondent (TBC). All are welcome to what promises to be an informed and provocative exchange on one of the key issues in the construction of an effective and legitimate global order.

Coffee and breakfast will be served.

Please note that due to security arrangements, an RSVP is required by c.o.b. November 5, 2008 to EventsRSVP@imf.org or (202) 623 7000.

Guests should present a photo identification at the Visitors Entrance located at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and 19th Street.