Monitoring Swiss Participation in the Bretton Woods Institutions

In: Journal für Entwicklungspolitik, Band 12, Heft 2, S. 243-251

Abstract

Describes the role of the Swiss Coalition of Development Organizations (SCDO) in monitoring Switzerland's participation in the World Bank (WB) & International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite concern that the institutions are often at odds with the Swiss development principles of solidarity, self-sufficiency in agriculture, & environmental & demographic balance, & some member opposition, the SCDO supported Swiss participation with some conditions. One condition that was met was the establishment of a special monitoring & advisory committee. Through its participation on this committee, the SCDO is able to comment on confidential WB & IMF documents, influence Swiss policy, & press for institutional reforms (eg, greater transparency & participation). Recommendations for future efforts include targeting transparency at the IMF & declaring the link between micro- & macroissues a priority. Adapted from the source document.