Yearbook of the United Nations, 2001. Part 6, Intergovernmental organizations related to the United Nations. Chapter 6, World Bank (IBRD and IDA)

Abstract

The World Bank consisted of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) (see below). Collectively, the following five institutions were known as the World Bank Group: IBRD, IDA, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). In fiscal 2001 (1 July 2000–30 June 2001), the World Bank continued to promote sustainable economic development by providing loans, guarantees and related technical assistance for projects and programmes in developing nations. Within the context of the Bank's central objective of poverty reduction, key focal points of its assistance were human development, infrastructure, finance and private sector development, agriculture and environment, and public sector management. In collaboration with partners, the Bank launched the multi-country HIV/AIDS programme (MAP) for Africa, the first of its kind. Under MAP, flexible and rapid funding would be committed, on IDA terms, to individual HIV/AIDS projects developed by countries. The Bank also developed and presented to the Board of Executive Directors in 2001 a new Strategic Framework Paper and a Strategic Directions Paper that set out two inter-related objectives: building the climate for investment, jobs and sustainable growth; and empowering poor people to participate in development. By the end of fiscal 2001, IBRD membership had increased to 183 countries.