In Part 1 and 2, the toolkit provides an overview of the World Bank: its main functions, its governance and how European Union (EU) Member States influence its decision-making. In Part 3, you will find guidance on locating and understanding information about World Bank activities, and in Part 4 about how civil society organisations (CSOs) can direct WBG-focused advocacy and campaign work.

The toolkit is principally targeted at CSOs based in the EU, and those working on development finance issues within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The WBG is a key part of the international financial architecture, as the most important of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). It wields huge influence over the domestic economic policies of impoverished countries through lending with conditionality, standard setting, technical assistance and policy advice. Its activities shape borrower countries’ institutions and policies, and impact on a wide range of issues including education, health, social protection, inequality, private sector development, climate change resilience and environmental (un)sustainability.

This toolkit is designed to be an accessible resource for any organisation working on these issues or anyone who wants to begin or step up their advocacy towards the WBG. Given the influence the WBG will have on the global south’s ability to finance and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is critical for CSOs to contribute their voices to the bank’s work.