Sustainable Financial Relations Project

About this grant

For more than a decade, Berne Declaration has been influential in international financial institution (IFI) reform. The Sustainable Financial Relations Project enables Berne to work with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Europe, the United States and developing countries on IFI reform. Recently, Berne has expanded its focus to include analysis of private-sector roles in financing international development by export credit agencies (ECAs) and private banks.Multiyear funding will support activities that include working to prevent the World Bank from weakening its environmental and social safeguard policies; promoting environmental and social reforms within the International Monetary Fund (IMF); encouraging reform of ECAs and within private sector banks; advocating policy reforms on large dam projects; and influencing international financial discussions.Recent achievements included presenting a proposal to the Swiss ECA, which led to recommendations for environmental and social standards; attending high-level Swiss conferences and presenting on relevant IFI policy issues; organizing a workshop for Swiss hydropower companies and government officials to encourage the adoption of the World Commission on Dams guidelines and related investment policies; and strengthening the network of organizations and individuals working to reform commercial and investment banks.