The IMF and World Bank are in a period of transition. The Fund’s largest shareholders and management are keen to review its governance and mandate to fit the needs of the changing global economy, and large developing countries are clamouring for more power. Issues of representation for small and low-income countries and over-represented industrialised countries (many of which are in Europe) remain under-discussed. While some change to the mandate of the institution was achieved during the spring meetings held in April, intense negotiation is expected in the run up to the annual meetings, to be held from 19-20 September in Singapore.

In the lead up to these meetings, ODI and the Bretton Woods Project are co-hosting two public meetings to enable dialogue about the governance and relevance of the Bretton Woods institutions. The meetings are intended to provide a forum for policy makers, researchers, and campaigners to discuss the challenges facing both institutions.