Washington DC: The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have announced an open call for proposals from civil society organizations (CSOs) for participation in the Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF). This forum is scheduled to coincide with the 2024 Annual Meetings of these international financial institutions. The event aims to foster dialogue and exchange on critical development issues between CSOs, World Bank and IMF staff, and various global stakeholders.

According to Pak NGOs, the CSPF, a staple part of the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, seeks proposals that will enrich the diversity and scope of the forum. This engagement underscores the significance the World Bank and IMF place on civil society involvement in global financial governance. The forum is set to include both in-person and hybrid sessions, reflecting a commitment to inclusive participation.

The call for proposals is open to a broad range of CSOs including non-governmental organizations, labor unions, indigenous peoples movements, faith-based organizations, and other not-for-profit entities. The selection of proposals will be conducted by a review committee comprised of World Bank and IMF staff and the CSPF Working Group. Emphasis is placed on proposals that promote collaborative efforts across different regions and sectors, enhancing the forum’s comprehensive and global approach.

Furthermore, the CSPF encourages proposals that facilitate constructive discussions on global economic policies and development strategies. Representatives from the private sector, academia, and governmental bodies are invited to participate through different registration categories, ensuring a wide-ranging representation at the forum.