For further information, deadlines, schedule, etc. contact:

Graham Saul
gsaul@bicusa.org
Fax: +1 202-737-1155
Tel. +1 202-624-0626

Introduction

The World Bank is in the process of reviewing its Policy on Information Disclosure and has begun consulting civil society on the proposed changes.

The information policy is relevant to almost every aspect of every area in which the World Bank works. Whether your interest is a particular project that is affecting a given community or policy issues related to the environment, gender or macro-economics, you cannot participate without information.

The Bank's information policy also has significance far beyond its own work. Greater openness at the Bank will influence the practices of other international agencies and governments. Even if you do not work directly on World Bank issues, greater transparency is in the general interest of all those who advocate for open and participatory decision-making and institutions.

Below are some specific actions that people can take to get involved in. Some of these actions will not require very much of your time but could be important in demonstrating civil society's overwhelming agreement on the importance of greater transparency in international institutions.

Action!

There are many ways in which you can become involved in expressing your opinion about transparency at the World Bank. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Sign The Global Call for Greater Transparency at the World Bank: Add your organisation's name to the hundreds of others around the world who are calling on the World Bank to improve their information policy. See http://www.bicusa.org

2. Participate in Bank organised consultations:
   http://www.worldbank.org/html/pic/disclosure/

   Printed copies of the policy can be obtained through local World Bank Office/Public Information Center or by contacting the disclosure policy staff at the World Bank. The Bank will be carrying out consultations in every region in which it operates.

   For information about the regional consultations contact Bank Information Center or the World Bank officials responsible for this policy:

   Tel: +1 202-473-8064
   Fax: +1 202-522-3381

   Email: disclosure@worldbank.org

3. Contact your Executive Director:

   For full list of directors see http://www.bicusa.org/policy/execdir.htm

   Indonesia's World Bank representative at present is:

   Abdul Aziz Mohd. Yaacob
   Tel: +1 202-458-1197
   Fax: +1 202-477-4116
   Email: ayaacob@worldbank.org

   He also represents Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and Vietnam.

4. Contact the World Bank: This is the first time since 1993 that the public has had the opportunity to improve this policy. It is important that individuals and organizations read the paper and send comments to the Bank. The Bank will synthesise all comments, along with their responses, and present them to the Board of Executive Directors during the final debate. It is therefore important that they hear from a wide range of sources. BIC also encourage you to raise your own concerns directly with the Bank.

5. Ask other organizations in your country to get involved:

   Transparency benefits all citizens and their organizations, including labour unions, religious organizations, student and academic associations and even parts of the Indonesian government that are often excluded from the World Bank's decision-making process.