Contact:
In Delhi: Sudip Mozumder, 91-11-41479210
smozumder@worldbank.org
New Delhi, September 24, 2007 – The World Bank is of the firm conviction that development is sharpened by societies where debate about these important issues is open and vibrant and where all participants are comfortably at the table.
Over the past month, the new World Bank Country Director to India, Isabel Guerrero, has held a series of consultations with civil society representatives focused on a range of development topics including inclusive growth, infrastructure, agriculture, and education. The Bank was encouraged to see that several people associated with the Independent People’s Tribunal, which concludes today, joined in these discussions and on this basis considered an invitation to participate in the Tribunal as part of its ongoing dialogue with civil society.
Agreement was reached over the weekend with the organizers of the Tribunal that a panel of senior Bank representatives would be able to speak and hold discussions at the Tribunal today (September 24) in a fair space. Unfortunately the organizers insisted that the Bank make itself accountable to the Tribunal judgment process. While the Bank welcomes open debate and does not shy from criticism – and while it agrees with many of the elements of the rich discussions of subjects at the Tribunal – the institution does not agree with the format of a “tribunal” established with juries and judges to “try” the Bank. The World Bank therefore did not participate under the circumstances.
In line with the World Bank’s interest in listening to diverse views and learning from feedback, it has collected much of the material discussed at the Tribunal and would very much like to pursue an earnest discussion about these important issues as it continues to engage across the range of civil society stakeholders. Indeed, Tribunal members have already indicated their willingness to further this dialogue with us and the Bank looks forward to constructive debate in future.
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