The Global Transparency Initiative

The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) is a network of civil society organisations monitoring the transparency of the Regional Development Banks, the World Bank, the International Monitary Fund and the European Investment Bank. The purpose of this monitoring activity is to allow civil society to hold international financial institutions to account and allow public policy discourse: „The GTI believes the people have a right to information from public institutions and a right to participate in the development policies and projects that affect their lives. In IFI-supported activities, transparency can help reduce corruption; identify potential social, environmental and economic risks and benefits; and avoid damaging communities and sensitive ecosystems. Public disclosure when properly implemented and complied with, can help change the rules of the game and create political space for civil society to engage meaningfully with the IFIs.“

The GTI is working on standards for bank disclosure policies, undertakes case studies in the field of bank transparency and engages in advocacy activities. The network consists of 10 organisations around the world and supports a secretariat at the Bank Information Center (BIC) in Washington, USA.