The Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB) is a global and independent action-oriented organization of parliamentarians advocating for transparency and accountability in international development. PNoWB provides a platform for parliamentarians from over 110 countries to advocate for increased accountability and transparency in International Financial Institutions and multilateral development financing.

Founded in 2000, the Network seeks to engage law makers from around the globe in the common mission of addressing good governance and poverty challenges in both their home countries and abroad.

PNoWB in 2010 has two main priorities, the first is to mobilize Parliamentarians to hold their governments and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) accountable to aid effectiveness and accountability principles in the IDA 16 replenishment drive. IDA 16 represents a unique opportunity to further the development cooperation principles of aid harmonization, accountability and effectiveness laid out in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action.

PNoWB aims to educate and empower parliamentarians from both donor and aid recipient countries to hold their governments accountable for replenishing the funds (in the case of donor countries), and using them effectively (in the case of recipient countries). In addition, we also seek to empower parliamentarians from all nations to hold IFIs -- most notably the World Bank -- accountable to the PD and AAA principles in their allocation, administration and transparent evaluation of multilateral development funds.

PNoWB’s second priority in 2010 is to illustrate positive examples of effective Parliamentary/World Bank relations leading to improved development outcomes and mutual accountability in both donor and recipient countries. To do this, PNoWB secretariat will work with the World Bank to compile a series of roughly 10 illustrative case studies, ideally drawing two from each region (Asia, MENA, North America/LAC, Eastern Europe/Central Asia and Europe).

PNoWB is governed by a Board of Directors currently composed of twelve members. Members and Chair of the PNoWB Board are elected for a three-year term. The Association’s by-laws require a yearly partial renewal of Board members at the Annual Conference, which also doubles as the PNoWB Annual General Meeting.

The current Board includes four members from donor countries, two members from Africa, two members from Asia, one member from Latin America and one member from the Middle East and North Africa. The Board ensures the continued and sustainable development of PNoWB; initiates and oversees the Network’s activities; represents the Network at international events; prepares annual meetings; and helps to mobilize necessary financial resources for PNoWB, in addition to administering the funds.

PNoWB’s secretariat is located in Paris.

A PNoWB Chapter brings together a group of parliamentarians who are committed to the network’s mission and principles. Chapters can be national or regional and can help to strengthen the position of parliamentarians among development stakeholders.

PNoWB chapters facilitate regular interaction between local parliamentarians and staff in World Bank country offices, including consultations on Country Assistance Strategies, Public Expenditure Reviews, and World Bank policies and individual projects. In developing countries, this level of engagement -- as well as the Parliamentarians in the Field program -- has proven invaluable in improving country ownership and involvement in the poverty-reduction process.

The creation of new chapters must be approved by the Board and requires the participation of at least five parliamentarians per country.

Membership is free of charge and open to all elected parliamentarians from World Bank member states who currently hold a mandate. PNoWB members represent themselves and their constituents, not their countries, parliaments or governments.

The Annual Conference is PNoWB’s flagship event, bringing together over 200 network members, leaders from civil society and partner organizations, and top officials from a number of International Financial Institutions including the World Bank, IMF and regional development banks. The agenda – which runs over two to three days – is packed with stimulating and informative sessions as well as many opportunities for discussion.

Past attendees include the presidents of Brazil, Indonesia and Senegal. Participants attending the last Annual Conference in Paris engaged with World Bank President Robert Zoellick, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Nobel Economics Laureate Michael Spence, and French Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment Christine Lagarde, among others.

PNoWB annual conferences are hosted by the Parliament and Government of countries where the event takes place. The next Annual Conference will take place in 2010 for the 10th anniversary of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank.

The Parliamentarians in the Field program gives MPs unique access to a World Bank country office and its development programs and key partners (including the host country’s parliament). During visits, delegates are briefed by World Bank country representatives on the Bank’s in-country activities. Visiting MPs also meet with host-country parliamentarians to discuss the country’s development priorities. Participants then visit programs and projects and engage with local staff. Delegates also have the opportunity to meet with other key development stakeholders including NGOs, civil society organizations and small business owners. At the conclusion of a visit, the delegation shares its observations and recommendations on the host country’s development program in a comprehensive report.

More than 175 MPs from 50 countries have participated in over 20 visits to countries in Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Latin America and the Middle East since the program began in 2001. For donor-country parliamentarians, the program represents an opportunity to see development cooperation in practice. Borrowing-country MPs can use field visits as benchmarking exercises and opportunities to exchange views and experiences. Parliamentarians in the Field is jointly organized by PNoWB and the World Bank.