News & Visuals

Independent Accountability Mechanisms Meet in Paris

​On December 7-8, the Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAM) held their 12th Annual Meeting at World Bank Group Paris Headquarters. In addition to updating each other on the latest developments, they examined themes of common interest including an update on recent reforms or safeguard reviews in their IFIs, their potential impact on the functioning of accountability mechanisms, and shared experiences on effectiveness and on developing common methodologies for measurement it. The IAMs agreed to rotate a secretariat, with the Inter-American Development Bank Mechanism (MICI) undertaking this function during the coming year. The Asian Development Bank will be hosting the next IAM meeting in manila, The Philippines in September 2016.

On December 9, 2015, a Roundtable dialogue was held between the IAMs and a number of CSOs present in Paris. The dialogue discussed the relationship between COP 21 and the IAMs with a focus on accountability of the new climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund. The dialogue highlighted the need to ensure independence, accessibility, simple and predictable procedures, a participatory governance structure, and learning. The group also discussed issues of retaliation and overcoming security challenges for complainants and communities. The IAMs and CSOs discussed the recommendations directed at the IAMs resulting from their new study “A Glass Half Full.” Overall the dialogue proved useful in enriching the debate and learning of both the IAM network and the CSOs especially as regards the latest trends in Accountability and stakeholder engagement.IAMs and CSOs discussed the recommendations directed at the IAMs resulting from their new study “A Glass Half Full.” Overall the dialogue proved useful in enriching the debate and learning of both the IAM network and the CSOs especially as regards the latest trends in Accountability and stakeholder engagement.

At the COP 21 itself, Panel Chair Gonzalo Castro de la Mata and Panel Member Jan Mattsson participated in several meetings and events, with an emphasis on sharing accountability experiences relevant to the emerging mitigation and adaptation strategies and institutional processes.