Panel Participates in High-Level Discussion on Accountability in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence-Affected Countries

On October 24, 2024, the World Bank Inspection Panel participated in the Civil Society Policy Forum at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank in Washington, DC. This event was co-hosted by the International Accountability Project, the Secretary of the World Bank Accountability Mechanism, and the Inspection Panel. The forum featured a high-level panel discussion on the accountability challenges faced by countries experiencing fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV).

Panel Member Ibrahim Pam, who is set to become the Chairperson of the Inspection Panel next month, represented the Panel in this important discussion. The session focused on identifying the roadblocks to accountability in FCV-affected countries and exploring viable alternatives to overcome these challenges. The panel also spoke about the need for the Bank to act against threats and reprisals against Requesters and complainants. During the discussion, Ibrahim Pam emphasized the importance of making accountability mechanisms accessible to communities in FCV countries. He highlighted how flexibility in the process can empower communities to raise their concerns and seek remedies through the Inspection Panel's process.

The event was moderated by Mr. Abdoul Salam Bello, Executive Director of the World Bank, and featured a distinguished panel of experts Orsolya Szekely, Secretary, World Bank Accountability Mechanism, Ibrahim Pam, Member and Incoming Chairman, World Bank Inspection Panel, John Mwebe, Program Coordinator, International Accountability Project, and Doussouba Konate,  Executive Director, Accountability Lab Mali.

The interactive session highlighted the critical need for adaptable and accessible accountability frameworks to support communities in FCV-affected regions, ensuring their voices are heard and their grievances addressed effectively in development projects.