Thinking Ethics

WASRAG

Stands for Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group. After having funded polio vaccinations for decades that helped to practically eradicate polio, the Rotary is now going after safe and clean water for the 20% of the world's population that lacks it. They have just held their second summit, the proceedings of which can be found here.

World Bank on corruption

Live chat on Speak Out on Feb. 22, 2007 at 10am EST.

The World Bank recently issued a report detailing the results of its investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption in Bank-financed projects. These investigations, conducted by the Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity, revealed that the schemes devised by corrupt actors -- such as procurement fraud, collusion, kickbacks and bribes -- are broadly similar whether in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East. This is a critical lesson learned, as it is allowing the Bank to devise common interventions on a global basis.

How does corruption affect development projects? How widespread is the problem? What can be done about it?

Join Suzanne Folsom, Counselor to the President and Director of the Bank's Integrity Department, for a live Speak Out chat on February 22nd. She will answer questions and further explain how the Bank responds to allegations of corruption in its projects, as well as how the institution deals with complaints regarding possible staff misconduct.