The World Bank's Policy on Access to Information has enabled the organization to become a global leader in transparency and has made a groundbreaking change in how the World Bank makes information available to the public. Now the public has access to more information than ever before—information about projects under preparation, projects under implementation, analytic and advisory activities, and Board proceedings.
Underlying the policy is the principle that the World Bank (namely the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association) will disclose any information in its possession that is not on its list of exceptions.
The policy also outlines a clear process for making information publicly available and provides a right to appeal if information-seekers believe they were improperly or unreasonably denied access to information or there is a public interest case to override an exception that restricts access to certain information.
| Access to Information Brochure | ||
|---|---|---|
| English | Spanish | French |
| Chinese | Arabic | Russian |
How has the policy changed?
Over the past 20 years, the World Bank’s policy on disclosing information has gradually evolved. Before the adoption of the Policy on Access to Information, the World Bank’s approach had been to spell out what documents the World Bank discloses.
The World Bank’s Policy on Access to Information, which became effective on July 1, 2010, was a pivotal shift in the World Bank’s approach to making information available to the public. For more information see the Evolution of the World Bank's Disclosure Policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 196 KB)
