Role of International Institutions – World Bank, IMF, NGOs

Question 1

What are the roles of the World Bank, IMF, and NGOs?

Answer 1

🟦 World Bank

Long-term loans & development aid for infrastructure, health, and education

Focuses on poverty reduction and economic development

🟨 IMF

Provides short-term financial support to countries with balance of payments crises

Imposes Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) (sometimes controversial)

🟩 NGOs

Work locally and internationally to promote development, education, gender equality, and healthcare

Provide on-the-ground aid, often where governments/institutions are absent or ineffective

🧠 Evaluation Points:

Effectiveness varies by region and governance

IMF criticised for austerity demands

NGOs praised for being more flexible and community-focused

📝 Exam angle:

“Evaluate the effectiveness of international institutions in promoting global development.”