The annual get together of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank took place in Singapore in September, with campaigners from around the world demanding that the voices of poor countries be heard.  

The meetings were marred by a heavy handed approach from the Singapore authorities. They not only banned almost all legitimate protest, but also prevented a number of campaigners from entering the country. This included ActionAid's regional policy coordinator from Brazil, Maria Clara Soares - a former adviser to the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, who was fully accredited to attend the meetings.

IMF update:
Before the meetings campaigners in 80 different countries contacted Gordon Brown to demand a voice for poor countries, but his response was disappointing. While a few better off countries like Turkey and Mexico were given more of a say, poorer countries who most need a voice continue to be ignored.

World Bank update:
Campaigners did receive some good news from Hilary Benn (the International Development Minister), who announced that the UK would withhold £50m of World Bank funding until the Bank stops imposing unjust conditions on the poorest countries. The UK must now work with other countries to build pressure on the Bank to make the necessary changes.

Despite this progress, poor countries will continue to get a rough deal from the World Bank and IMF until they have more of a say in how these institutions are run and the decisions they make.