The World Bank Accountability Mechanism: Inspection Panel and Dispute Resolution Service - Resolution No. IBRD 2025-0001 - March 7, 2025

Jul 19, 2026

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Resolution No. IBRD 2025-0001 and Resolution No. IDA 2025-0001 adopt updates to the World Bank Accountability Mechanism, replacing the 2020 resolutions as of March 7, 2025. The resolution confirms that the mechanism operates through two parallel entities: the Inspection Panel and the Dispute Resolution Service, both reporting independently to the Executive Directors. It sets out the Panel’s composition, member selection and term limits, eligibility and disqualification rules, leadership arrangements, removal for cause, and operational expectations, including work arrangements, remuneration conditions, and required cooperation between the two entities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

Resolution overview

References and adoption of updated structure

Part I: The Accountability Mechanism

Parallel entities and cooperation

Part II: The Inspection Panel

Composition and appointment

Eligibility, disqualification, chairperson, and removal

Work arrangements, remuneration, and resources

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Resolution No. IBRD 2025-0001 and Resolution No. IDA 2025-0001 The World Bank Accountability Mechanism: Inspection Panel and Dispute Resolution Service March 7, 2025 The Executive Directors: Hereby resolve: A. Reference is made to: i. Resolution No. IBRD 2000-0005 and Resolution No. IDA 2020-0004, dated September 8, 2020 (the “AM Resolution”) establishing the World Bank Accountability Mechanism. The AM Resolution provides that the Accountability Mechanism comprises two constituent parts: the Inspection Panel and the Dispute Resolution Service and is headed by the Accountability Mechanism Secretary (the “AM Secretary”) . ii. Resolution No. IBRD 2020-0004 and Resolution No. IDA 2020-0003, dated September 8, 2020 (the “Panel Resolution,” and together with the AM Resolution “the 2020 Resolutions”), setting forth the structure, powers and functions of the World Bank Inspection Panel. iii. The January 8, 2025, approval by the Executive Directors of changes to the structure and functions of the Accountability Mechanism. B. With a view to implementing the Executive Directors’ January 8, 2025, decision, the Executive Directors adopt this Resolution, which supersedes the 2020 Resolutions as of the date of this Resolution. Part I: The Accountability Mechanism 1. The Accountability Mechanism operates with two parallel entities, both of which report independently to the Executive Directors: a. The Inspection Panel (the “Panel”), the structure, role and functions of which are set forth in Part II of this Resolution; and b. The Dispute Resolution Service (the “DRS”), the structure, role and functions of which are set forth in Part III of this Resolution. 2. The Panel and DRS, with the assistance of the Executive Secretary, shall cooperate as necessary to ensure the prompt, effective, efficient, and independent operation of the Panel and the DRS in accordance with the terms of this Resolution. Such cooperation extends to matters related to administrative support, information and outreach regarding the Accountability Mechanism through a single website and other means, reporting, knowledge sharing and other matters necessary for the operation of the Panel and the DRS. 1 Official Use Only Part II: The Inspection Panel Composition of the Panel 3. The Panel shall consist of three members of different nationalities from World Bank (the“Bank”) member countries. The President, after consultation with the Executive Directors, shall nominate the members of the Panel to be appointed by the Executive Directors. 4. Each member of the Panel shall be appointed for a period of five years, provided that no member may serve for more than one term. The term of appointment of each member of the Panel shall be subject to the continuity of the inspection function established by this Resolution. 5. Members of the Panel shall be selected on the basis of their ability to deal thoroughly and fairly with the requests brought to them, their integrity and their independence from the Bank’s Management, and their exposure to developmental issues and to living conditions in developing countries. Knowledge and experience of the Bank’s operations will also be desirable. 6. Executive Directors, Alternates, Advisors and staff members of the World Bank Group may not serve on the Panel until two years have elapsed since the end of their service in the World Bank Group. For purposes of this Resolution, the term “staff” shall mean all persons holding World Bank Group appointments as defined in Staff Rule 4.01 including persons holding consultant and local consultant appointments. 7. A Panel member shall be disqualified from participation in the hearing and investigation of any request related to a matter in which he/she has a personal interest or had significant involvement in any capa

FAQs

What are the two parallel entities under the World Bank Accountability Mechanism?

The mechanism consists of the Inspection Panel and the Dispute Resolution Service, both reporting independently to the Executive Directors. Their structure and functions are detailed in Part II and Part III, respectively.

How are members of the Inspection Panel appointed and what is the term limit?

Members are nominated by the President after consultation with the Executive Directors and are appointed by the Executive Directors. Each member is appointed for five years and may not serve for more than one term.

What rules govern disqualification of a Panel member?

A Panel member is disqualified from participating in the hearing and investigation of any request related to a matter in which the member has a personal interest or had significant involvement in any capacity.

Jul 19, 2026

Upload by Finn