2015年-世界发展银行全球_World_Bank_Access_to_Information_Annual_Report_FY2014___Moving_Forward_Transparency_and_Accountability_44页_9mb

World Bank Access to Information Annual Report (FY 2014) Summary

Core Content

This report outlines the World Bank's progress in implementing its Access to Information (AI) Policy during the fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). The AI Policy, adopted in 2010, aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public engagement with the World Bank's information. The report highlights the Bank's efforts to make information more accessible, both through proactive disclosure and in response to public requests.

Main Points

• Transparency and Accountability: The World Bank remains committed to transparency, which is vital for fostering openness in institutions and governments, and for enabling broader participation in the development process.

• Implementation of AI Policy: The AI Policy was in effect for the fourth year in FY 2014. It allows the World Bank to disclose restricted information under exceptional circumstances when the benefits of disclosure outweigh potential harm.

• Public Access to Information: In FY 2014, the World Bank's Documents and Reports (D&R) database attracted over 1.8 million public visits, with users viewing more than 7.5 million pages and downloading over 1.3 million files. This marked a significant increase in public engagement with Bank information compared to the previous year.

• Proactive Disclosure: The World Bank increased the number of documents available to the public by 19 percent in FY 2014. This included:

  • 29,874 documents publicly released.
  • 182,622 total documents accessible in the D&R database.

• Simultaneous Disclosure: The World Bank disclosed 108 Board documents simultaneously before Board discussions, which is a key feature of the AI Policy. This practice allows for early transparency while ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Digitization of Archival Records: Over 150,000 pages of declassified archival records were digitized in FY 2014, significantly expanding access to historical information. The Archives also enhanced searchability and provided descriptions for over 15,000 linear feet of records.

• Public Requests for Information: The World Bank received 420 public access requests in FY 2014, a 39 percent decrease compared to FY 2013, attributed to increased online availability and improved search functionality. Of these, 464 requests were completed, with 296 being properly addressed and providing adequate information.

• Response to Requests: The World Bank aimed to respond to public requests within 20 working days. In FY 2014, 69 percent of completed requests received a full response within this timeframe.

• Appeals Process: The AI Committee reviewed 10 appeals and upheld 8 denials. One appeal was escalated to the AI Appeals Board, which reversed the decision.

• Staff Training and Engagement: The World Bank conducted mandatory AI training for over 1,400 staff and consultants. Efforts to foster a culture of transparency included training on records management, resulting in a 35 percent increase in electronic document filing.

• Open Development Initiatives: The Bank is moving toward greater openness by digitizing historical materials, promoting the use of mobile apps, and improving the accessibility of information through its AI website and other platforms.

Key Information

• AI Policy: A key framework guiding the World Bank's transparency and access to information initiatives.
• D&R Database: Contains over 182,622 documents, including 85,000 project documents, 28,000 legal documents, and 50,000 publications and research reports.
• Simultaneous Disclosure: A process where certain documents are released before Board discussions with client consent.
• InfoFinder App: A mobile application that allows users to access AI Policy and search for World Bank information. It was downloaded 1,341 times in FY 2014.
• Requests and Responses:
  • 420 new public access requests received.
  • 464 cases completed, with 296 properly addressed.
  • 89 percent of requests fulfilled or denied.
• Appeals:
  • 10 appeals considered by the AI Committee.
  • 1 appeal reviewed by the AI Appeals Board, which reversed a denial.
• Archives:
  • 350,030 pages of archival records reviewed by researchers.
  • Over 150,000 pages of declassified records digitized.

Looking Ahead

The World Bank Group continues to work toward improving transparency and accountability, with a focus on:

• Strengthening internal processes.
• Enhancing staff training and engagement.
• Expanding open development initiatives.
• Increasing the accessibility of information for a global audience.

These efforts are aligned with the World Bank Group's broader goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity by 2030, and promoting sustainable development.