International Development Association: Bank for Poor Developing Countries

The International Development Association (IDA) is the part of the World Bank that helps the world’s poorest countries. It was established in 1960 to complement the existing International Bank for Reconstruction and Development by lending to developing countries which suffer from the lowest gross national income, from troubled creditworthiness, or from the lowest per capita income.

Functions of IDA

• INTERNATIONAL Development: International development has the goal of improving the well-being of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Millennium Development Goals and aid effectiveness principles are important reference points guiding Inter Action’s efforts to advance key priorities in international development. Inter Action works with and through its member organizations to strengthen policies and programs to reduce poverty, hunger, gender and social inequity and environmental degradation in more than 100 countries.

• ACCOUNTABILITY & Learning: NGOs are accountable to multiple constituencies, including donors, the public, their boards of directors and staff, partners and the people they serve or represent.

• HUMANITARIAN Action: The primary objective of humanitarian action is to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity, without regard for race, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

• POLICY & Advocacy: Inter Action is the nation’s leading advocate for international relief and development programs and the prime representative of U.S.-based international NGOs.

IDA and its finance operation

IDA-financed operations address primary education, basic health services, clean water and sanitation, environmental safeguards, business climate improvements, infrastructure and institutional reforms. These projects pave the way toward economic growth, job creation, higher incomes and better living conditions. It emphasizes broad-based growth, including:

• Sound economic policies, rural development, private business, and sustainable environmental practices

• Investment in people, in education and health, especially in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB

• Expansion of borrower capacity to provide basic services and ensure accountability for public resources

• Recovery from civil strife, armed conflict, and natural disaster

• Promotion of trade and regional integration