Taking it to the Bank: gender issues at the New Development Bank

Abstract

The New Development Bank is one of the youngest Multilateral Development Bank and is significant player because it seen as heralding a challenge to the more powerful actors in the field. One of the NDB’s key areas of focus “sustainable development” is also in line with the universal commitment made to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September 2015. As the NDB moves to becoming more institutionalized, its sphere of influence is also growing considerably. This paper examines the potential and limitations of the New Development Bank through a critical gender lens and offers key think-points on possible ways in which the NDB can proactively center gender issues within the organisation. Information about the NDB is scanty, and this paper draws on polices that the NDB has made public via its website and also on secondary literature.