8th Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) is hosted by IDB Independent Consultation and Accountability Mechanism (ICIM)

Over 50 delegates from Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) representing 11 International Financial Organizations (IFIs) met at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on June 22 and 23, 2011. The main purpose of the meeting was to exchange and share knowledge, experiences and challenges, as well as to identify possible areas of collaboration among IAMs.

 The delegates were welcomed by Mr. Hugo Rafael Cáceres, IDB Executive Director and Chair of the Organization, Human Resources and Board Matters Committee (ORA). Mr. Cáceres stressed the Board’s commitment and support to the Bank’s efforts to greater accountability and effectiveness.

As keynote speaker, Mr. Luis Estanislao Echebarría, Manager, Strategic Planning and Development Effectiveness of the IDB, presented the challenges faced by the IDB regarding development effectiveness, indicating that: “it is not only about doing the right things, but also about doing them right…”

During the meeting, the participants highlighted the pivotal role of the Mechanisms in the promotion of greater sustainable development, focusing on social inclusion, transparency and accountability; and thus strengthening the implementation of programs that truly benefit individuals and communities in an integral fashion.

The 9th Annual meeting of the IAMs will take place in 2012 in Luxembourg, and will be jointly hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Ombudsman.