The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Finds No Evidence of Communist Party Influence
Introduction
The Beijing-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) conducted an internal review, which was released on Friday, and found no evidence of undue influence by China’s Communist Party in its decision-making processes.
Background
Last month, Bob Pickard, the former communications director of the China-led multilateral development bank, resigned and accused the bank’s management of being “dominated by the Communist Party” and described the work culture as “spectacularly poisonous” in a series of Twitter posts.
Investigation and Findings
The AIIB conducted a 10-day probe that included a review of documents and interviews with 30 staff members, including the bank’s president. The internal review, led by Alberto Ninio, the bank’s general counsel, found no evidence to support Pickard’s allegations.
The AIIB review concluded that decision-making processes couldn’t be dominated by individual members or member groups, as most matters were decided by a majority of votes cast, and shareholders’ voting power is commensurate with their shares.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Conclusion
The AIIB’s review refuted Pickard’s allegations of Communist Party influence and a toxic work culture. The bank recommended improvements to staff-grievance mechanisms and strengthening of the pre-recruitment screening process.
For more information, contact Sha Hua at sha.hua@wsj.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issues highlighted in the article are related to governance, decision-making processes, and work culture within the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These issues are connected to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Additionally, the article also mentions the challenges faced by the AIIB in building the desired work culture, which relates to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are SDG 16.6, which focuses on developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. The article highlights the need for decision-making processes that are not dominated by individual members or member groups. Additionally, SDG 8.5 is relevant as it aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. The article mentions the challenges faced by the AIIB in building the desired work culture, indicating the importance of creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 16.6: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services
- Indicator for SDG 8.5: Proportion of employees who have decent work conditions
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators related to the identified targets. However, to measure progress towards SDG 16.6, an indicator could be the proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services, which reflects the effectiveness and accountability of institutions. For SDG 8.5, an indicator could be the proportion of employees who have decent work conditions, such as fair wages, safe working environments, and opportunities for career advancement.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Proportion of employees who have decent work conditions |
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Source: wsj.com
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