The World Bank this week denied criticism that its policies had limited the capacity of governments to provide adequate social services to people in developing countries. Addressing delegates at the biennial world assembly of CIVICUS, an umbrella body of civic organisations, in Botswana on Tuesday, Bank Vice President Ian Goldin noted that the institution was the largest single source of outside funding for education, health and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. But critics of the Banks policies remain unconvinced. The Asian Director of Action Aid International, John Samuel, told IRIN: "In spite of progressive rhetoric, the Bank still pursues the neo-liberal agenda of the United States of America and the rich countries."