The opening chapter provides an introductory overview of the key issues addressed throughout the book. It begins by tracing the evolution of the mandate of the World Bank Group, outlining how its activities have expanded from the original focus on infrastructure financing to encompass a wider range of efforts, including policy advice, technical assistance, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. The chapter then highlights that, while the organization has never articulated a comprehensive human rights policy, it has progressively developed a set of operational tools to regulate the social and environmental impacts of its projects. It also introduces the role of Independent Accountability Mechanisms, which assess complaints from affected individuals and communities to ensure that the WBG’s operations comply with such operational tools. Finally, it lays the groundwork for a more detailed examination focused on indigenous peoples’ rights in the chapters that follow.