May 4, 2023
4 mins read

Banga appointed as President of World Bank

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris congratulate Banga on his resounding approval by the World Bank’s Board of Governors…reports Asian Lite News

India-born Ajay Banga has been elected as the World Bank’s next president. A 25-member executive board elected the ex-Mastercard CEO who was nominated for the post by US President Joe Biden in late February.

“The Board looks forward to working with Mr Banga on the World Bank Group Evolution process,” the bank said in a statement published shortly after the board voted to approve his leadership for a five-year term. Banga, a finance and development expert, will take over the role on June 2. He was the sole contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass whose term ends early next month.

Sources familiar with the process said that Banga won the board’s approval after several meetings in recent weeks and a formal interview on Monday.

President Joe Biden congratulated Ajay Banga on his resounding approval by the World Bank’s Board of Governors. He stated that Banga will be a “transformative leader, bringing expertise, experience, and innovation to the position of World Bank President.”

“I want to congratulate Ajay Banga — my nominee for the next President of the World Bank — on his resounding approval by the Bank’s Board of Governors,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

“Ajay Banga will be a transformative leader, bringing expertise, experience, and innovation to the position of World Bank President. And together with World Bank leadership and shareholders, he will help steer the institution as it evolves and expands to address global challenges that directly affect its core mission of poverty reduction–including climate change,” he added.

Biden said Ajay Banga will also be integral in bringing together the public and private sectors, alongside philanthropies, to usher in the fundamental changes in development finance that this moment requires.

Biden said that he looked forward to working with Banga in his new role and supporting his efforts to transform the World Bank.

Over the course of his career, Ajay Banga has become a global leader in technology, data, financial services and innovating for inclusion.

Vice President Kamala Harris congratulated India-born Ajay Banga on being elected as the President of the World Bank.

Appreciating Banga for his past work, Harris tweeted, “Congratulations to Ajay Banga on his election as President of the World Bank. Ajay has been an incredible partner in our work in Central America, helping to deliver hope and opportunity on the ground. I look forward to our continued work together.” On Wednesday, Banga has been elected as the World Bank’s next president. A 25-member executive board elected the ex-Mastercard CEO who was nominated for the post by US President Joe Biden in late February.

“The Board looks forward to working with Mr Banga on the World Bank Group Evolution process,” the bank said in a statement published shortly after the board voted to approve his leadership for a five-year term.

Banga, a finance and development expert, will take over the role on June 2. He was the sole contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass whose term ends early next month.

He became an advisor to General Atlantic’s climate-focused fund, BeyondNetZero, at its inception in 2021. Previously, Ajay Banga served on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods and Dow Inc. He has worked closely with Vice President Harris as the Co-Chair of the Partnership for Central America.

Banga is a co-founder of The Cyber Readiness Institute and served as a member of President Obama’s Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. He is a past member of the U.S. President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

He was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal in 2012, the Padma Shri Award by the President of India in 2016, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Business Council for International Understanding’s Global Leadership Award in 2019, and the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star in 2021.

India’s FM congratulates Banga

Meanwhile, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated Banga. “Hearty congratulations Ajay Banga on being selected as the President of @WorldBank. I am confident that you’ll bring your wide experience in the corporate world for meeting the goals of the bank,” she said in a tweet.

In a statement, the World Bank said that its “board looks forward to working with Banga on the World Bank Group Evolution process, as discussed at the April 2023 Spring Meetings, and on all the World Bank Group’s ambitions and efforts aimed at tackling the toughest development challenges facing developing countries”.

The president of the World Bank Group is also the Chair of the Board of the Executive Directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). (ANI)

ALSO READ: Strategic diplomacy elevates India’s global status

Previous Story

In coronation, King Charles carries on a medieval tradition

Next Story

US okays expansion of China flights  

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US’s Strong Call for Democracy in coup-prone B’desh

The US emphasis on “democratic principles” should be seen against

‘India will leverage space warfare for its security’

Singh said, space reforms have unleashed the innovative potentials of