By Caribbean News Global
WASHINGTON, USA – World Bank president candidate Ajay Banga will travel to London and Brussels from March 9 through March 14 as he continues a global listening tour that began earlier this week with visits to Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya. Both governments – Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire – offered their support to Banga and endorsed his candidacy for World Bank president.
“Over the course of the tour, Banga will meet with key World Bank shareholders, including borrowing countries; private sector leaders; civil society; and other stakeholders to gather input that will further inform his vision for the bank,” said the US department of treasury, in a press release.
Banga’s schedule reads:
“In London, United Kingdom on March 9 and 10, Banga will meet with senior government officials, civil society focused on development, and will convene leaders from the financial sector for a roundtable discussion focused on expanding climate finance. These meetings will provide an opportunity for Banga to outline his vision for the World Bank Group that includes greater partnerships with the private sector to tackle myriad development challenges.
“In Brussels, Belgium on March 13 and 14, Banga will meet with senior government officials from a cross-section of European Union member states. The conversations will focus on how the Bank can best meet its core development goals while addressing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and fragility.”
The US department of treasury release advised noted that:
“If elected to serve, Banga will draw from his experience living and working in emerging markets and his expertise in forging public-private partnerships to mobilize investments and action to confront longstanding challenges. That includes his efforts at Mastercard to successfully bring 500 million previously unbanked people into the digital economy, as well as its support for 50 million small businesses. Further engagements and details will be announced.”
The UK has announced its support of Ajay Banga for World Bank Group President.