UK names foreign secretary as W’Bank gov

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will assume the role of the United Kingdom's Governor to the World Bank, taking personal charge of the nation's engagement in international development and climate finance. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced the appointment on Monday.

In his new capacity, Miliband will attend the World Bank's Annual and Spring Meetings, which convene global finance ministers, central bank governors, and development leaders. His attendance at the upcoming Annual Meetings in Bangkok this October is expected. The UK government stated that its leadership at the World Bank aims to drive international action on poverty, climate change, economic stability, food insecurity, and energy price shocks.

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International development is not an add-on to British foreign policy, it is central to it. By taking on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, I want to send an unambiguous signal that this Government is serious about its global leadership on development and climate.

International development and addressing the climate and nature crisis will remain priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This announcement follows the appointment of Kirsty McNeill as the new Minister for Development. McNeill will oversee the UK's engagement with four Regional Development Banks and manage the day-to-day delivery of the UK's development strategy, while Miliband will provide senior representation on development issues at Cabinet meetings.

"International development is not an add-on to British foreign policy, it is central to it," Miliband stated. "By taking on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, I want to send an unambiguous signal that this Government is serious about its global leadership on development and climate." He added that McNeill's extensive experience would be vital, and together they would ensure the UK "punches its full weight in tackling the defining challenges of our time."

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Kirsty McNeill brings outstanding experience and deep personal commitment to this agenda, and together we will ensure the UK punches its full weight in tackling the defining challenges of our time.