-
to act as UK Governor to the
World Bank, taking personal leadership of the UK's engagement
on development and climate finance.
- International development and tackling the climate and nature
crisis to remain departmental priority for the Foreign
Commonwealth and Development Office under Miliband.
-
appointed as Minister for
Development, driving forward day-to-day delivery of the UK's
modern approach to international development.
The UK has today announced that the Foreign Secretary will take
on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, taking personal
leadership of the UK's engagement on international development
and climate finance.
As part of the role, will attend the World Bank's Annual and Spring
Meetings the largest global gatherings of finance ministers,
central bank governors and development leaders including the
Annual Meetings in Bangkok this October.
UK leadership at the World Bank will help drive international
action on poverty, climate change and economic stability, and
tackle global issues, like food insecurity and energy price
shocks, helping make food and energy more affordable for people
in the UK.
The Foreign Secretary also confirmed that international
development and tackling the climate and nature crisis will both
remain priorities for his department, the Foreign Commonwealth
and Development Office, recognising that extreme poverty and
climate change are shared global challenges that affect security
and prosperity in the UK and communities around the world.
The announcement comes after the Prime Minister appointed as the new Minister for
Development. She will take up the role of UK Governor of four
Regional Development Banks and drive forward day-to-day delivery
of the UK's modern approach to international development. The
Foreign Secretary will provide senior representation for
development issues at Cabinet meetings.
Foreign Secretary said:
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.
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.
The World Bank is the UK's most important multilateral
development partner, providing around $100 billion in finance per
year. It serves as the largest provider of finance to tackle the
climate and nature crisis and adapt to the impacts for the
world's poorest countries.
The UK has used its position as a shareholder at the World Bank
in recent years to drive efforts to make the Bank faster and more
responsive for countries in need. The Foreign Secretary's
appointment as Governor builds on this.
Minister for Development said:
I am proud to take on this role at such a crucial moment. From
helping lead Save the Children, to campaigning to make poverty
history at Gleneagles, I have spent my career working on these
issues. I look forward to working with partners across civil
society and the international community to deliver the UK's
modern approach to development and tackle our most pressing
global challenges.
I am delighted the Foreign Secretary is taking such a strong
leadership role on development, including through the World Bank
this is great news for the UK and our partners.
World Bank President Ajay Banga said:
The United Kingdom is a valued partner of the World Bank Group
and a longstanding champion of development. I look forward to
working closely with the Foreign Secretary to help countries
create jobs, mobilize more private capital, and deliver
opportunity for people. Together, we can help turn ambition into
results where they matter most.
The UK's modern approach to development is based on partnership
not paternalism. This includes shifting focus from being a donor
to an investor, with a new emphasis on providing the expertise
which enables countries to build up their own capability, provide
for their own communities and thrive without aid.
It also prioritises funding through international organisations
that deliver the greatest impact, such as the World Bank's
International Development Association (IDA). Every £1 the UK
invests in IDA unlocks £4, ensuring the maximum impact for the UK
taxpayer.
Notes to editors
- The World Bank is one of the world's largest sources of
funding and knowledge for developing countries. The UK is one of
six countries with its own seat at the World Bank Board.
- The Governors at the World Bank set strategic direction for
the Bank and are its most senior shareholder representative.
- The World Bank Annual Meetings will take place in Bangkok,
1218 October.
-
has been appointed as
Minister for Development. She previously held a role at Save
the Children UK and was a leading campaigner during the 2005
Gleneagles G8 Summit, which resulted in historic commitments on
debt relief and aid to Africa.
- The Minister for Development will also become UK Governor to
four Regional Development Banks, with the relevant geographic
Minister serving as Alternate Governor, ensuring strong UK
representation and influence across the full range of
multilateral development institutions.
