US department of state: Ajay Banga ‘uniquely equipped’ to lead World Bank
The World Bank said, "The Board received one nomination and would like to announce that Mr Ajay Banga, a US national, will be considered for the position."
Washington, April 22: The US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel on Friday said US nominee for World Bank presidency, Indian-American Ajay Banga is "uniquely equipped" to lead the organisation at such a crucial moment.
Patel said Banga's "leadership skills and management experience, his experience in the financial sector, will help achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty, expanding prosperity and dealing with new and pressing issues such as climate change and global health challenges.
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The World Bank had previously announced that Ajay Banga is the only candidate nominated for the President's position, and the nomination period ended on March 29. The Board of Executive Directors has confirmed this, and will now conduct a formal interview with the candidate in Washington DC, with the hope of concluding the selection process in due course.
In February, US President Joe Biden had nominated former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga for the position. Biden noted that Banga is "uniquely" equipped to lead the World Bank, citing his "proven track record" in managing people and systems, creating jobs and bringing investments to developing economies, and partnering with global leaders to deliver results.