UK Appoints foreign secretary as W’Bank governor 

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will take on the role of the United Kingdom’s Governor to the World Bank, taking personal leadership of the country’s engagement on international development and climate finance.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced the appointment on Monday, saying Miliband would attend the World Bank’s Annual and Spring Meetings, which bring together finance ministers, central bank governors and development leaders from around the world.

He is expected to attend the Annual Meetings in Bangkok in October.

The UK government, on its website, said its leadership at the “World Bank would help drive international action on poverty, climate change and economic stability, as well as global challenges including food insecurity and energy price shocks.”

The Foreign Secretary also confirmed that international development and tackling the climate and nature crisis would remain priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The announcement follows the appointment of Kirsty McNeill as the new Minister for Development.

McNeill will take up the role of UK Governor of four Regional Development Banks and oversee the day-to-day delivery of the UK’s modern approach to international development.

Miliband will provide senior representation for development issues at Cabinet meetings.

“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,” Miliband said.

“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.”

The UK government described the World Bank as its most important multilateral development partner, noting that the institution provides around $100bn in finance annually and is the largest provider of finance to tackle the climate and nature crisis and help the world’s poorest countries adapt to its impacts.

The UK has in recent years used its position as a World Bank shareholder to push for reforms aimed at making the institution faster and more responsive to countries in need.

“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 welcomed the appointment, saying:

“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.”

PUNCH Online reports that Miliband is replacing Yvette Cooper as the UK Governor to the World Bank.

From details obtained by our correspondent on the World Bank website on Monday, this transition is tied directly to a broader reshuffle in British leadership.

Following Keir Starmer’s resignation, Andy Burnham took over as the new UK Prime Minister and formed a new cabinet. As part of these changes, Miliband succeeded Cooper as the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which automatically grants him the ex-officio role of UK Governor to the World Bank.

The UK’s modern approach to development is based on partnership rather than paternalism, with the government saying it aims to shift its focus from being a donor to an investor and place greater emphasis on providing expertise to help countries build their own capacity, support their communities and develop without aid