This site demonstrates the important role of the United States (U.S.) at the World Bank Group (WBG) and provides resources to U.S. businesses, civil society organizations, and the general public.
The United States was a leading force in the establishment of the World Bank in 1944 and remains its largest shareholder today. As the only WBG shareholder that retains veto power over changes in the Bank’s structure, the U.S. plays a unique role in influencing and shaping development priorities.
Through the WBG, the U.S. participates in addressing international development challenges of vital importance. The U.S. has a long history of generously supporting the WBG's mission and has been a champion of the International Development Association (IDA), the Bank’s fund for the poorest, which provides low-interest loans and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, communications, economic and institutional development.
The U.S. Executive Director is nominated by the President of the United States, confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and represents the U.S. on the Board of Directors of the WBG. See detailed description of the governance structure of the WBG.
As an official of the WBG, the U.S. Executive Director has a duty to support the mission of the institution, as well as to represent the interests of the United States and enforce legislative mandates established by the U.S. Congress.
The U.S. Executive Director is supported by advisors who are detailees from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as World Bank administrative staff.
