Congressional Delegation Visits World Bank President and Staff Affinity Groups

Congressional Delegation Visits World Bank President and Staff Affinity Groups

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A high level delegation of the Congressional Black Caucus visited the World Bank Headquarters for a series of meetings with President Jim Kim, key members of his management team, and staff affinity groups. The series of discussions, which lasted for almost five hours, centered on the institutions mission and challenges in combatting poverty around the world, and recent efforts to boost minority representation and inclusion in all aspects of the Bank’s operations. The delegation was co-led by Congressman Gregory W. Meeks of New York, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, both senior members of the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over the World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral development banks. Highlighting the Caucus’ strong focus on these issues, the delegation included the participation of Chairman G. K. Butterfield and other senior members of the CBC:

“It was important for us to visit the World Bank because its effectiveness in combating extreme poverty and making this planet more equitable and sustainable is critical to the strategic, economic, and security interests of the United States,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “President Kim’s passionate commitment to this mission is remarkable. I commend his understanding of the connection between having a diverse team and the success of the organization. I also applaud his successful efforts to increase diversity in the senior executive position throughout the institution.” Meeks continued, “I look forward to continuing our engagement in the future”

“It was a wonderful opportunity for Members of Congress to hear how the World Bank is meeting its important mission to end extreme poverty,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I have long believed that the World Bank is a great source of strength for the U.S. to promote global stability through economic empowerment. It is clear President Kim and his team are meeting the challenges of poverty with creative, data-driven approaches. I was also encouraged to learn how the Bank is promoting greater minority participation in management roles within their organization.” Congresswoman Moore continued, “I look forward to working with President Kim and his staff to both end extreme poverty and to encourage more leadership opportunities for people of color.”

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus had a productive meeting with World Bank President Kim,” said CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield. “We discussed how trade could potentially alleviate poverty, and the importance of the World Bank to maintain a diversity and inclusion policy that promotes advancement and growth opportunities for its minority employees. We are confident of President Kim’s leadership to continue to advance minority participation throughout the organization.”