The United Nations Chief Executive Board meetings (UN CEB) meetings held in Rome on May 8, offered an opportunity for the Bank’s President to meet with the new Italian Economy and Finance minister, Pier Carlo Padoan (Alternate governor at the World Bank) and to the World Bank Governor and Bank of Italy Governor, Ignazio Visco. The purpose of the meeting was to update Italian counterparts on the Bank’s change process and reconfirm Bank’s support to the Italian government’s ambitious reform agenda.
The meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance brushed through Italy’s ongoing reforms and focused on the Bank’s engagement in conflict-affected countries, especially in countries where Italy has historical geopolitical ties. The Italian minister underlined its interest for the role of the Bank group in promoting Public-private partnerships. The President concluded the meeting by renewing the Bank’s commitment to take part to the Milan EXPO 2015. The theme chosen for this edition, “Feeding the planet, energy for life”, is also central to the Bank’s strategy.
The meeting with Bank of Italy’s governor centered on areas such as education, innovation and managing change. Bank of Italy and the World Bank agreed to bring forward their existing collaboration on financial inclusion."
