Skopje, July 26, 2017 - The World Bank has appointed Ms. Linda Van Gelder as the new Regional Director for the Western Balkans. She is replacing Ms. Ellen Goldstein, who served as Regional Director since 2013. Ms. Van Gelder will lead the policy dialogue with the six countries in the Western Balkans, supporting reform priorities and efforts toward EU accession.
Prior to holding this position, Ms. Van Gelder was Director of Strategy and Operations for Equitable Growth in the World Bank Finance and Institutions Practice Group, covering Macroeconomics and Fiscal Management, Finance and Markets, Trade and Competitiveness, Poverty and Equity, and Governance Global Practices.
Ms. Van Gelder is visiting FYR Macedonia from July 25 to July 28. During her stay she will meet with Government officials and other stakeholders to learn about the new government’s priorities and the challenges facing the country. Ms. Van Gelder will also engage in discussions on current and future World Bank support, with a particular focus on key financial and knowledge services that may be supported over the next two years.
More information about Ms. Van Gelder can be found here.
The current World Bank program in the country includes an active portfolio consisting of seven investment operations, with total commitments of $348.9 million. World Bank support focuses on the areas of road infrastructure (including road safety and climate resilience), municipal services, social protection, education, skills and innovation, and competitiveness in tourism.
