WARSAW, March 5, 2013 – Joachim von Amsberg, the World Bank’s Vice President for Concessional Finance and Global Partnerships, is in Warsaw for a two-day visit focused on raising awareness and seeking feedback on strategic directions of the International Development Association (IDA – the World Bank’s fund for the poorest).
Von Amsberg is meeting with Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nalęcz, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Marek Belka, Governor, National Bank of Poland; Jacek Dominik, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Finance; and Grzegorz Schetyna, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Parliament of Poland. He will also meet with several non-governmental institutions, such as Polish Humanitarian Action, demosEUROPA - Centre for European Strategy Foundation, and Solidarity Fund PL.
“Poland is an important and strategic player in the international arena and a crucial shareholder for the World Bank. Therefore, Poland’s feedback and views on the IDA’s strategic directions are highly relevant for the World Bank,” said Joachim von Amsberg upon his arrival to Warsaw. “The World Bank is convinced that Poland has a lot to share with other countries and that Poland’s knowledge and successful transformation experience, as well as its remarkable performance during the economic crisis, can become a very useful lesson for the others. It is high time for Poland to fully enter the global development discussions and I hope my visit to Warsaw will further advance Poland’s role as a global partner.”
The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing zero-interest financing and grants for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 81 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change for 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 108 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $15 billion over the last three years.
