How the World Bank practices sustainability is guided by innovation, respect, impact, integrity, and teamwork,
the five core values of the World Bank Group.
The World Bank embraces new ideas and technologies to drive sustainable solutions with lasting value. From designing and disseminating innovative financing products to deploying AI-powered tools to personalize staff learning experiences, innovation remains central to strengthening impact and improving operations.
The World Bank fosters a culture of respect, grounded in a deep sense of responsibility to the staff, clients, and partners it serves. Staff benefit from safe, collaborative, sustainable, cost-effective services and work environments. Communities are supported through robust channels that enable individuals to submit and express grievances related to Bank-supported projects, reinforcing a commitment to inclusive solutions across its operations.
The World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet is only possible through solutions built in partnership with clients. It is shaping a new playbook for impactful development, one that is inclusive of everyone, resilient to shocks from climate change and biodiversity crises, pandemics, and fragility, and sustainable through growth and job creation. This commitment to impact is also reflected in how the institution manages its internal operations, from facilities to the supply chain.
Doing what is right for staff, clients, and partners is integral to the World Bank’s business model, as reflected in its Core Values, Code of Ethics, Evaluation Principles, and Accountability Mechanisms. The institution continues to strengthen this foundation by enhancing systems and mechanisms through which it is held accountable. Internally, staff are supported in upholding ethical standards and modeling core values through a wide range of services and training.
The World Bank engages with a diverse ecosystem of global partners to drive impact. These collaborations unlock knowledge, innovation, and resources essential to addressing complex and evolving challenges. Partnership and collaboration are also key to managing the Bank’s corporate environmental footprint and fostering lasting positive impacts for host communities, local businesses, and job creation.
15 key metrics outline how sustainability is practiced across the World Bank in alignment with the institution’s broader development mission. They reflect both achievements and areas for growth, reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement and transparency.
This figure is inclusive of total staff and consultants. Source: GRI 2-7.
This ratio compares the annual compensation increase of the highest-paid individual to that of the median employee (excluding the highest-paid). Source: GRI 2-21.
This training was in addition to all new staff in FY25. Source: GRI 2-24.
Source: GRI 2-26.
Local suppliers are defined as suppliers registered in purchaser countries in FY25. Source: GRI 204.
This training engaged 1,239 people in total. Source: GRI 205.
This increased 11.4% from FY23 due to increased occupancy. Source: GRI 302.
This figure reflects a 14.3% increase from FY23 due to increased usage. Source: GRI 303.
This figure reflects a 10.2% increase from FY23 levels (179,721 tCo2e). Source: GRI 305.
These new additions bring our total to 48 green building certified locations: Source: GRI 305.
The World Bank purchases and retires carbon offsets and Renewable Energy Credits for its corporate GHG emissions.
This waste diversion was achieved through recycling, compost, and donation, a 25% improvement over FY24. Source: GRI 306.
Out of these learning days, 84% were delivered either outside of the US or via location-neutral formats. Source: GRI 404.
This is an increase of 0.9 percentage points from 45.2% in FY24 bringing the Bank closer to its 50% target. Source: GRI 405.
This was across over 104 countries. Source: GRI 413.
ℹ️ To explore the full set of disclosures and data beyond these infographics, please download the 2025 GRI Index.
