Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is to act as UK Governor to the World Bank, taking personal leadership of UK engagement on international development and climate finance.
The government said the role will include attendance at the World Bank’s Annual and Spring Meetings, described as the largest global gatherings of finance ministers, central bank governors and development leaders. The Annual Meetings are due to be held in Bangkok in October.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said international development and action on the climate and nature crisis would remain departmental priorities under Mr Miliband. The department linked those issues to security and prosperity in the UK and overseas.
The announcement follows the Prime Minister’s appointment of Kirsty McNeill as Minister for Development. She will take on the role of UK Governor of four regional development banks and lead day-to-day delivery of the government’s approach to international development.
The Foreign Secretary will provide senior representation for development issues at Cabinet meetings. The government said UK leadership at the World Bank would support international action on poverty, climate change, economic stability, food insecurity and energy price shocks.
The World Bank was described by the government as the UK’s most important multilateral development partner, providing about $100 billion in finance each year. The UK has used its shareholder position in recent years to press for the bank to become faster and more responsive for countries in need.