The World Bank
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It is not a bank in the common sense. It is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 185 member countries: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
Each institution plays a different but collaborative role to advance the vision of an inclusive and sustainable globalization. The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together the World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credits and grants to developing countries for a wide array of purposes that include investments in education, health, public administration, infrastructure, financial and private sector development, agriculture, and environmental and natural resource management.
Within the World Bank, the Human Development Network represents a cluster of units within the organization that focuses specifically on assisting its clients in developing and deploying the policies, tools and instruments they need to better the lives of their citizens.
The WB Human Development Network's mission is to assist clients in individually and collectively increasing the inclusive and efficient investment in people, with a view to driving faster and more equitable growth. The WB HD Network is dedicated to actively participating in global efforts that contribute to poverty reduction through improving access to education, health and social services and building balanced and competitive societies. The HD Network recognizes the need to take on responsibilities in this capacity as a leader, a facilitator, an advisor and a knowledge base, but more so, as a partner in the ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for the growing needs of global citizens.
Human development represents a major component of the World Bank’s investment agenda and it is our firm belief that we can make the world a better place by creating the conditions and opportunities for individuals to achieve their highest potential. Together with Education and Social Protection, Good health, nutrition, reproductive health policies, and effective health services, are critical for reducing poverty and improving lives.
