A new World Bank Group (WBG) platform, the WBG Academy, aims to equip future leaders with development expertise to help them realize their countries’ full potential. As a key component of the Bank Group’s efforts to transform its approach to knowledge, the Academy will deliver programs that enhance engagement among government, development practitioners, Bank Group staff, and other stakeholders. The goal is to share knowledge, learn from experience, and identify actions needed to solve difficult development challenges.
The Academy encompasses all three Bank Group institutions—the World Bank, IFC (International Finance Corporation), and MIGA—in one platform. It aims to ensure that the best global knowledge drives development, informs scalable and replicable projects, and influences global conversations. This initiative responds to clients' calls for capacity development as a core service alongside financing and analytics.
“The new WBG Academy is fully focused on clients and their needs,” said Senior Managing Director Axel van Trotsenburg. “We will engage with clients through technical exchange, peer-to-peer learning, and working together to identify best practices and proven solutions. Academy programs will bring the best of global development knowledge directly to clients through our network of country offices, will leverage the Bank Group’s expertise honed through 80 years of development experience, and will support countries in achieving their ambitious visions for their countries’ development.”
Driven by an urgency to address global challenges and pressing development needs, the Academy programs are being designed in a more strategic, selective, and focused way. These programs are informed by innovative technologies and offer support in areas where client countries have expressed need.
The Academy has already convened development leaders and practitioners from around the world for several programs on key development priorities. More programs are planned this year for countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and other locations on topics including climate change, disaster risk management, water management, and food security.
“The WBG Academy is an exciting new way for us to support client countries, partners, and stakeholders by facilitating knowledge exchange and engagement,” said Arup Banerji, Director for Knowledge and Learning (as of July 1). “By sharing cutting-edge knowledge and expertise from across the globe—and thus supporting their own effectiveness as development leaders.”
Qimiao Fan led the creation of the WBG Academy as Director for Strategic and Corporate Initiatives. “With a strong focus on South-South learning to promote shared learning and knowledge exchange,” Fan said. “The Academy will leverage new technologies, new learning methodologies, partnerships for the highest possible reach and impact—and enable us to replicate and scale successful programs globally.”