Seoul, July 1, 2024 – Jason Allford has been appointed as the World Bank Group Special Representative for the Republic of Korea. This newly created position aims to unify country-level leadership across the institution to better support Korea’s public and private sector priorities. The role provides a single point of contact for access to the full range of World Bank Group products and services, enhancing the institution's ability to address global challenges and drive development with speed, efficiency, and impact.
“The Republic of Korea has an amazing development history, and Korea now plays a critical role in the development of other countries through investments, financial support and knowledge transfer,” said Jason Allford. “Unified Bank Group leadership means the World Bank Group can partner with Korean public and private sector organizations in a coordinated way to maximize the development impact of Korea’s interventions.”
In Korea, the World Bank Group collaborates with local organizations to support development outcomes in low- and middle-income countries by leveraging Korean technology and innovation. The organization aids Korean companies in making impactful investments in developing economies and connects policymakers in member countries with advanced solutions to development issues.
Jason Allford joined the Australian Government in 1994, focusing on macroeconomic analysis, forecasting, and fiscal policy. He worked at the World Bank Group from 2014 to 2018, representing 15 countries from Asia and the Pacific at the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors. He has also served as an adviser on fiscal policy to governments in Africa, East Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
The introduction of joint country representation is seen as a significant step towards building a stronger World Bank Group. The Republic of Korea is one of 21 offices transitioning to a single Country Manager or Resident Representative for various branches including IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA.
The World Bank Group aims to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Operating in more than 100 countries, it provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and addressing urgent global development challenges. It consists of multiple entities including IBRD, IDA; IFC; MIGA; and ICSID.
For more information about their work: www.worldbank.org , www.miga.org , www.ifc.org