Tolerance, dignity, and opportunities for all.
These concepts lie at the heart of our mission. They also make our institution stronger: we are more effective because of our range of experiences and perspectives.
Differences are celebrated at IFC—differences in nationality, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and disability. They help us build a workplace that mirrors the clients we serve and the world in which we live. That’s why we value and respect all staff, regardless of gender, background, or job title.
In recent years we have made measurable progress in building a more diverse workforce, measured not only in the terms above but by the kinds of skill sets we have in-house. Our staff now includes more economists, industry specialists, and others who enhance our ability to frame questions and find solutions in private sector development amid today’s rapid pace of change. As we continue to grow and evolve, our people will remain our greatest asset.
Our daily work is greatly enriched by the interaction of our various staff communities, including employee resource groups for women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) staff; millennials; people of African descent; and people with disabilities. These groups help us build an inclusive workplace culture, strengthening our sense of community. Recent progress includes: addressing feedback generated from conducting exit interviews with women leaders; bringing leadership lessons to staff; influencing parental leave policy and insurance benefits for the LGBT community; trainings and workshops; and emphasizing diversity when hiring interns.
Progress in Diversity
* Professional staff
** Managerial staff with primary nationality from countries that did not declare themselves as IDA donors at the time of their joining the World Bank Group
Living Our Values
Protests against racism around the world put a spotlight on a difficult challenge the world is facing. They remind us of our core values: integrity, fairness, and courage.
These core values lie at the heart of our mission to create opportunities, including better jobs, for the poorest. They also make our institution stronger. We have more knowledge and insight because we are diverse, and we value each other, regardless of our nationality, background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
But we can do much more to stand up against racism.
As a first step, we are fully engaged in the World Bank Group Task Force on Racism, a new effort borne out of a reality we can no longer ignore and must work together to change. Created by World Bank Group President David Malpass in June 2020 and led by World Bank Group Senior Vice President and General Counsel Sandie Okoro, the task force is addressing issues related to racism within our institution, our programs, and the countries where we work. Its recommendations will outline a course for change we wish to see — for a better World Bank Group, and for our work around the world.
