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Organization

The World Bank is like a cooperative, made up of 189 member countries. These member countries, or shareholders, are represented by a Board of Governors, who are the ultimate policymakers at the World Bank. Generally, the governors are member countries' ministers of finance or ministers of development. They meet once a year at the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

People

The World Bank operates day-to-day under the leadership and direction of the president, management and senior staff, and the vice presidents in charge of Global Practices, Cross-Cutting Solutions Areas, regions, and functions.

A roster of the leadership across the organization, organized by institution.

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Joint Ministerial Committee of the Boards of Governors of the Bank and the Fund "Development Committee"

The Boards of Governors consist of one Governor and one Alternate Governor appointed by each member country. The Governors and Alternates serve for terms of five years and can be reappointed.

The organizations that make up the World Bank Group are owned by the governments of member nations. They make decisions on all matters, including policy, financial or membership issues.

The World Bank operates under the leadership and direction of the president and organizational units responsible for regions, sectors, and general management.

The past 70 years have seen major changes in the world economy. Over that time, the World Bank Group—the world’s largest development institution—has worked to help more than 100 developing countries and countries in transition adjust to these changes by offering loans and tailored knowledge and advice.