The United Kingdom became a member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) — the World Bank—in December 1945 and played a crucial role in helping found the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank and International Monetary Fund).
The United Kingdom and the World Bank work together to develop policies on a wide range of issues, such as conflict prevention, governance, health, and education – trying to enable millions in the poorest countries to be immunized, gain access to roads and clean water, and become teachers, among other benefits. The Bank Group’s expertise, knowledge, and ability to work across sectors and countries helps further the goals of human, economic, and sustainable development around the world.
The UK is also a member of the World Bank’s fund for the poorest, International Development Association (IDA), which it joined in 1960, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as of 1956, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) as of 1988 and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) as of 1967.
The United Kingdom remains a major shareholder of the institutions of the World Bank Group, serving as an important and influential partner in global efforts to reduce poverty.
