The Executive Directors? (EDs)

Who then are the Executive Directors in the WBG, and what are they supposed to do?

·       The EDs (24) are responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank and exercise all the powers delegated to them by the Board of Governors. The EDs consider and decide on loan and credit proposals made by the President, and they decide policy issues that guide the general operations of the Bank. 

·       The EDs are responsible for presenting to the Board of Governors at the Bank’s Annual Meeting an audit of accounts, an administrative budget and an annual report on the operations and policies of the Bank, as well as any other matters that, in their judgment, require submission to the Board of Governors.

And, for that purpose:

·       Each ED shall appoint an Alternate ED with full power to act for him when he is not present. 

·       EDs function in continuous session at the Bank and meet as often as the Bank’s business requires.

·       EDs and Alternates are required to devote all the time and attention to the business of the Bank that its interests require, and between them to be continuously available at the principal office of the Bank.

·       In the event that both an ED and his Alternate are unable to be available, the ED may designate a Temporary Alternate to act for him.

While considering that:

·       In the discharge of his duties, an ED or Alternate fulfills a dual function, as an official of the Bank and as a representative of the member country or countries that appointed or elected him.

·       The ED owes his duty both to the Bank and to his constituency. The ED is not to act simply as an ambassador of the government or governments that appointed or elected him and is expected to exercise his individual judgment in the interest of the Bank and its members, as a whole.

·       Neither the EDs nor their staff members actively participate in negotiations between borrowers and Bank staff.