The United Kingdom has appointed its Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, as the country’s Governor to the World Bank, a move aimed at strengthening Britain’s leadership in international development, climate finance and global economic cooperation.
The appointment was announced by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which said Miliband would personally lead the country’s engagement with the World Bank and represent the UK at the institution’s Annual and Spring Meetings.
Miliband to lead UK engagement at World Bank
According to the UK government, Miliband is expected to attend the World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok in October, where finance ministers, central bank governors and development leaders from across the world will discuss key global economic and development issues.
The government said the appointment underscores its commitment to addressing poverty, climate change, economic stability, food insecurity and energy price shocks through stronger international partnerships.
It added that international development and tackling the climate and nature crisis would remain major priorities under the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
McNeill takes regional development bank role
Alongside Miliband’s appointment, the UK government named Kirsty McNeill as the new Minister for Development.
McNeill will serve as the UK’s Governor to four Regional Development Banks and oversee the implementation of the country’s modern development strategy, while Miliband will provide senior leadership on development issues at Cabinet meetings.
The government said the appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening Britain’s role in global development and international financial institutions.
Miliband outlines development priorities
Commenting on his appointment, Miliband said international development remains central to British foreign policy and pledged to deepen the UK’s leadership on development and climate action.
“International development is not an add-on to British foreign policy — it is central to it. By taking on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, I want to send an unambiguous signal that this Government is serious about its global leadership on development and climate,” he said.
He also praised McNeill’s experience, expressing confidence that both of them would work together to strengthen the UK’s contribution toward addressing global challenges.
World Bank welcomes appointment
World Bank President Ajay Banga welcomed Miliband’s appointment, describing the United Kingdom as a valued development partner and longstanding supporter of global economic growth.
He said he looked forward to working closely with the new UK Governor to help countries create jobs, mobilise private investment and expand economic opportunities.
The appointment follows changes in the British government after Andy Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and formed a new cabinet. Miliband replaces Yvette Cooper as the UK’s Governor to the World Bank by virtue of his appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
