Conservation International CEO Supports Ajay Banga’s nomination for World Bank Presidency

February 24, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 24, 2023) – Dr. M. Sanjayan, Chief Executive Officer of Conservation International, today released the following statement in support of Ajay Banga’s nomination as next president of the World Bank:

“Ajay Banga is precisely the right person to bring forward the bold ideas and urgent action we need from the World Bank. We can no longer afford incremental change – indeed we must pursue transformative change, and his track record for shaking loose the status quo speaks for itself. 

“From his vision to restore 100 million trees by 2025 to benefit communities and climate through the Priceless Planet Coalition, to his leadership in bringing 1 billion people who are ‘unbanked’ into the global financial system, Ajay’s ability to match inclusive vision with urgent timelines - and achieve them - is exactly what we expect of every world leader.  

“Importantly, as a leader with deep appreciation for the Global South, he intuitively understands that economic growth can only be sustained if people and nature thrive together, not apart.  For our planet’s future, there is not a moment to lose. I look forward to his swift confirmation as the next president of the World Bank.”

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About Conservation International: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.