Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,06 Jan 2024,18 mins

What does the World Bank do?

The Explanation

Available for over a year

The World Bank was originally established after World War Two with the goal of eradicating poverty and establishing shared prosperity. With new challenges such as health crises, climate change and the establishment of the Asian Development bank, the World Bank’s purpose is under greater scrutiny than ever before, but has its core mission changed? Michelle Fleury, the BBC’s North America business correspondent, talks to Claire Graham about the origins and purpose of the World Bank, and the current challenges it faces as it tries to support sustainable development throughout the world.

Programme Website
More episodes