London, United Kingdom, November 28, 2024 — Responding to the UK government pledge to increase funding to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), Khusbu Patel, Acting Executive Director of International Rescue Committee UK, said,
“The International Rescue Committee warmly welcomes the United Kingdom's generous increased commitment of £1.98 billion to the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), a critical lifeline for the world's most marginalised communities.
The stakes are clear: by 2030, two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor will live in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This robust pledge signals the UK’s commitment to working in partnership to address this evolving landscape of global poverty, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states.
The UK now has an opportunity to go further with its pledge to modernise international development. By championing bold reforms within the World Bank, the UK can help ensure IDA funds reach the people and places that need them most, including those in fragile and conflict-affected states where the Bank’s business as usual approach fall short. Strengthening partnerships, especially with humanitarian organisations, women-led organisations and local civil society, will be key to driving much-needed change in an increasingly unstable world.”