World Bank chief's role on Trump-led Board of Peace prompts questions

World Bank President Ajay Banga’s participation in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza reconstruction has raised concerns over governance and reputational risk at the multilateral lender.

While some insiders warn that the optics of Banga’s involvement could blur the bank’s long-standing separation from overtly political initiatives, others say his presence may help moderate the endeavor — provided the focus remains firmly on Gaza reconstruction and the bank carefully manages the risks.

Civil society groups are also protesting Banga and the World Bank Group’s involvement, including a small protest outside the bank’s offices in D.C. this week. An open letter signed by 16 organizations describes the Board of Peace as “an illegitimate and neo-colonial project” that seeks to profit from an undemocratic reconstruction of Gaza.

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