The United States was a leading force in the establishment of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in 1944 and remains the largest shareholder of the World Bank Group today. As the only World Bank Group shareholder that retains veto power over certain changes in the Bank’s structure, the United States plays a unique role in influencing and shaping global development priorities.
Through the World Bank Group, the United States participates in addressing vital international development challenges. The United States has a long history of generously supporting the World Bank Group’s mission and has been a champion of the International Development Association (IDA), which provides concessional financing, knowledge, and advice catalyzing national development and transforming the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the world.
