Honiara: Starting from July 1, Bernard Harborne becomes the World Bank Group Resident Representative for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. This position brings together the World Bank Group's country-level leadership to better support the development priorities of the governments and help create an enabling environment for private sector growth. Harborne will lead the programs of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) across the two countries, providing a single point of contact for access to the full breadth of World Bank Group products and services. This will enhance the institution's ability to address global challenges and drive development with speed, efficiency, and impact.
According to World Bank, the World Bank Group's work in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu is focused on infrastructure projects such as the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project, the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project, and the Tina River Hydropower Development Project in Solomon Islands. The institution also supports work in health, private sector development, and urban employment and skills building to drive jobs and growth.
Bernard Harborne expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the governments of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, emphasizing the potential for growth, stability, and job creation. He highlighted the commitment of these nations to building a prosperous and resilient future.