Ajay Banga, Biden’s pick for WHO President wins accolades from global leaders

New Delhi: Hours after US President Joe Biden proclaimed that Washington is nominating former Mastercard Chief Executive Ajay Banga as the one to lead the World Bank, the Indian-American is again in the public eye.

The development comes in wake of incumbent World Bank chief David Malpass announcing his plans to step down the post soon.

The 62-year-old Ajay Banga is an Indian-American and currently serving as vice chairman at equity firm General Atlantic.

Ajay Banga is just among many of India-origin leaders who are making it big at the global forum. With his proposed elevation to the world body, he has already started getting applause & accolades from many influential people & top leaders of the world.

Among those who took the first step to shower praise on Ajay Banga was IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Tweeting a photo with Banga, the IMF chief said that she admires latter’s commitment to sustainable development and help those in need.

Happy to hear that Ajay Banga, who I have known for many yrs, has been nominated as a candidate to lead @WorldBank. His exec leadership skills & drive for innovation are well known. But even more so I admire his commitment to sustainable devt, to do good & help those most in need pic.twitter.com/eIh8mJF8oa

— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) February 23, 2023

Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach praised Banga for his dedicated efforts to connect global population in a digital economy.

Reactions poured in from India too with Congress leader Shashi Tharoor highlighting Mr Banga’s Indian origin.

“This is wonderful news because #AjayBanga’s upbringing in, & familiarity with, India should predispose him to be sensitive to our concerns.

Ajay Banga is an inspired choice to lead the World Bank.

He’s a mentor, friend and first-rate leader who has worked tirelessly to bring hundreds of millions of people around the world into the digital economy. https://t.co/7pi5lsGqdc

— Michael Miebach (he/him/his) (@MiebachMichael) February 23, 2023

Back home, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also congratulated him on scaling new heights of success.

“This is wonderful news because #AjayBanga’s upbringing in, & familiarity with, India should predispose him to be sensitive to our concerns. Stephanians can feel especially proud that one of our own has scaled such a height,” said Tharoor.

Ajay Banga is an inspired choice to lead the World Bank.

He’s a mentor, friend and first-rate leader who has worked tirelessly to bring hundreds of millions of people around the world into the digital economy. https://t.co/7pi5lsGqdc

— Michael Miebach (he/him/his) (@MiebachMichael) February 23, 2023