Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank, has been recognised on the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s annual “Great Immigrants” list. He is lauded for his contributions and efforts in enriching America and its democracy. With over 30 years of experience in key positions, 63-year-old Banga is expected to usher in transformative policies at the World Bank to combat poverty and address climate change, opening opportunities for people around the globe.
This year’s honourees include
- Vietnamese-born Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan,
- Chilian-born actor Pedro Pascal,
- Director-General of World Trade Organization Nigerian-born Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
- US Congressman Ted Lieu who was born in Taiwan,
- Grammy Award-Winning Singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo who was born in Benin
- Polish-born Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, Cornell University and Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann
- Guido Imbens, born in the Netherlands and Professor of Economics, Stanford University, and Nobel Laureate.
What is the Great Immigrant list?
- Every Fourth of July, which is celebrated as America’s Independence Day, the Carnegie Corporation of New York honours a group of “remarkable” Americans, all naturalised citizens “who have enriched and strengthened our nation and our democracy through their contributions and actions”.
- This year, the corporation honours 35 individuals from 33 countries and a wide range of backgrounds. Among the honourees are individuals who have fostered opportunities for others through their work as educators, mentors, philanthropists, job creators, public servants, storytellers, and advocates.
- Carnegie Corporation of New York is a leading philanthropic foundation established by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie and is now led by Irish immigrant Dame Louise Richardson. It celebrates the crucial role of naturalised citizens in making America a land of opportunity for all.
Career of Ajay Banga
- Mr. Banga started his career in India, spending 13 years at Nestle India and two at PepsiCo. In 1996, he joined Citigroup, eventually leading the Asia-Pacific region as CEO.
- Later moving to the U.S., Mr. Banga served as president and CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before being named executive chairman. Under his leadership, Mastercard launched the Center for Inclusive Growth, which advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world, the statement said.
- Prior to his appointment to the World Bank, Mr. Banga was the vice-chairman at General Atlantic. He is also a co-founder of the Cyber Readiness Institute and served as vice-chair of the Economic Club of New York.
- Among numerous honours, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, the Padma Shri Award by the President of India, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honour.
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