Bolormaa Amgaabazar has officially assumed the role of World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, effective July 1. She steps into the position previously held by Najy Benhassine, marking a significant leadership transition at a time when Pakistan is navigating complex economic and social challenges.
Amgaabazar, a Mongolian national, brings with her more than twenty years of international development expertise. Since joining the World Bank in 2004, she has worked across diverse regions including East Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Her experience encompasses both technical and managerial roles, having led teams in the Bank’s country offices in the Kyrgyz Republic and, more recently, in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Prior to her tenure with the World Bank, she was involved in development initiatives within Mongolia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste, grounding her in multi-country operational complexities.
In her statement issued through a World Bank press release on Monday, Amgaabazar expressed enthusiasm about her new assignment. “I am delighted to be appointed the World Bank’s new Country Director for Pakistan. The World Bank and Pakistan have a long-standing partnership that has benefited millions of people over generations. I look forward to deepening our engagement with the federal and provincial governments, local institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders.”
She takes over at a critical juncture for Pakistan. The country is grappling with deep-seated development hurdles ranging from widespread child stunting and learning poverty to mounting climate vulnerabilities and persistent structural issues in its energy sector. Amgaabazar acknowledged these pressing priorities, adding, “We will continue to support Pakistan to address some of its most acute development challenges, including child stunting, learning poverty, its exceptional exposure to the impacts of climate change, and the sustainability of its energy sector.”
Her leadership is expected to further advance the World Bank’s evolving portfolio in Pakistan, which is increasingly focused on climate resilience, human capital development, and sustainable infrastructure. The Bank remains a major partner in Pakistan’s reform agenda, offering both financial support and technical expertise to help steer policies aimed at inclusive growth.
Observers note that Amgaabazar’s extensive cross-regional experience could bring fresh perspective to Pakistan’s development dialogue, especially as the country seeks to balance economic recovery efforts with long-term goals like digital transformation and environmental sustainability.
The new Country Director’s approach will be closely watched by local stakeholders, international investors, and policy circles eager to see how global institutions such as the World Bank can help Pakistan chart a more resilient path forward. Her appointment underscores the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a robust partnership with Pakistan, engaging not only with the government but also with civil society and private sector players critical to driving sustainable change.
As she settles into her role, Amgaabazar’s leadership is set to shape the contours of Pakistan’s collaboration with one of its most significant development partners, navigating a landscape that demands innovative solutions to deeply rooted challenges.