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World Bank Group Timeline

View All Timelines Introduction

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The World Bank Group Archives’ Historical Timeline website is an accessible and user-friendly way to learn about the history of the World Bank, its engagement with member countries, and its central role in international development. Events from each of the multiple timelines are illuminated by a selection of archival records, photos, oral history transcripts, and other resources. View “All Timelines” to find content from all the timelines at once or select a single timeline to explore in depth. Browse through events chronologically or enter text in the search box to identify events most interesting to you. The Archives looks forward to creating additional timelines in the future, so check back regularly for updates!.

View Indonesia Timeline Introduction

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This timeline explores the history of the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) over the past six decades, positioning it as one of the largest and most effective platforms for fighting extreme poverty and delivering good development outcomes in the world’s poorest countries. Through 87 events and nearly 500 archival and informational sources, the timeline explores the origin of IDA, its vital role in providing financial and knowledge resources, and the innovative ways it has supported economic and social development across the poorest countries in the world.

View Indonesia Timeline Introduction

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The Indonesia timeline was created to mark the 2018 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings held in Bali, Indonesia from October 8th to 14th. The timeline describes the history of the Bank’s relationship with Indonesia, one of its key members. In doing so, the timeline charts the evolution of both the country and the World Bank’s approach to economic development. The timeline’s 58 events are explored through more than 300 archival and online resources.

View Indonesia Timeline Introduction

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The "Key WBG Events" timeline surveys the history of the World Bank Group, from its creation at the Bretton Woods Conference in July, 1944 to the arrival of our 13th president, David Malpass, in April, 2019. The timeline tells our story by focusing on 122 of the most important events in our history. Each event is further supported by a selection of archival and online resources – more than 500 in all.

View Euro Timeline Introduction

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The World Bank and Europe, 1945-1960

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Conference, this timeline covers the World Bank’s work in Europe from 1945 to 1960, highlighting the Bank’s role in reconstruction following the Second World War.  The timeline includes 93 events and features almost 600 items from the WBG Archives and is an opportunity to promote the digitization of archival records relating to the Bank’s early European loans.

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