World Bank Group Timeline
Pearson Commission submits Partners in Development report
In the late 1960s, donor country enthusiasm for contributing to international development efforts was flagging. In fact, in 1968 there was a decrease in the total flow of official government aid for development; the first time since the end of the Second World War. The ongoing commitment of IDA’s donor countries was vital to its continuing operations. This was a primary concern for World Bank Group President George Woods, so he conceived of the Commission on International Development, or the Pearson Commission as it became known, to address the problem. Ultimately it was President Woods’ successor, Robert S. McNamara, who would form the commission. Its objective would be to review the previous 20 years of development assistance, assess the results, and make recommendations for the future. Led by former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the commission’s report makes a strong case for continued and increased investment in developing countries.
Resource Gallery
The Pearson Commission
Originally published: July 2003
The exhibit describes the Pearson Commission's mandate and objectives.
Board Paper: Pearson Commission's Recommendations
Document date: Oct. 10, 1969
The Board Paper presents the 33 recommendations from the Pearson Commission's report that relate to the World Bank Group.
Excerpt from Partners in Development, Chapter 8
Published 1969
The selection from the Pearson Commission's report discusses the increase in public debt among developing countries and offers proposals for dealing with it (1653703).
Interview with William D. Clark
Interview date: Oct. 4 and 5, 1983
Clark describes the significance of the Pearson Commission on pages 1-17.
First meeting of the Pearson Commission, Mt. Gabriel Lodge, Québec.
December 1968
From left to right: Roberto de Oliveira Campos, Douglas Dillon, Saburo Okita, Sir Arthur Lewis, Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson, Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Boyle, Robert Ernest Marjolin, and Wilfied Guth (30032781; Credit: Edge of Montreal Gazette).
Activities on the Commission on International Development
April 7, 1969
The origin, work, budget, and composition of the Pearson Commission is compiled at the request of the World Bank Group's Executive Directors (1653703).
