Top World Bank official visits

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 October 2018, 12:00AM

An event at the Orator Hotel tonight will highlight the link between sustainability and climate resilience.

To be hosted by the World Bank Group and the Women in Climate Change (W.I.C.C.), the networking event will feature the Vice President for Sustainable Development of the World Bank, Laura Tuck, as the guest speaker. 

“Discussing sustainability from the perspective of business, community and Government is essential in the face of climate change,” said a founding member of W.I.C.C., Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson.

“As the frequency of extreme weather events continue to threaten our livelihoods, sustainability then becomes an important proactive measure in all aspects of develop.” 

“Bridging sustainability and climate change in this event between the World Bank and W.I.C.C. is timely.”

“The leadership of women in diverse sectors is a constant strength one where these issues can be effectively addressed.” 

Lagipoiva also thanked W.I.C.C. founding member, Maeva Betham Vaai of the World Bank for this initiative.

Lagipoiva pointed out that Ms. Tuck has held the role at the World Bank for three years now. 

“And in her role, Tuck oversees the work of the Global Practices and thematic groups that bring together the best expertise from across the World Bank Group, and from partners, to help countries tackle their most complex challenges in the area of sustainable development,” said Lagipoiva.

 “Also the thematic group under Tuck’s responsibility include, Climate Change amongst numerous other duties such as Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources; Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience; and Water,” said Lagipoiva. 

According to the World Bank website, Ms. Tuck, previously served for close to two years as Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia (E.C.A.) region.

“During this period, E.C.A.’s lending and advisory services increased substantially, stepping up support for programs and projects aligned with the goals of reducing poverty and increasing shared prosperity.” 

Ms. Tuck joined the World Bank in 1987 as a Young Professional, and worked initially as an Economist in the Middle East and North Africa Region (M.N.A.) and, later, in the E.C.A. Region, as a Lead Economist in the Chief Economist’s Office and then as Sector Manager for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Her extensive experience in sustainable development includes a decade leading the Bank’s work in this area in two regions. Between 2002 and 2006 she was the Director for Sustainable Development in E.C.A. and, from 2006 to 2011, she held the same position in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region.  

“She then became Director of Strategy and Operations supporting the Regional Vice President in the M.N.A. region, followed by a stint in the same position in E.C.A.”

Before joining the World Bank, Ms. Tuck worked for several consulting firms in the area of agricultural policy, food policy, and food needs assessments.  She also served on the faculty of Princeton University as part of a university research project, and worked and lived in Africa between 1980 and 1987. “Ms. Tuck has an MPA from Princeton University in Economics and Public Policy and a BA from the University of California at Davis in Economics.  She is married and has two grown children.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 October 2018, 12:00AM

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