Peking University, October 20, 2024: On October 14, The School of Economics hosted the 13^th lecture of the “International Organizations and Global Economic Governance Lecture Series”. Axel van Trotsenburg, the Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, delivered a lecture titled “The World Bank at 80: Trends and Challenges”, introducing the developmental history of the World Bank coupled with an analysis of prospects and challenges faced.


PKU Vice President Dong Zhiyong welcomed Trotsenburg and his delegation, expressing appreciation for the World Bank’s unwavering support for PKU’s academic activities, and encouraged both parties to strengthen collaboration and contribute together to global economic governance.

Beginning with the establishment of the Bretton Woods system in 1944, Trotsenburg recapitulated the 80-year history and impact of the World Bank. He noted the organization’s aims of promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries in order to achieve global sustainable development. 

Trotsenburg highlighted a range of global challenges, including the exacerbating effect of the digital divide on global economic inequality, the economic ramifications of an increasing frequency of natural disasters, and the decline in life expectancy and education systems globally stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. In response, Trotsenburg pointed out the measures undertaken by the World Bank in knowledge sharing, finance innovation and multilateral cooperation to enhance global sustainable development. 

Lecture scene

During the Q&A session, the audience engaged in deep discussion with Trotsenburg on how to balance economic development with environmental protection and other sustainable development goals, as well as opportunities for youth talent development in international organizations. Trotsenburg encouraged the students to actively participate in the World Bank's Young Professionals Program (YPP) and to tackle complex issues in global governance through in-depth study and practice. 

The lecture was received resoundingly by faculty and students alike, with China Global Television Network (CGTN) reporting on it. 

Written by: Lee Jie Xin
Edited by: Rachel Lee
Source: PKU News (Chinese)