Happy New Year!
The transition from the old to the new marks not only the passing of time but also the promise of a fresh start—a canvas upon which we can remember, celebrate, and dream anew.
Like many of you have done over and over again, we uprooted ourselves in 2023 from our home of over two decades, left our family and friends, and made our way to a new city, a new home, a new community, and a new workplace. We want to express our gratitude to the entire World Bank community around the globe for welcoming us and so quickly and generously making us a part of this unique and exceptional family.
Our families are the backbone of the success we achieve – they support us when times are tough and celebrate our happiness in good times. So, to our families, we are deeply grateful to you for being the pillars of strength you are and for your contributions to our extended World Bank family through your resilience and spirit of adventure as you go through relocations, push yourselves out of your comfort zone and spend prolonged time apart.
Amidst these shared experiences, we invite you in 2024 to consider the tremendous potential of the World Bank Family Network in fostering a sense of community that transcends borders. Our staff and families are dispersed across countries - stationed at headquarters, in home countries and throughout the world - contributing to the rich tapestry of our global organization. In the coming year, we hope we can better harness the power of our Family Network to build bridges of support and camaraderie among all our families. We hope we can more purposefully nurture connections within each country for all the families there, expat and local, and across countries and headquarters.
We have the unique opportunity to enhance collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the bonds that define our World Bank community. As we embark on this journey together, let us strive to create a network that not only supports individual families but also unites us all in a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
May the New Year bring forth an abundance of opportunities for friendship, growth, and collective prosperity for the entire World Bank family.
Ajay and Ritu Banga