Maseru, Feb. 12 — The World Bank Group on Thursday commemorated World Bank Group Day in Maseru, highlighting its partnership with the Kingdom of Lesotho and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries to reflect on the World Bank’s ongoing initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the celebration, the World Bank Country Representative to Lesotho, Ms. Dinara Djoldosheva, said that the day serves as an opportunity to showcase the impact of the institution’s work and to strengthen collaboration with national stakeholders.
She noted that World Bank Group Day highlights key initiatives being implemented in Lesotho, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful development outcomes.
“This day offers firsthand insights into how development initiatives are transforming lives and helping anchor our work in real community expectations and priorities,” she said.
Ms. Djoldosheva added that the commemoration also provides a platform for beneficiary voices to be heard, ensuring that projects remain responsive to the needs of Basotho.
She further indicated that strengthening stakeholder collaboration remains central to the World Bank’s approach, encouraging dialogue and building long-term partnerships to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Lesotho, Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi called for stronger partnerships to advance inclusive and sustainable development in the country.
She said that economic growth must translate into reduced poverty, job creation and improved livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups emphasizing that development challenges such as unemployment, social protection, infrastructure and climate change are interconnected and require coordinated solutions.
“None of these issues can be solved in isolation. Behind every statistic is a person seeking opportunity and dignity,” she said.
Ms. Mukwashi reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Lesotho in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and urged stakeholders to align efforts to ensure lasting and people-centred impact.
On the other hand, the Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Ms. ’Malereko Molefi, said that development should be measured by dignity, inclusion and improved livelihoods, not just economic figures.
She said that the United Nations institutions and other partners have played a key role in supporting Lesotho’s priorities, including education, health, youth empowerment and the transition to a green economy.
“Development is not merely about numbers; it is about protecting dignity and ensuring that progress benefits all,” she said.
She noted that the impact of these collaborations is evident in the improved lives of Basotho and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The event also focused on promoting poverty reduction, raising awareness about the World Bank’s support to Lesotho and its efforts to foster inclusive development across various sectors.
World Bank Group Day is observed globally to reflect on the institution’s mission of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity, while reinforcing partnerships with member countries.
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