Inger Andersen

Ms. Andersen, a Danish national was Vice President of Sustainable Development at the World Bank. As such, she has overall responsibilities for the organization’s global work in agriculture, the environment, infrastructure, urban, and social development. Prior to her appointment, she was Director of Sustainable Development in the Africa Region where she oversaw a significant expansion in energy and agriculture programs, tackling an ambitious and complex development agenda while leading the Bank’s work in the region on mainstreaming climate action.

 

Ms. Andersen joined the World Bank in 1999, working initially on international waters. In 2001, she joined the Africa region where she subsequently was named Sector Manager for Water and Urban Development. In 2005, Ms. Andersen moved to the Middle East & North Africa region as Director for the Rural Development, Water, & Environment Department and, in 2006, assumed the leadership of the new Sustainable Development department for the region. In 2008, she returned to Africa as Director of Sustainable Development. 

 

Prior to joining the World Bank, Ms. Andersen worked at the United Nations in New York from 1987 to 1999 in a variety of positions, including managing projects addressing global environmental concerns, international waters, and renewable energy/climate change. Ms. Andersen has extensive country experience, notably in Sudan where she worked from 1983 to 1987, including three years with a non-governmental organization.

 

Inger Andersen received her Master’s Degree in Development Economics and African Politics from the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies). She is fluent in English and Danish, and proficient in Arabic and French.