Former Curaçao Prime Minister calls for aid to align with donor nations’ interests without losing sight of poverty reduction

WASHINGTON - Eugene Rhuggenaath, Executive Director at the World Bank and former Prime Minister of Curaçao, is playing a key role in shaping the institution’s new policy direction. During the World Bank’s Annual Meeting in Washington, Rhuggenaath emphasized that development assistance should better align with the national interests of donor countries — a strategy he believes is crucial to prevent wealthier nations from reducing their financial contributions.

Rhuggenaath pointed to pilot initiatives such as the partnership between Italy and Tunisia, where education programs are being used to curb illegal migration. According to him, such projects could serve as a model for a broader World Bank approach, combining development objectives with geopolitical and socio-economic stability.

“We are entering a new phase in global cooperation,” Rhuggenaath noted. “By ensuring that development efforts also reflect donor countries’ priorities, we can strengthen commitment and maintain financial sustainability. However, this must never come at the expense of our core mission — fighting poverty.”

He acknowledged that U.S. pressure to reform the World Bank’s policies has created a “changed dynamic” within the institution, urging adaptation to a shifting global landscape. Still, Rhuggenaath cautioned against overemphasizing donor interests, warning that doing so could undermine the Bank’s foundational goal of poverty reduction.

Rhuggenaath’s comments reflect an evolving debate within the World Bank about how to balance the expectations of major contributors with the needs of developing nations, as the institution seeks to remain both financially viable and mission-driven in an increasingly complex world.