To welcome, support and advocate on behalf of WBG families worldwide

![]()
To welcome, support and advocate on behalf of WBG families worldwide


Sandipa Basnyat President

Joel Ssevume President Operations



Good morning!

Each year, the World Bank Family Network reminds us that community is more than proximity—it is purpose, belonging, and shared experience across time zones, cultures, and stages of life.
Over the past two years, the Children’s Art Prize has become a powerful expression of what the World Bank Family Network can offer—a platform that connects, celebrates and gives visibility to our global community. Since its inception, more than 1,400 children from over 60 countries have submitted artworks reflecting themes that connect with the work of the Bank while offering visions of the future through their own eyes.
These works have been displayed across our institution, featured in the President’s office, and compiled into two coffee table books shared with global leaders from Pope Francis to King Charles to President Meloni—serving as a reminder that our families are not just supporting development, but shaping its narrative.
We saw that same momentum in the Teen Summer Program. Last year, we expanded to Singapore. Next year, we’ll reach Vienna. In Washington, the continued demand—253 applications for just 40 spots—shows how deeply this program resonates with families. Our next step must be to accelerate this expansion to make this program available across regions and to larger numbers of World Bank families.
As we celebrate these successes, we know that more work lies ahead. The 2025 Local Spouses Survey made that clear. Many families—especially outside Washington are still unaware of the World Bank Family Network. A significant number do not know that they are members. At the same time, the survey revealed a strong appetite for community, connection, and belonging. Spouses said that they would welcome support - from career development to social integration, from language assistance to informal gatherings.
Let us keep this feedback in mind as we plan for the next year. In addition to building upon what we already do, we should aim for new initiatives that create and strengthen community. Possible examples are:
• Participation by spouses, including at the Executive Committee level, across all the business areas and geographies of the Bank.
• A global Children’s Choir, as imagined by this year’s Executive Committee.
• Family cookouts in cities around the world, each dish paired with a story and compiled into a global cookbook.
• 5K runs and relays, stitched together in a worldwide photo album of joy, movement, and connection.
• Informal local gatherings, where new families meet long-timers and begin to feel that rare and priceless thing: at home.
This is how we grow not by reaching everyone the same way, but by meeting people where they are.
Thank you for everything you do to keep this network vibrant and alive. I look forward to all we can accomplish together in the year ahead.
Consider a "Model World Bank" initiative, mirroring the success of the Model UN program, to unite schools, educators, students, and the World Bank

Sandipa Basnyat President

Joel Ssevume
President Operations
Dear Members,
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride for all that we have achieved together as a global community. FY24 was a year of growth, innovation, and deepened connection all made possible by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, members, and partners around the world.
With the strong support of our Executive Committee and our volunteers worldwide, we made significant progress in fulfilling our mission to welcome, support, and advocate for World Bank families. Here are some key highlights from this impactful year:
• Restructured Executive Committee Chairs to better align leadership roles with evolving priorities and community needs
• Expanded community volunteering initiatives, fostering meaningful engagement and local impact
• Launched the Men’s Corner, creating a new platform for dialogue, connection, and support for men in our network
• Continued development of Careers at the World Bank sessions to guide and empower spouses professionally
• Restructured Job Scan and the Professional Development Program (PDP) to deliver more personalized and effective career support
• Conducted the Local Spouse Survey and the broader Spouses Survey to ensure our initiatives reflect real experiences and feedback
• Rolled out new support programs such as Navigating Transitions and resources for Third Culture Kids, acknowledging the complexities of global mobility
• Celebrated creativity and community through the Art Prize, which brought artistic expression to life in 15 locations around the world
Each of these achievements reflects your voices, your resilience, and our shared commitment to building a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive WBFN community.
As we look ahead to FY25, we are excited to build on this momentum. We will continue strengthening our programs and activities based on the valuable feedback from our members especially by reaching out to our global community for social events, networking opportunities, and professional development programs. We are also deepening collaboration with Country Offices and enhancing our communications to better understand and respond to your needs.We remain especially committed to supporting dual career couples and accompanying you through each phase of your transition journey.
Thank you for your trust, your participation, and your belief in the WBFN mission. Together, we are creating a lasting impact one initiative, one conversation, and one connection at a time.
Warm regards, Sandipa Basnyat, President Joel Ssevume, President Operations



By invitation from WBG President Ajay Banga and WBFN Honorary President Ritu Banga in February, the Art Program and the Family Network joined forces the 2nd annual World Bank Children’s Art Prize, contest for all WBG children. The theme of the inaugural contest was “Building a Better World”




Communications to all staff and WBFN members
17 volunteers

640hours
By invitation from WBG President Ajay Banga and WBFN Honorary President Ritu Banga in February, the Art Program and the Family Network joined forces the 2nd annual World Bank Children’s Art Prize, contest for all WBG children. The theme of the inaugural contest was “Building a Better World”

Overall 1st Place Winner- 7y/o United States


Overall 3rd Place Winner- 10y/o United States
Joel Ssevume
WBFN President Operations
Ritu Banga President of the Jury
WBFN Honorary President
Betsy Johnson, Assistant Curator, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Marina Galvani World Bank Group Art Curator
This project has been a collaborative effort among several World Bank Group teams and volunteers. Key contributors include the World Bank Family Network, External and Corporate Relations, and the Art Program and Interactive Media teams within Global Corporate Solutions.



Resources


• WBFN volunteers organizing sessions for children in CO and volunteering staff
• Registration, scanning and framing of 750 art pieces submitted
• Jury by Ritu Banga WBFN Honorary President, Joel Ssevume WBFN President Operations, Marina Galvani WBG Art Curator, and Betsy Johnson, Assistant Curator, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, selected 3 overall winners
• 47% submissions from HQ, 53% from COs
• 68 nationalities
Events
1,893 Participation
Interest group gatherings are not included
1,709 Members participated
84 Local Chapters
50+ Events- inperson and virtual








Members: 9363
New members: 860

313 activities

84 local chapters

354 volunteers

26,703 volunteer hours

3,338 staff days

2.2 million contribution to the WBG



Highlights
• Family Consultation Service (FCS)
• Raising awareness about family issues with Country Offices
• Digital Safety awareness seminar for parents and family
• Respectful Workplace Advisory Group education session on WB Family Network community benefits and resources
• Restructured Executive Committee Chairs
• Expanded community volunteering initiatives
• Men’s Corner Careers at the World Bank sessions
• Restructured Job Scan and the Professional Development Program (PDP)
• the Local Spouse Survey and the broader Spouses Survey
• Art prize- 15 locations
• Navigating Transitions and resources for Third Culture Kids
• Spouse Issues Committee (SPIC) – 2 members assisted, and $2500 funds disbursed through the WBFN Barry McIsaac Emergency Funds
• Member of WBG Domestic Abuse Prevention Program Advisory Committee (DAPP)
• Ongoing work in conjunction with DAPP/HSD on access to benefit information for spouses Spouse Issues
• Welcoming Information session
• Career Lab Cycle 1
• Career Lab Cycle 2
• Finding Short-Term Consultancies
• Men’s Corner
• WBG Careers
• Navigating International Transitions and Raising Third Culture Kids Hybrid Welcoming Information Session
Virtual Career Lab
- Tools To Move (TTM) ToolsToMove.org
- Essential Information Seminars All sessions recorded on our YouTube channel Worldwide Access to Programs and Thematic Sessions via Webex and Zoom Thematic sessions
Reinforced Communication Resources
- Parenting Now platform website
- Family Consultation Service 202 458 5550
- Relocation EXPO and briefing event for DC members
- Mosaic Collaborative Art Project
- Communication Strategy defined
- Website enhancement
- Social platforms reapproached
- Presidents’ message monthly to all members
- Targeted and user-friendly messaging using audio/visuals (E-mail, Telegram, WhatsApp groups)
- Updates of Social Media Guidelines
- Working with IT of WBG for user friendly and much needed media platforms
Hybrid Office
- Staff meetings: Weekly in-office inperson/Team – Hybrid way of working

- Worldwide: Virtual once a monthleveraging virtual for better building connections with Worldwide
- Monthly strategy meeting with EC chairs and team leads
- EC: Once a month
Program
Beverly Brar


It makes all the difference to have a friendly face welcoming you when you are new to a country!

Special Advisor to the Presidents for WW program
Cat Mathieu WBFN Team Lead HQ

RC: South& East Africa (SEA)

Laurent Cinot RC Team Leader West & Central Africa/ Middle East & North Africa (WCA/MENA)

RC: Latin America + Caribbean

Natcha Thawesaengskulthai EC Chair


Yvonne Quahe Co-Lead HQ

RC: Europe, Central Asia (ECA), North Africa (WCA/MENA)
Tope BTG Benga EC Co-Chair

RC: South Asia (SA) & Middle East

RC: East Asia & Pacific (EAP)
WBFN Member in Country Office


1709+ participants

150+ volunteers

4,010 volunteer hours

• 137+ families relocated with direct support from RCs and LCs, local WhatsApp onboarding, and integration assistance.
• 50+ global events across 6 regions, ranging from wellness talks and cultural celebrations to education-focused collaborations.
• Partnerships for Innovation and Family Support: Collaborated with CSII Bangkok to explore expat family engagement through education and innovation, while advancing projects like earthquake preparedness in Jakarta and MMEG support in Pakistan and Indonesia

• Asia: Celebrated cultural unity with festive gatherings and coffee meetups.
• South Asia: Advanced social good through village walks and school donations.
• Africa: Promoted wellness and rebuilt chapters with new LCs and mindset coaching.
• Europe: Empowered newcomers via career events, arts clubs, and wellness sessions.
• Latin America: Inspired creativity with Children’s Art Prize in 4 countries.
• MENA: Strengthened community through new leadership and re-engagement.

• 1,709+ participants, 4,010 volunteer hours, 150+ volunteers
• 105+ Local Connectors supported by 6 Regional Connectors, covering 170+ countries
• New LC Excel database and clear role definitions for sustainable leadership and communication
• Better onboarding & belonging: Tailored relocation and wellness support eased transitions.
• Post-COVID chapter recovery: Revived local engagement in WCA, SA, and beyond Sustainable structure: Stronger global governance and tools to expand our inclusive network






































“I came for the welcoming session because I was looking for a community of people who understood what it meant to move to a foreign country and start over. The team did an amazing job of explaining the administrative offerings and speaking with others gave me helpful tips from their learned experiences.”



25 activities

278 participants

18 volunteers

799 volunteer hours





I feel that I am a renewed career person. I have learned so much skills that I have never used before. VCL has inspired me to improve more.
It made my mind clear about what I should be pursuing as a professional with a career living abroad and also be flexible to move and go on; it also helped discussing with my husband how we should equilibrate both career and personal life fulfilling; give lots of tools to tackle a resume and an interview. Thank you very much.
Quote from Career Lab Alumni










• Creating a mobility mindset
• Building flexibility
• Adopting a growth mindset
• Ensuring employability


Career Support and Networking


Skill-building and Information
Alumni Groups

Career Lab
Alumni Network Entrepreneurs Network


Participants
• 76% Female; 24% Male
• 60% Masters and PHD
• 33% Bachelors
• 7% Some College Education, no Degree

• Career Lab Alumni Network (CLAN) 544 Alumni
• Career Lab Facebook Community — 296 Members
• CLAN WhatsApp Group – 183 Members

• Career Lab redesigned and delivered virtually since May 2020
• Virtual Career Lab attended by WBFN members in 7 countries
• From the 53 responses of the annual survey, 66% have jobs or selfemployed.

Volunteer Engagement Team






“Since joining the WBFN, my experience has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to expand my skills through a variety of projects, while also growing alongside exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds. The strong relationships I’ve built and the vibrant community I’ve become a part of have made this journey deeply enriching.
Quote from WBFN volunteer

37 One on One Meetings

6 volunteers total FY

333 volunteer hours

Resources



• MMS Database
• One on One meetings with potential volunteers
• Engaging with volunteers at the office
• Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
• Daily Support to WBFN teams and Special Events
• Collaboration with Volunteering within the Community
• An increasing number of new members willing to volunteer
• Gathering more volunteers around the office and WBFN activities





The objectives of the RM teams are to:
• Establish effective knowledge management processes.
• Conduct regular assessment and program evaluations and continuously utilize data to improve programs and activities.
• Maintain and enhance the membership database to improve data quality in terms of accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.




Supporting teams to optimize the effectiveness of our operations and resources

Supporting WBFN teams and events

12 volunteers

772 volunteer hours




50th Monitoring & Evaluation
• Standard of Practice and Key Knowledge by programs and events
• WBFN Events Google Calendar
• WBFN Google Drive for collaboration





• Conducted 41 surveys
• Statistics about events organized by HQ





Data Management & Analytics
• 28,000 records
• Updated with info from the WB HR system
• Updates from Country Offices through WorldWide Connectors








62 communication channels

volunteers

1149 volunteer hours
Marketing
• GCS Expo
• Global Mobility Expo
• MMEG booth
• TSP article on Kiosk
• YouTube
• Telegram and WhatsApp

One Voice, One Message!
Social Media

Editorial
Committee
Design
• Creative layouts
• Videos (PDP and Interest groups)
Digital Communications
• Digital Media
• WebMagazine
• Content Editor



• 4360+ Followers on LinkedIn
• 74 Posts on LinkedIn

• 79 Video on YouTube One Voice, One Message!
• 2100+ Page likes on Facebook
• 2400+ Followers on Facebook
• 245 Posts on Facebook
• monthly worldwide highlights

Best performing FB posts Support via WhatsApp groups Visibility inside WBG – Kiosk article
80% of our audience reached on FB


46 chat groups (HQ and CO)


1300+ in September TSP article
1000+ visits for Art Prize



One Voice, One Message!

Web Magazine
• 12 articles
• Theme – One square at a time - a community mosaic mural (highest readership)
• Popular - Mobile Careers, Relocation tips



Digital Media
Content Editor
• Annual meeting Presentation
• Annual Report
• @-a-glance; 7995 subscribers
• Websites - WBFN, Book Project, Tools To Move
• Quality assurance of website content


Empowering our members with the knowledge and skills to navigate their new virtual environment


130 hours of instruction

13 activities

864 participants-

3 volunteers Info Seminars

75 volunteer hours

I attended one of the offered information seminars, and I found it extremely helpful. I would recommend other members to take advantage of these seminars as well.


Quote from member
• Alternative Visa Options for G4
• Pension Plan
• US Estate Planning and Taxation
• US Income Tax for G-4 Visa Holders
• US Work Authorization
• Year End Income Tax Planning
• Security Awareness Briefings
• Cyber Security Session
• Navigating International Transitions and Raising TCK’s
Top 3 topics that received over 200 registrations with 25% from CO
Visa Options for G4
Work Authorization
Income Tax Seminar




“It was wonderful to learn about the Men's Group during the welcoming session. It serves as a valuable support network for men in similar situations.
Quote from a Member Men at WBFN

22 activities

55 participants

7 volunteers

78 volunteer hours



“The social events, like the bowling sessions, are also a great way to socialize and connect with other men. I value the meaningful relationships I have developed through these gatherings. Additionally, the WhatsApp forum is a valuable resource for seeking help and advice on various topics.
Quote from Ronald Owora, Member Men at WBFN









Members’ Corner- Feedback from the participants:
“Many thanks to the knowledgeable team for answering all my questions. Looking forward to seeing you again”.





26 activities

1,245 participants


110 volunteers

397 volunteer hours
Youth Programs (TSP) Disabilities Program
Family Programs

Children's Holiday Party
FY 25

Disabilities Program

Children's Holiday Party (CHP)



I now know that anyone can be a leader, and I will strive to be more confident in myself and not doubt myself. Thank you for offering this program, it led me in the right direction! I wouldn't change anything!


Quote from Youth Leadership participant

15 activities

783 participants


1880 volunteer hours 90 volunteers
https://www.wbfn.org/page/disabilities-program

• Recording of previous Educational seminars


• Connect families
• Connect to services or organizations
Resource Database
• Key organizations and programs
• Health resources
• Schools
• Sport and art activities








“I joined the Fiber Arts group after the Interest Groups Informational Fair held in the WBFN office in November. Group members warmly welcomed me, and they encouraged me in my work. I enjoyed visiting together the textile Museum and the Palestinian embroidery exhibition. They inspire me, and I am glad to be part of this lovely group.”
Quote from Fiber Arts group participant
• Arab-Indian Book Club
• African Book Club
• English Literature Group
• Wandering Winners Investment Club
• Mah-Jong Interest Group
• Mindfulness Group

• Storytelling Group
• The Fiber Arts Group*
• Creative Kitchen
• Moms and moms to be
• Volunteering within the Community
*Quilts and other crafts produced have been donated to fundraisers in the local communities
New initiatives are always welcome!



The WBFN Book Project’s gallery of Marvelous Volunteers is ever-fluctuating, but all team members power through and give their all!
“You will find those happy faces from the public schools, kindergartens, book clubs, libraries who received their big boxes of books with full of excitement and appreciation…It is so wonderful to see how this charity work helped Mongolian children and their educational path. I would like to appreciate all the staffs who contributed to this great work, million thanks to all.”
Ganzul and Zula, Sponsors of a 40’ donation to Mongolia in 2017

20-35 volunteers

3,200 hours

2 large and 3 small shipments


The BP’s buddies in the Shipping Department take away the Ghana shipment…


Children in Pinut-an Elementary School, So. Leyte, Philippines, recipients of a small shipment.
Faculty and students at the University of Health and Applied Science, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana Recipients of a 40’ container from the WBFN Book Project
...to the Landover crew, and the container is on its way!


BP Volunteers sorting and packing for a shipment.


• The BP Team roster was more fluid than in previous years, with many volunteers staying for shorter periods. Each one, however, was enthusiastic while with us and their contributions are very much appreciated.


• Two large shipments were completed – a 40’ container to Ghana, and a 20’to Cameroon
• Three small shipments were completed – one to Bolivia, one to Nigeria, and one to the Philippines
Our commitment
• Supporting sustainable environmental recycling. Continuing emphasis on literacy opportunity for girls as well as boys.
• Supporting Shipment Sponsors facing challenges in their recipient countries.


Improve the lives of women and children by supporting the higher education of exceptional women from developing countries who will catalyze change.



103volunteers

7250hours

38 grantees
Empowering women




• 5 Virtual Grantee get-togethers
• 1 In-person kick-off event for Selection Committees
• 5 Selection Committee presentations
• 1 International Arts & Craft Market
• 1 Photo Competition
• 1 Volunteer Appreciation
• 4 MMEG Talks (3 Virtual & 1 in-person)
• 3 Outside Events (Coin sorting with BFCU staff volunteers, Celebrating International Women's Day with Yas Media)
• 12 grantees South Africa program
• 10 grantees Latin America program
• 10 grantees US/Canada program
• 3 grantees France program
• 3 grantees Trinity WU program
• Donations (including CCC and IMF’s Giving Together matching): $227,760 (Jul –March)
• International Arts & Crafts Market: $56,491
• Institutional Donations: $86,000 (BFCU, WBFN, Ernst & Young, University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University)
• Partners: 1% For the Planet, WB Sustainable Development Unit, Agribusiness and Forestry, IFC




The Family Network has partnered with many departments at the World Bank, and...
IFC-International Finance Corporation
Global Corporate Solutions (GCS)
Shipment
Food and Conference Services
Multimedia
Printing Security
Staff Services
Art Program
Fitness Center
Health & Safety Directorate (HSD)
Domestic Abuse Prevention Program
Field and Travel Health
Occupational Health
Mental Health and Wellbeing
People and Culture Department (PaC)
Data Privacy Office
Legal Institutional Administration (LEGIA)
Multicultural Families Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG)
Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS)
IT Security and Information Services (ITSIS)
Ethics and Internal Justice (EIJ)
Pension Administration
Staff Association
GLOBE
Respectful Workplace Advisors Program (RWA)
WBG External and Corporate Relations (ECR)
1818 Society
... reached out to many sister organizations to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build a better community of spouses and partners..
AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
CASE - Center for Adoption Support and Education
FIGT – Families in Global Transition
IDBFA – Inter-American Development Bank Family Association
IMFFA – International Monetary Fund Family Association
SPAN- Safe Passage Across Networks
UNLESA –United Nations Local Expat Spouse Association
UNWG – United Nations Women Guild
UNDP - United Nations Development Program
Foreign Service Institute, US Department of State
Habitat for Humanity
And a special mention to the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union (BFSFCU) for their sustained support, advice, seminars, and contributions

Sandipa Basnyat President

Mary Abigail Cornelio Member-at-Large

Joel Ssevume President Operations

Radu Bujoreanu Member-at-Large


Milka Njiraini Member-at-Large

Armine Vardanyan Member-at-Large Natcha Thawesaengskulthai Member-at-Large

Edith Bonwo Member-at-Large

Gisele Youmbi Member-at-Large

Balogun Gbenga Member-at-Large

Rest Reuben Mchome Member-at-Large

Ana Rakic
Nominating Chair



Joel Ssevume President

Amy Chamberlain Member-at-Large

Milka Njiraini President Operations

Michael Hals Member-at-Large

Natcha Thawesaengskulthai Member-at-Large

Taoufik Benjelloun Member-at-Large

Edith Bonwo Member-at-Large

Vijayshree Modak
Nominating Chair


Nominating Chair

Gebremaryam
Nominating Committee Member


Nominating Committee Member
Nominating Committee Member


Joel Ssevume President

Operations
Dear Member,

Welcome to FY25!

We extend a heartfelt thanks to our volunteers worldwide for their unwavering commitment.
With a dedicated Executive Committee for 2024-2025, our mission remains steadfast — to welcome, support, and advocate for WB families worldwide. As we start this term, we recognize your evolving needs and the changing demographics. Your stories of resilience resonate deeply, and we pledge to continue providing unwavering support.
Your voice is crucial. We are committed to improving communication and understanding your preferences, fostering stronger connections and meeting your needs.
Join us as we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and build a vibrant WBFN community.
We are dedicated to supporting dual career couples and facilitating career transitions. Your trust is invaluable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
Warm regards,
Joel Ssevume, President Milka Njiraini , President Operations
This year, we will focus on enhancing Partner Development and building strong relationships with Country Offices globally, ensuring every member feels welcomed and valued.
Together, let's make a meaningful impact. Your ideas and feedback will shape dynamic programs, encourage collaboration, celebrate your contributions, and unlock your full potential within WBFN.


World Bank Family Network
WBFN Mailing Address
1818 H Street NW, MSN MC4-410 Washington, DC 20433
WBFN Office Location
1818 H Street, NW, Room MC4-200 Washington DC, 20006
www.wbfn.org familynetwork@worldbank.org 202-473-8751