The White House on Friday announced the creation of a “Peace Council” as part of US President Donald Trump’s plan to oversee the interim administration of Gaza, and released the names of the council’s members. The board, which Trump is expected to chair, also includes Indian-origin World Bank Group president Ajay Banga.
The announcement comes as deadly violence continues in the Palestinian territories, even as a fragile ceasefire that came into effect in October remains in place. Sporadic clashes and ongoing security concerns underscore the region’s instability.
Here’s everything you need to know about Indian-origin member of the Peace Council Ajay Banga.
From education to previous roles — All about Banga
Ajay Singh Banga, 66, is the 14th president of the World Bank Group. Former US President Joe Biden nominated him to head the World Bank in February 2023. His appointment for a five-year term was confirmed in May 2023, and he assumed the position of President of the World Bank Group on 2 June 2023.
The World Bank executive earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1981 from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He later pursued a postgraduate management program, equivalent to an MBA, at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.
He started his professional career as an intern at Nestlé India and over the next 13 years worked his way up to several senior sales and marketing positions within the company.
In 1994, he joined PepsiCo as head of marketing for its snacks division in India. He later moved to Citigroup’s global consumer banking division and eventually became CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific in 2008.
Prior to his appointment as President of the World Bank, Banga was elected President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 2020.
Banga life away from his profession
Banga was born in Khadki, a small town in Maharashtra, India, to a Sikh family. His father served as an officer in the Indian Army, so the family kept moving around the country, according to details available on Investopedia.
He is married to Ritu Banga who also graduated from IIM Ahmedabad. Ritu is herself involved in education and business and is often spotted with Ajay Banga at various events.
What is the purpose of the ‘Board of Peace’?
The creation of the “Board of Peace” aims to implement the second phase of Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which includes a 20-point plan to bring peace, stability, reconstruction and prosperity to the region, according to an official statement from the White House.
The specialized council will work to implement all 20 points of the President’s plan, provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources and ensure accountability in Gaza’s transition from conflict to peace and development.
The White House did not detail the duties of each member of the “founding executive council.” The names also do not include any Palestinians. The White House announced on Friday that additional members would be announced in the coming weeks, Reuters reported.