SAN JOSÉ, July 1st 2026 - Marcela Ponce has assumed, as of July 1, the role of World Bank Group (WBG) Representative in Costa Rica, a position that unifies the institution's leadership in the country while supporting the priorities of both the public and private sectors.
Ponce, who most recently led the Sustainable Finance Program for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will represent the institution's main entities: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), IFC, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
"Costa Rica has tremendous potential to create more quality jobs and economic opportunities for its people. It is an honor to continue the World Bank Group's long-standing partnership with the country and to work alongside the government and the private sector to accelerate investments that generate jobs and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy," said Ponce.
The WBG Country Partnership Framework with Costa Rica will continue to serve as the roadmap guiding the institution's engagement with the country. The World Bank's active portfolio in Costa Rica totals approximately US$1.5 billion across seven operations covering areas such as fiscal management, climate resilience, social inclusion, education, and sustainable agriculture. IFC, meanwhile, has commitments of approximately US$500 million in various sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
A Colombian national, Ponce's professional experience spans Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. At IFC, she led advisory services in sustainable finance and the Climate Finance Program, supporting financial institutions and governments in transitioning toward environmentally focused business models and regulatory frameworks. She has actively promoted public-private dialogue to advance economic development across the region. Her academic background includes an MBA and a Master's degree in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge, among other qualifications that equip her with the technical expertise and strategic vision required for her new role.
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