As the World Bank prepares to introduce a new five-year country partnership strategy for Nepal, the World Bank Group has appointed David Sislen as its new Country Director for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Sislen replaces Faris Hadad-Zervos who will move to a different role within the World Bank Group. 

A dual national of the US and Italy, Sislen joined the World Bank in 2001 as an Economist in the Urban Cluster Unit. Over the years, he has held various operational and managerial positions across different regions, most recently serving as Practice Manager for Urban, Disaster Risk Management, and Land in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in Washington, DC. 

“I am eager to begin my new role and engage with our stakeholders and partners,” said Sislen. “My primary focus will be leading strategic discussions to shape and implement operational initiatives aligned with the Bank’s objectives of speed, scale, and impact, in close collaboration with governments, development partners, and diverse stakeholders.” Sislen will oversee the World Bank's activities in the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, encompassing a portfolio valued at approximately $4.8 billion.