Amman: The World Bank has announced the appointment of Ms. Dahlia Khalifa as Division Director for the Middle East Department. Her new role encompasses responsibilities across Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, succeeding Mr. Jean-Christophe Carret, who held the position for the past four years. According to African Press Organization, Ms. Khalifa will be based in Amman and will lead the World Bank's strategic engagement across the five countries. She will collaborate closely with governments, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to support national priorities. Her mission aligns with the World Bank's goals to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a sustainable planet, with a focus on creating more and better jobs for all. In her capacity as Division Director, Ms. Khalifa will guide the World Bank's support in various development areas. These include private sector-led job creation, foundational infrastructure development, human capital enhancement, sust ainable and inclusive growth, governance improvement, and evidence-based policy dialogue and reform. Her oversight will extend to the provision of financing, knowledge dissemination, policy advice, and advisory services tailored to the specific needs and opportunities within each country. Ms. Khalifa joined the World Bank Group in 2004 and brings extensive expertise in development, particularly in finance, investment, and private sector advancement. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the IFC's Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, where she led investment and advisory operations. Her senior leadership roles within the Group have spanned areas including investment, climate, macroeconomics, trade, competitiveness, and youth employment.