Dear members,
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026. We hope the season brought you rest, light, and moments of joy, whether you celebrated Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or simply time with loved ones.
As we step into a new year, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all that our community accomplished together, and an even greater excitement for what lies ahead. The start of January is not just a page on the calendar, it’s an open invitation to shape our future, to set bold goals, and to challenge ourselves in ways that will drive meaningful change.
January is also a reminder of what makes WBFN unique: a global community that shows up for one another. Across postings and time zones, we are connected by resilience and care. In a world where many are facing all kinds of hardship, from severe weather to regional crisis, our commitment is simple and powerful: check in, reach out, and keep each other close. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you at familynetwork@worldbank.org. Your experiences guide our priorities and strengthen our
collective voice.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch the Worldwide newsletter, your space to find and share practical wisdom on relocation, adjustment, and building enduring networks. You can contribute via email or through your local connector. Let’s make this a go-to resource for every stage of the global family journey.
We’re expanding our Professional Development Program in FY2026 to meet you where you are. The second cycle of the Virtual Career Lab, where you can learn how to build portable, purpose-driven careers and navigate global opportunities, now has more seats to meet demand. We are also launching a series of Thematic Skill Sessions offering focused, hands-on tools and strategies to help you thrive in a fast-changing world. These will be scheduled to include time zones beyond the United States. Watch our channels for dates and registration and sign up for the sessions that move you forward.
To all who lead, volunteer, welcome newcomers, or quietly support a neighbor, thank you. We see the pressures that geopolitics and uncertainty place on families, and we are here for you. Our door is open; if you want to connect, we’ll make the time.
Here’s to a year of community, purpose, momentum, and a testament to our collective courage and
creativity. Let’s build it together.
With optimism and resolve,
Joel and Milka