International Bank Notes, 1948

Based on historical materials in the Archives’ collection, Bank staff began observing April Fool’s Day as early as 1948. This is a cartoon from "International Bank Notes", April 1, 1948. 

Wikipedia: April Fool's Day

Bank's Wordy, 1989

This cartoon on the cover of the April 1989 issue of “Bank’s Wordy” depicts the reaction of staff to then-President Conable’s March 17, 1989 announcement about the rehabilitation of the Main Complex buildings. The project involved replacing A, B, C and F buildings with a new structure that incorporated D and E buildings. Staff anticipated it would take years to complete this work.

World Bank Archives: Buildings of the World Bank

Bank Swirled, 1999

This Traveler’s Health Information memo, “Traveling to a Post-Conflict Zone”, was included in “Bank Swirled” in April 1999. It is a spoof of the Joint Bank/Fund Health Services Department newsletter that provided very thorough instructions for dealing with every possible situation that might occur when staff are on mission.

Bank Swirled, 2000

This advertisement was included in the April 2000 issue of “Bank Swirled”. The ad pokes fun at the stereotypical view of the World as an arrogant, egocentric institution, a view the Bank continues to try to counter.