As an expert in international finance and development organizations, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the ownership structure of the World Bank. The World Bank is not owned by a single entity but is a collective of member countries that contribute to its capital and governance. It is an international financial institution that provides financial and technical assistance to the developing world for the purpose of promoting economic development and reducing poverty.

The World Bank Group is made up of two main development institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The IBRD focuses on middle-income and creditworthy lower-income countries, while the IDA serves the poorest countries.

Ownership Structure:

1. Member Countries: The ownership of the World Bank is distributed among its member countries. Each member country has shares in the institution, and these shares determine their voting power within the organization.


2. Voting Power: The voting power is not equally distributed. The United States, for example, has the highest number of votes due to its significant financial contributions to the World Bank's capital.


3. Board of Governors: The highest decision-making body of the World Bank is the Board of Governors, which consists of one governor and one alternate from each member country. These governors are typically ministers of finance or heads of central banks.


4. Executive Directors: Day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive Directors, who are appointed by the member countries or groups of countries. The United States, for instance, appoints one Executive Director, while other countries may form constituencies and appoint a single Executive Director to represent them.


5. President: The President of the World Bank is traditionally nominated by the United States and elected by the Board of Governors. The President is the chair of the Boards of Directors and the Boards of Governors.

Funding:
The World Bank is funded through several sources:
- Paid-in Capital: This is the money that member countries actually pay into the World Bank.
- Subscriptions: Countries subscribe to shares in the World Bank, which represents their financial commitment.
- Borrowings: The World Bank also raises funds by issuing bonds in the资本市场 (capital markets).

Influence and Criticism:
While the World Bank has played a significant role in global development, it has also faced criticism for various reasons, including its approach to development projects, environmental concerns, and the influence of its most powerful members on its policies.

**United Nations and World Bank Relationship:**
It's important to note that the World Bank is not a part of the United Nations. While they both work towards the goal of global development and poverty reduction, they are separate entities with distinct mandates and governance structures.

In conclusion, the World Bank is owned collectively by its member countries, with the governance and decision-making influenced by the financial contributions of these members. The United States, as the largest contributor, has a significant influence over the institution.

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