Los Angeles, CA – February 25, 2021 — It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Mr. Joseph K. Grieboski, Head of the Global Bank North American Representative Office, on February 24th at his home in Alexandria, VA.  

Under the leadership of Grieboski, the Permanent Delegations of Global Bank in North America has served as center for Global Bank activities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, strengthening relations and promoting cooperation between the Global Bank and the host countries and development partners. For Grieboski, the Global Bank was extension of both his ministry and his legacy.

Ron Nechemia, President of the Global Bank Group shared this about Grieboski’s untimely passing, “Our entire Global Bank Group family mourns this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s wife, Tracy, and his family. Our deepest sympathies go out to all who loved him,” Nechemia continued, “Joe devoted his career to justice and freedom for all, and he did so with tremendous leadership, passion, and wisdom. He was a very special someone I could always turn to for counsel.” Bob McCarthy, Chief of Staff, Head of the Global Bank North American Representative Office added, “Joe was a humble leader, caring mentor, and loyal friend. He worked tirelessly to ensure people around the globe could worship as they please. Ever the champion for downtrodden, persecuted, and underprivileged, he focused his energy to provide long-term and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most urgent issues.”

Grieboski’s lifelong commitment to humankind has been extraordinary. At just 24 he founded THE INSTITUTE on Religion and Public Policy, a well-respected and world-renowned non-governmental organization at the forefront of religious freedom advocacy. Many years and several Nobel Peace Prize nominations later, Grieboski became an internationally recognized expert in religious freedom, national security, counter-extremism, human rights, and conflict transformation. From confidence-building programs in Darfur to post-conflict reconstruction in Kosovo, from track-three diplomacy efforts in North Korea and Iran to minority protection and reintegration in Iraq and Afghanistan, from authoring countless laws for numerous countries to securing the successful release of hostages and prisoners, Grieboski stood at the forefront of some of the most crucial and sensitive issues in the world.

While the world has lost an irreplaceable advocate and crusader, those who knew him have lost a beloved confidante, hero, and source of inspiration. “We can never replace Joe’s brilliance or leadership,” said Nechemia, “but we will honor him by continuing his passion for humanity.”