D. Speeches by Paul Wolfowitz (2005-07)

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Paul Wolfowitz served as 10th President of the World Bank Group from 2005 to 2007.

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  • Publication
    Roundtable Discussion on Economic Development, Georgia State, GA, December 11, 2006
    (2006-12-11) Wolfowitz, Paul; Young, Andrew
    Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, and Ambassador Andrew Young engaged in a roundtable discussion on economic development, moderated by Dean Bahl of Georgia State. Wolfowitz has made Africa the first priority of the Bank. There is really a chance for Africa to turn the corner. It’s going to have to start with the best performers, doing what the so-called Tigers did in East Asia, showing the way for other countries. Young said you can make more money honestly in a growing economy, than you can steal in a dying economy. Wolfowitz gave examples of the turnaround in Africa. Africa needs an environment where foreign investment support and local domestic investment is even more important.
  • Publication
    Transparency in Extractive Industries
    (2006-10-16) Wolfowitz, Paul
    Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, discussed the fight against poverty during the last 20 years, during which East Asian countries have made progress, but Sub-Saharan African poverty has doubled. Oil revenues far exceed official development assistance. Yet for some countries it has been more of a curse than a blessing. Corruption and waste has led to distorted economies and demoralized societies in which government power has become an object of plunder leading to civil war and social chaos. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) aims to improve governance in resource-rich countries through disclosure and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining. It focuses on transparency, which is one important aspect of governance—but it is an important step towards transforming resources into real development impact, to real effect on the lives of the poor. He spoke about EITI process still facing many challenges ahead. If EITI is to succeed, it must engage every group that has a stake in the country’s future. EITI process requires governments to significantly increase their capacity while coping with other pressing demands. Making EITI succeed means going beyond just EITI in making revenues more transparent. We need to begin a vigorous effort in the area of helping countries recover stolen assets. For most countries EI revenues by themselves will not be enough by themselves to guarantee higher living standards for all citizens. We must do everything we can to help these countries transform their wealth into a brighter future for every citizen.
  • Publication
    On the Occasion of Georgia's Second Anniversary of the Rose Revolution
    (2005-11-22) Wolfowitz, Paul
    Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, celebrated the second anniversary of the Rose Revolution in Georgia. He spoke about the evidence of reduced corruption in Georgia. Georgia had the second largest improvement in performance last year of any country in the world. In transforming its own society, Georgia sets an example for the region. He assured that Georgia can count on the World Bank Group as a committed partner. Finally, he concluded by saying that Georgian determination which shined so brightly in the Rose Revolution will continue to be a beacon supporting the Georgian ideals of freedom and prosperity.