10. Speeches of World Bank Presidents [collection under construction]

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Remarks at the Council of Foundations

( 1998-04-28) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, discussed the issues that link the United States to other countries: health, migration, trade, peace and stability, energy, food, and crime and narcotics. The responsibilities of foundations do not end with our cities and communities. The job the Bank does can only be done on the basis of partnership with the governments, with the other multilateral institutions, with the private sector, but most particularly with civil society. It is crucial that the foundation organizations in the country that have the experience, that know about volunteerism, about taking things in their own hands, diversity of interests, different points of view, and experience, should come together on the global issues.
Attracting Capital to Africa

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 1997-04-21) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, stated unequivocal financial commitment to and belief in Africa’s future. Africa is not without its problems. He noted that 200 million people live in poverty, earning under a dollar a day. The Bank is investing at the rate of nearly $3 billion a year on top of the $17 billion already put into the region. There has been a real change in the investment climate not only for international investors but also for domestic investors. It is in partnership with the private sector that Africa finds a profound opportunity to change the continent. We can help through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to provide assistance with financing and insurance against risk. The Bank is very keen to play part in assisting the flow of private sector funding. We see that Africa wants to succeed and is being led by people who want to lead their countries to success. Their optimism will be fulfilled only if there is a real partnership.
Address to the Closing Plenary Session of the Microcredit Summit

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 1997-02-04) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, noted that the Bank endorsed the effort to bring about microcredit to 100 million families. Microcredit is a very important answer to poverty. Helping the world's poor has to be a partnership between people who are linked by various things including economic opportunity and trade. A far more real reason for committing to this goal is social justice. In the next 30 years we will be one world of the same sort of people. It is the strength and dignity of the people that we are working with. The human spirit is the same: a desire for a better life, a desire for opportunity, not a desire for charity, a desire to grow, a desire to feel something in oneself, a desire to create something in the family. Central to this is the role of women, and central in responsibility is the role of education of children, particularly girl children, because it is through them that all families, be they from rich countries or poor countries, emerge. Let us work together as partners in trying to reach the 100 million goal, and in trying to leave the world a more peaceful and safer place for children.
New Directions and New Partnerships

( 1995-10-10) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, addressed the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He discussed the context in which the Bank operates today; the role of the Bank in development now, and in the coming years; what the Bank can do to achieve its objectives in an effective and accountable manner; and the Bank’s immediate and early initiatives. He called for a new IDA compact. The problem of debt overhang continues. He focused on the power of partnerships. He mentioned the need to develop an institutional culture focused on excellence and results.