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

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Remarks by World Bank Group President David Malpass to the Europe Institute at the University of Zurich

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2022-05-16) Malpass, David

These remarks were delivered by World Bank Group President David Malpass to the Europe Institute at the University of Zurich. He discusses on: Churchill symposium; Ukraine, refugees, and fragility; energy realignment; inflation, debt, and growth; the challenge of global public goods; and Swiss partnership.
Statement at the High-Level Roundtable on Humanitarian Financing

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2016-05-23) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim , World Bank Group President, spoke about how United Nations and the World Bank Group have made significant progress in working together to help the poor and the vulnerable. He discussed increasing the impact of humanitarian action in the face of new threats, such as climate change, pandemics and an unprecedented refugee crisis. He suggested three ways in which the World Bank Group and all the multilateral development banks can work together, especially in protracted humanitarian responses: First, produce new data and evidence to promote a risk-based approach, prevent crises and respond to the needs of refugees and host countries; Second, embrace the power of leveraging public funds for greater impact; Third, explore tying this funding to specific outcomes in addressing protracted humanitarian crises.
Tackling Corruption to Create a More Just and Prosperous World

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2016-05-12) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, spoke about how corruption poses an enormous obstacle to economic and social development, and the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030. He defined corruption as stealing from the poor. The Bank that has zero tolerance for corruption, has opened itself to scrutiny, and is influencing governments and the private sector to take wide-ranging steps to prevent corruption. He gave few inputs on a new agenda that draws on citizens’ demands for transparency and accountability, an agenda that draws on all partners and available tools as follows: First, we must continue to push for more information and greater transparency involving public funds; Second, we must use innovation and technology to drive change around the world. Third, we must do more to get citizens and the private sector involved; And finally, successful anti-corruption efforts must feature a broad coalition of leaders both inside and outside of government, working together. He saluted and strongly supported Prime Minister Cameron’s call for a coordinated global effort to fight corruption.
Remarks at Thomson Reuters Newsmaker Event, London, U.K., June 19, 2013

( 2013-06-19) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, discusses climate change as being a fundamental threat to economic development and the fight against poverty. He releases the new climate change report “Climate Extremes: Regional Impacts and the Case for Resilience” which talks about the challenges we’d be facing if the global temperature rose by two degrees Celsius. He talks about developing tools that help countries better assess and adapt to climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions tracking, helping countries become more energy-efficient, and advising them on building more climate-resilient infrastructure. He speaks about working with partners on building low-carbon climate-resilient cities, transforming the way to maximize productivity and resilience and doubling global renewable energy and efficiency. In conclusion, he says that the world needs to find innovative ways to set an appropriate price on carbon and roll back fossil fuel subsidies. He fielded questions on the U.N. climate policy process, corruption in lending to Africa, the role of China in slowing emissions, the role of bilateral agreements, getting youth involved, energy efficiency in the United States, and barriers to investment in low carbon industries.
Climate Change Represents Real, Present Danger

( 2013-02-16) Kim, Jim Yong

The President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, pointed to the serious consequences to global economic outlook of failing to tackle the challenges of climate change. He remarked that the risks associated with climate change could threaten international peace and security. The Bank is stepping up mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk management work.
What’s Next for Russia’s Economic Future and Global Role?

( 2013-02-14) Kim, Jim Yong

President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, discusses Russia's economy and it's global role. The collaboration between Russian experts and international partners brought the tuberculosis epidemic in Tomsk under control. Local successes like in Tomsk can be scaled up to become part of a global solution. Continuous learning is at the heart of these solutions. Russia is known worldwide for its educational system, for pushing the boundaries of science, and for applying what we call the “science of delivery” to many issues. What is next for Russia’s Economic Future? What is the strategy for replacing oil and gas that currently account for two-thirds of the country’s exports? Russia needs to diversify to an innovation-based economy. There are signs of success in Russia’s regions. The Bank’s 20-year collaboration with Russia’s regions shows that our partnership has evolved over time into a strong engagement. The Bank needs Russia as a global development partner.
New Partnership in Global Development Finance

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2010-02-17) Zoellick, Robert B.

Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank Group, discussed these topics: a new, more globalized world; global aid architecture; the World Bank and a new multilateralism; and Russia’s role in development. One of the strategic challenges for the World Bank Group is to contribute to the m modernization of multilateralism. This week’s “Moscow Process” can spark a broader international dialogue with new development partners. Finance is most effective if blended with shared experience -- knowledge and learning -- customized to fit local needs. The Bank’s new access to information policy sets a new standard for multilateral organizations.
Remarks at Education Conference, Brussels, May 2, 2007

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2007-05-02) Wolfowitz, Paul

Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, spoke about Education for All being at the forefront of the development agenda. He spoke about four pillars to improve the education: (i) More aid: Education for all; (ii) Better aid: Quality of education that ensure the financial resources to align behind developing countries polices and strategies; (iii) Faster aid: New aid instruments and aid delivery mechanisms need to be used to ensure that resources are channeled fast to the local levels, where they are most needed; and (iv) Long-term predictable aid: Developing countries cannot develop comprehensive sector-wide strategies without being able to rely on foreign aid for more than 2 or 3 years. Moving forward, the World Bank will continue to expand our support for countries with good policies and help them build capacity.
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.
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.