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

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Fulfilling Iraq's Potential

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2016-03-26) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, noted that even in the face of substantial challenges, democracy is taking root in Iraq. He believes that Iraq’s success can bring stability and prosperity to hundreds of millions of people. He discussed three critical steps that Iraq must continue to build the foundations of an inclusive society. First, look beyond the traditional social, cultural, and geographic boundaries in Iraq. Empower all its regions, and give more capacity to local government, all the way to the municipal level. Second, Iraq needs to diversify its economy. Third, Iraq needs to put its economic house in order, reducing waste of precious resources, strengthening accountability, and undertaking important, necessary reforms. In the energy sector, for example, reforms must address subsidies which contribute to chronic and pervasive shortages of electricity. He concluded by saying that through war, violence and strife, the Iraqi people have shown the world the meaning of resistance, resilience, courage, and nobility.
Remarks at the World Government Summit

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2016-02-08) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, remarked that for more than 60 years, the World Bank Group has been working with governments in developing counties to reduce poverty and promote human dignity. Good governance is the foundation for all development. Delivering quality public services and creating conditions that encourage businesses to create jobs are fundamental to building opportunity and prosperity for all. The global landscape suggests that reaching these objectives won’t be easy. Economic growth, the most powerful poverty reduction force the world has ever known, is slowing globally. Many emerging markets are suffering sharp reductions in growth because of declining demand from China and lower commodity prices. Warmer temperatures potentially linked to climate change made 2015 the hottest year in history; and the most powerful El Niño on record is affecting the lives and livelihoods of billions across the globe. Many parts of the world are becoming more fragile, making quality leadership and good governance ever more important.
Remarks at MENA Stakeholders Event, Lima, Peru, October 10, 2015

( 2015-10-10) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group discusses conflicts that have caused a devastating amount of violence and destruction, severely affecting the livelihoods of millions of people, and creating destabilizing effects at the global level. He talks about the World Bank Group's new strategy to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Middle East and North Africa. He speaks about blending grant resources from donors with lending from multilateral development banks in order to provide concessional-level financing to middle-income countries that are hosting refugees. In conclusion he said that we must work together to mobilize support for the millions of children, women, and men who are victims and hostages of war, and to demonstrate our common commitment to help them survive these conflicts, and create a better life once the guns fall silent.