10. Speeches of World Bank Presidents [collection under construction]
376 items available
Permanent URI for this collection
Sub-collections of this Collection
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A. Speeches by David R. Malpass (2019 to present) -
B. Speeches by Jim Yong Kim (2012-19) -
C. Speeches by Robert B. Zoellick (2007-12) -
D. Speeches by Paul Wolfowitz (2005-07) -
E. Speeches by James D. Wolfensohn (1995-2005) -
F. Speeches by Lewis Preston (1991-95) -
G. Speeches by Barber Conable (1986-91) -
H. Speeches by Alden W. Clausen (1981-86) -
I. Speeches by Robert S. McNamara (1968-81) -
J. Speeches by George Woods (1963-68)
Items in this collection
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Publication
Transparency in Extractive Industries
( 2006-10-16)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
Address to the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., March 25, 1998
( 1998-03-25)James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group discussed the financial crisis in Asia which began with the emergence of the Thailand crisis. The history of Asian economic and social development has been one of enormous achievement. Since 1975 the number of people living in poverty has been reduced from 700 million to 340 million (roughly 20 percent of the population)—no small achievement. Generally, the region has had strong economic growth. Life expectancy has gone up significantly, while infant mortality has gone down significantly. Primary school enrollment approaches 100 percent. Fiscal management has been remarkable. What changed? We have a crisis now caused by private sector excesses, and to a degree government inaction in the area of supervision. The Bank is focusing on two things: reformation of the financial system, in terms of trying to get the regulation and control that is now being demanded by the Asian authorities themselves; and the impact on the people. Wolfensohn fielded a number of questions from the audience. -
Publication
Accountants and Society: Serving the Public Interest
( 1997-10-26)James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, discussed how accountants can best serve the public interest. Over the last 15 years, the Bank have seen freedom blossom and with it an expanded role for civil society. Today five billion people live in a market system - up from 1 billion a decade ago. Lack of institutional capacity, poor governance, and public sector management remain major impediments to growth and development. The Bank is holding anti-corruption seminars and workshops for parliamentarians and journalists; making sure that our own processes meet the highest standards of transparency and propriety; and pushing ahead with deregulation, institutional, and policy reform. The Bank can and is working to improve accounting and auditing capacity building, in Ghana, Zambia, China, Pakistan, and Indonesia among others.