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

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Human Capital in the 21st Century

( 2014-11-04) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, discusses the Ebola epidemic as continuing as a serious threat, not only in terms of human lives, especially in the three most affected countries - Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra, but to the regional and global economies as well. He then addressed educational reform. To promote inclusive growth, the World Bank Group works to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge and support countries in investing in the productivity and skills of their people. Taking on new challenges, solving problems creatively, and working across different backgrounds and cultures, will be important tasks for the vast majority of human beings in the 21st century. He discussed shortcomings of Korea’s educational system.
Speech at the Official Launch of the Green Climate Fund Secretariat, Songdo, Korea, December 4, 2013

( 2013-12-04) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, called this an extremely important day. Man-made climate change is real and is having a significant impact-- an increasing impact. We are convinced that there is no way that we will be able to end poverty by 2030, without tackling climate change in the most serious manner. He praised the Green Climate Fund as a source of enormous optimism and hope in the fight against climate change, and said the Fund was an "historic opportunity" to protect future generations.
A Dynamic Partnership in New Frontiers – Africa

( 2013-12-03) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, called the country "an exceptional example of an aid recipient turned donor" and urged business leaders to invest in Africa to help millions of Africans emerge from poverty, while also finding strong economic returns in new markets. It used to be that if you wanted to do something around development, the focus was on official development assistance, foreign aid. Korea is one of the countries that benefited tremendously from foreign assistance. The World Bank made many investments in the Republic of Korea and to a great extent some of the greatest successes were related to the relationship between the Republic of Korea and the World Bank Group. For countries to have the same experience that Korea has had--going from one of the poorest countries in the world to now being the 14th largest economy in the world--the private sector will have to play a critically important role.
Address to the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., March 25, 1998

( 1998-03-25) Wolfensohn, James D.

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.
Address Presenting the Fifth Annual Report

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 1950-09-08) Black, Eugene R.

Eugene R. Black, President of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, spoke about the war in Korea and the repercussions around the world. He discussed how much progress was being made in Europe in hammering out new patterns of production and trade to replace and improve prewar patterns that cannot be restored. He also said that with the cooperation of the members, Bank can aid, in creating confidence and the kind of economic environment which will encourage productive investment, both local and foreign, private and public. He examined some of the steps underdeveloped nations must take in order to effectively translate aid into concrete development.