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

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Remarks at Plenary Session, Third International Conference on Financing for Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 13, 2015

( 2015-07-13) Kim, Jim Yong

Remarks delivered by Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, discuss building on Ethiopia’s legacy by presenting the world with a shared vision for substantially increasing funding for the world’s poor. He talks about the need to be bold, creative, form strong partnerships, and find new resources to meet our goals of reducing poverty in the world. He talks about how the funding we leverage means more children will be educated, more patients will be treated, and more vital services will be provided. He concludes that we are part of a growing global movement that is the first generation in humankind that can end extreme poverty.
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.
Press Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, September 6, 2012

( 2012-09-06) Gordhan, Pravin ; Kim, Jim Yong ; Diop, Makhtar

Pravin Gordhan, South African Finance Minister, summarized the nature of the meetings held with ministers and deputies. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, discusses that gender and equity is critical for sustainable economic development, as are good jobs for youth. He believes that along with the South African government, social inclusion and economic growth, especially in the private sector, are not mutually exclusive. The Bank is focused around this issue, and so the Bank needs to figure out a way to be the most effective organization in ending poverty and boosting prosperity. South Africa needed energy in order for the economy to grow and provide good jobs. The Bank is working with the government on many clean energy projects. Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa, joined Gordhan and Kim in answering questions. Issues included South Africa’s infrastructure program, inclusive growth, new directions at the Bank, energy options, the euro crisis, mining, pension plans and other social infrastructure, the Bank’s budget for Africa. Kim stated that Africa is one of his absolute top priorities.
Foreign Aid: Challenges and Opportunities

( 2006-07-31) Wolfowitz, Paul

Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, discussed Africa’s challenge to unleash the energy of the people, and give people the opportunity to improve their lives themselves. He talked about the challenge of corruption. He appreciated Africa for improving policies to make it easier for new businesses to take off and for businesses that are established to expand. Africans are taking a lead in helping their continent turn the corner, and donors are raising the bar for development assistance to try to ensure that every dollar is used to create a healthier, better-educated, more prosperous Africa. Governance is taken seriously, with performance-based aid strengthening anti-corruption efforts.
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.