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

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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.
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.
Address to the International Labour Conference, June 13, 1997

(World Bank, Washington, DC, 1997-06-13) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, discusses the relationship, which has been going on for years between the Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO), has indeed been deepened and strengthened. The Bank has established some work programs, including joint studies on reform of vocational education and training systems, on the labor-market impact of export processing zones, and joint workshops for trade unionists on labor and development issues. Wolfensohn reviewed the differing role of the Bank compared to the ILO. The Bank is focusing direct and specific attention on poverty alleviation within a sustainable environment. He discussed other partners in development: other multilateral institutions, the private sector, civil society, and governments. The aims of the Bank and the ILO are linked to giving individuals a chance for freedom and economic opportunity with a sense of justice and fairness.
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.