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

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The Importance of Safety Nets: Mexico’s Leadership

( 2014-11-19) Kim, Jim Yong

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group discusses the importance of safety nets and social protection that countries provide to their citizens. He announces supporting for Mexico’s second-generation safety net program PROSPERA, which provides a financial cushion to poor people, allowing them to achieve a higher level of health and security and giving them the chance to learn skills and to find good jobs to become more productive workers, to raise their income levels, and to promote economic growth. He talks about Mexico that played a crucial role in sharing lessons learned from its leadership in the sector and responding to presentations on the experiences of other countries that have faced similar challenges.
Reaching for a Double Dividend

( 2005-12-20) Wolfowitz, Paul

Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank, shared his thoughts about how the global community can face the double challenge of protecting our environment and strengthening our economies. Brazil is working to turn this double challenge into a double dividend, by meeting energy needs that are essential for growth and fighting poverty, while leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Investing in the environment is investing in the future of the poor. To improve the lives of the poor and to create job opportunities for them, the developing countries need much more energy than they use today. The second and much greater challenge lies in slowing the threat of deforestation. The World Bank Group’s mission is to support economic development and policies that helps the poor. He concluded saying that we can and will continue to work with Brazil to raise global consciousness about our shared responsibility toward our environment.
Remarks at the Council of the Americas

( 1999-05-03) Wolfensohn, James D.

James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, reassessed the global financial architecture and its impact on Latin America. Latin American countries, being small economies, are very vulnerable to world pressures. After a huge drop in private sector finance, we’re seeing the first signs of return. What we need now is greater transparency and supervision in banking and the private sector—and a better common set of principles and standards. We need decent government, trained government, with capacity at all levels. We need legal systems that work. We must ensure social safety nets are in place. The things that bring about equity in a society are education and knowledge. Latin America’s kids need stability and social justice.