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UN chief congratulates new World Bank President

World Bank headquarters Washington DC.
World Bank/Deborah Campos
World Bank headquarters Washington DC.

UN chief congratulates new World Bank President

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated Dr. Jim Yong Kim on his appointment as the 12th President of the World Bank, noting that he brings to the Bank the mix of professional development expertise and personal commitment required to advance the global development agenda at this difficult time.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated Dr. Jim Yong Kim on his appointment as the 12th President of the World Bank, noting that he brings to the Bank the mix of professional development expertise and personal commitment required to advance the global development agenda at this difficult time.

“A pioneer in the struggle to address HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and with an extensive track record as an institutional reformer, Dr. Kim has long emphasized empowerment, grass-roots action and holistic approaches that put people first,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

It added that the Secretary-General assures him of the UN system’s full support, and looks forward to working closely with Mr. Kim on efforts to promote sustainable development and achieve the Millennium Development Goals – the globally agreed blueprint for halving extreme poverty, halting the spread of diseases, promoting access to education and improving health care – ahead of the 2015 deadline.

Mr. Ban’s spokesperson also conveyed the Secretary-General’s gratitude to Mr. Kim’s predecessor at the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, for his service over the past five years, noting that, at a time of crisis for the world economy, he forged strong partnerships with developing countries and other multilateral institutions in addressing common challenges.

“He brought greater transparency to the Bank and the development process,” the spokesperson said. “And under his guidance, the Bank has made significant contributions to the development debate, including through its flagship World Development Reports addressing key issues such as food security, climate change, gender equity and the links among conflict, security and development.”