Voice for the World's Poor: Selected Speeches and Writings of World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, 1995-2005

As president of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn managed operations in almost 150 countries and was responsible for tens of billions of dollars in aid to the world's poorest nations. During his ten years and visits to more than 120 countries, Wolfensohn tirelessly drew the world's attention to the need to provide hope and a better future for the world's poor. He transformed the World Bank, made it more open and transparent, and integrated the views of the poor into development planning. He also changed the face and the character of an institution that was previously seen by many as heartless and arrogant. By describing the challenge of development in terms of people, and not only numbers, Wolfensohn put the spotlight back on the World Bank's real purpose—fighting global poverty and helping the world's poor forge a better life. 'Voice for the World's Poor' brings together the most important and inspiring speeches and writings by James Wolfensohn during his time as World Bank president. Spanning all ten years of his presidency (1995-2005), the book presents Wolfensohn's most stimulating and thought-provoking ideas on critical global issues including poverty, debt relief, corruption, HIV/AIDS, climate change, human rights, and globalization. Written during some of the most tumultuous times in recent history, Wolfensohn addresses and examines key global events and issues, from Bosnia's reconstruction, the Asian financial crisis, and the rise of the antiglobalization movement to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the aftermath of the Iraq war, and the outpouring of help for the victims of the tsunami of December, 2004. Over 100 speeches, essays, and letters chart Wolfensohn's thinking on development and his emergence as an advocate and voice for the world's poor. This book will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in international relations, international development, the World Bank, and James Wolfensohn himself.