[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 67 (Friday, May 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ZOELLICK LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY AT THE WORLD BANK

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 11, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today's global challenges demand global 
solutions. From poverty and hunger, to climate change and the financial 
crisis, the complexities of the 21st century require not only American 
leadership, but also effective global institutions. While the world 
continues to change at a rapid pace, the World Bank--with its wealth of 
experts and resources for fighting poverty--is a critical multilateral 
instrument for addressing these global challenges.
  During his 5-year term, outgoing World Bank President Robert Zoellick 
has helped lead a turnaround at the World Bank and reestablished for 
the United States a key partner in advancing vital U.S. interests 
abroad. President Zoellick has placed new focus on pragmatic, common-
sense solutions. He recognized that in order to meet the challenges of 
a changing world, the World Bank had to change along with it. In the 
last 5 years, the Bank has transitioned from a once rigid top-down 
approach to development, into a flexible, collaborative, and more 
democratic institution.
  President Zoellick recognized a critical reality: that alleviating 
poverty is vital to economic recovery. Investments in global health, 
education, food security, and empowering women and girls not only lift 
millions of people out of poverty, but create important sources for 
economic growth. These investments make the world a safer place to do 
business. Even as it responded to the global financial crisis, the 
World Bank under President Zoellick raised $90 billion for the 
International Development Association, the Bank's fund for the world's 
poorest. The World Bank worked with developing countries to strengthen 
their social safety nets and build resilience to crisis, and invested 
in critical infrastructure to remove investment barriers.
  At the World Bank, President Zoellick leaves behind a real, tangible 
legacy. His push to institute a ``Freedom of Information Act'' 
unleashes public innovation by allowing free, open access to the World 
Bank's trove of economic data. This unprecedented step has ushered in a 
new era of accountability and transparency. President Zoellick created 
the Climate Investment Funds, which have already leveraged nearly $50 
billion for practical investments in energy efficiency, technology 
development, and combating deforestation. These remarkable 
contributions will continue long after President Zoellick leaves the 
World Bank next month.
  As co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus for Congressional-World Bank 
Dialogue, I look forward to working with the World Bank to continue the 
progress achieved during President Zoellick's tenure.
  Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the World Bank's next president, should give 
Congress--a major investor in the World Bank--confidence that an 
American with a proven track record of success will be advancing this 
shared vision for global development. Dr. Kim's significant 
contributions to global health, his commitment to partnerships on the 
ground in developing countries, and his proven management skills will 
make him an effective leader of this vital multilateral institution.
  Together, we can build on the innovation, accountability, and 
effectiveness that President Zoellick has brought to the World Bank 
during his successful 5-year term.

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