The challenge of inclusion

These remarks were delivered by James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, to the Board of Governors during the 1997 Annual Meetings in Hong Kong, China. Wolfensohn announced that this year's core theme is the challenge of inclusion by bringing people into society who have never been part of it before. On reviewing the state of development in 1997, he stated that much still needs to be improved: the inequities between rural and urban areas in East Asia and between the skilled, and unskilled in the countries of the former Soviet Union. He stated that the old and unemployed are more vulnerable amidst the turbulence caused by the transition to market economies. In parts of Latin America, unequal access to education and health care and disparities in income hinder progress. In many of the poorest countries, population growth continues to run ahead of economic growth. Considering the challenge ahead, he urged countries to educate their people, ensure their health, give them voice, justice, strong financial systems, and sound economic policies. Good economic performance and open governance will help to build the broad social consensus. The effectiveness of the development community lies in building inclusive partnerships, between the governments, and the people, involving bilateral, and multilateral assistance, as well as nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, based on good policy environments, with a look at renewing strategies. The Bank's responsiveness to this challenge has been that of commitment to the quality of work; increased accountability to measure performance; and, improved dialogue with governments. Key strategic points of change are to mainstream social issues, increase capacity building, forge sustainable development in agriculture; promote private sector participation, and strengthen financial systems.