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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPresident Obama’s Groundbreaking Choice for World Bank President
Last edited Fri Mar 23, 2012, 11:04 AM - Edit history (1)
President Obama introduces Dartmouth College president Jim Yong Kim as his nominee for the next president of the World Bank, during an announcement in the Rose Garden at the White House (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
March 23 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday nominated Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim, a public health expert of South Korean origin, to head the World Bank . . .
"I do not think that the World Bank could have a better leader," Obama said as he made the announcement with Kim at his side in the White House rose garden.
Obama said, "it's time for a development professional" to lead the world's largest development agency.
____ Though the board of the World Bank is scheduled to officially vote on the new president at a meeting scheduled for Saturday afternoon, the presidents nomination effectively guarantees Kim the post as the new head of the prestigious 187-nation lending organization focused on economic development.
Kim, 52, has been involved in development work as the former executive director of the non-profit Partners In Health, which provides medical services in countries including Haiti, Peru, Russia, and Rwanda. He also led the World Health Organizations HIV/AIDS department from 2004 and 2006, in addition to formerly being a professor at Harvard Medical School.
read; http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/74394.html
from Fred Hiatt at WaPo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/jim-yong-kim-president-obamas-groundbreaking-choice-for-world-bank-president/2012/03/23/gIQAnKXiVS_blog.html
Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President Obamas pick to head the World Bank for the next five years, is an old friend, so dont look for any objective journalism here.
But I would say its an inspired and groundbreaking move.
By groundbreaking, I dont mean because Kim would be the first person from a minority community to head the bank, although that is significant. Kims appointment as the first Asian-American to head an Ivy League university he was named president of Dartmouth College in 2009 was a source of pride to many Asian-Americans, and Korean-Americans in particular.
But Kims appointment to head the Bank is pioneering for a different reason. The mission of the World Bank is to help lift people out of poverty, and Kim will be the first Bank leader who has dedicated most of his professional life to working with and for the worlds poor.
from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Yong_Kim
Jim Yong Kim (born December 8, 1959) is a Korean-American physician, and 17th President of Dartmouth College. He has been a Professor of Medicine and Social Medicine and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was a co-founder and later Executive Director of Partners in Health along with Paul Farmer, Todd McCormack, Thomas J. White and Ophelia Dahl. On March 2, 2009, Kim was named the 17th President of Dartmouth College, a position he formally assumed on July 1, 2009. Kim is the first Asian-American to assume the post of president at an Ivy League institution.
from KoreAm Journal: http://iamkoream.com/world-vision/
In world-saving circles, he is perhaps best known for his work with Paul Farmer, a similarly trained physician and anthropologist who in 1987 founded Partners in Health (PIH). Kim joined the Cambridge-based nonprofit while a Harvard Medical School student and is credited now in PIH historical literature as a co-founder of the organization, which describes its admirably ambitious mission this way: At its root, our mission is both medical and moral. It is based on solidarity, rather than charity alone. When a person in Peru, or Siberia, or rural Haiti falls ill, PIH uses all of the means at our disposal to make them well from pressuring drug manufacturers, to lobbying policy makers, to providing medical care and social services. Whatever it takes. Just as we would do if a member of our own family or we ourselves were ill.
Armed with this vision, Kim has traveled with Farmer from Haiti to Peru, Russia to Rwanda, to treat the health problems of the poor. They have gone into neighborhoods suffering from near-epidemic cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis, and have used guerilla-like tactics to bring treatment to their patients. For some perspective on the dangers of being in this kind of environment, one need only look back at the recent case of the newlywed placed on lockdown after traveling across the United States with this form of TB, commonly known as MDR-TB.
In 1999, the World Health Organization appointed Kim and Farmer to help lead the international response to drug-resistant TB by establishing pilot treatment programs and organizing delivery systems for antibiotics.
Although Kim and Farmer were initially viewed by the international health community as dreamers who did not understand what they were up against, a decade and a $45-million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant later, drug-resistant tuberculosis is being treated successfully in 50 countries, and PIH has served as a leader in that fight . . .
read: http://iamkoream.com/world-vision/
Dr. Kim tells Bill Moyers: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09112009/profile2.html
One of the things that we've learned is that community health workers, which are really members of the community who help people go through very difficult treatment regimens, this can work anywhere. We've done it first in Haiti. Then we did it in Peru. And then in Africa. But most remarkably, we've also implemented that program in Boston, and are now thinking of implementing it on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico...Having someone who just visits every day, just to make sure that you're taking your medicines and you're doing okay, that has a huge payoff down the line in terms of overall health outcomes.
Dr. Kim, 49, has had a profound impact on a wide range of organizations throughout his distinguished career, including, among others, the Harvard Medical School, the World Health Organization and Partners In Health, a non-profit organization that supports health programs in poor communities worldwide. He is widely respected for his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases.
Dr. Kim's academic, humanitarian and global health work has earned him widespread recognition. He was awarded a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship in 2003; was named one of America's 25 "Best Leaders" by US NEWS & WORLD REPORT in 2005; and was selected as one of TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2006.
read: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09112009/profile2.html
from Dr. Kim's 2009 Inaugural Address at Dartmouth: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~president/inauguration/speeches/kim.html
Consider the challenges before us: the stresses on our natural environment nearly 7 billion people living amidst growing inadequacies of food and water; the deepening chasm between rich and poor; the ravages of epidemic disease; the denial of human rights and basic freedoms to so many who thirst for them; and the need to inspire, provoke and energize humanity with art, literature and critical thought that resonate in a changing world . . .
In his inaugural address, President John Kennedy focused on the distance that can separate dreams from deliveryand the role of the College in bridging that divide.
Kennedy argued that Dartmouth must train leaders who will enlarge human knowledge . . . work in high office . . . guide great corporations to new service to society . . . and work to wipe out poverty and disease. To the moral motivation to solve the problems of society, Kennedy explained that a Dartmouth education must also add the know-how to devise and implement practical solutions . . .
Ive worked in villages where less than 1-in-10 adults can read and write. But these communities had a deep appreciation for the importance of education in driving social change . . .
Through 25 years of working to help improve health in some of the poorest communities in the world, what has become clear to me is that delivering on ambitious social goals requires more than principled individual action, more even than courageous social justice movements. It requires building and implementing systems that can deliver sustainable solutions.
Educators helping peasants in Latin America break the chains of poverty seem worlds apart from systems engineers in cutting-edge production facilities. Yet, I believe that they embody two sides of the educational mission set forth by my predecessors, a mission that in this historical moment is more vital than ever: on the one hand, the passionate commitment to making the world a better place; on the other, the practical understanding of complex systems required to deliver solutions on a global scale. Passion and practicality: Either without the other will be inadequate to tackle the challenges we face today.
The need for both brings to mind lessons I learned about education as a boy growing up back in Iowa. My father was a dentist, and dentists are among the most practical people on earth. My mother is a theologian and philosopher. She was always trying to lift my sights to the higher things. This is what my dentist father and philosopher mother taught me: Keep your feet on the groundbut shoot for the stars.
This historical moment requires a generation that unites the passion to transform the world with the intellectual capacity to tackle the most difficult scientific challenges; to apply sophisticated management strategies in new ways; to create art that resonates in a changing world; and to lead teams of people toward common goals . . .
ProSense
(116,464 posts)bigtree
(86,005 posts). . . a compelling and promising nominee.
Tarheel_Dem
(31,240 posts)TheKentuckian
(25,029 posts)efhmc
(14,732 posts)jwirr
(39,215 posts)excellent grassroots work in every country they are in. And that is exactly what the world needs right now. Thank you President Obama.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)-March 23, 2012 - 10:09 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody.
In February, Bob Zoellick, the current President of the World Bank, announced that he would be stepping down at the end of his term in June. Bob has been a strong and effective leader at the bank for the last five years, and when he told me about his plans, I immediately began to search for someone to fill his shoes.
Now, despite its name, the World Bank is more than just a bank. Its one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce poverty and raise standards of living in some of the poorest countries on the planet. And in a world that is growing smaller and more connected every day, thats a critical mission - not just for those who are struggling, but for all of us.
When we reduce hunger in the world, or help a farmer recover from a flood or a drought, it strengthens the entire world economy. When we put an end to a preventable disease, all of us are safer because of it. When an entrepreneur can start a new business, it creates jobs in their country, but also opens up new markets for our country. And ultimately, when a nation goes from poverty to prosperity, it makes the world stronger and more secure for everybody.
Thats why the World Bank is so important. And thats why the leader of the World Bank should have a deep understanding of both the role that development plays in the world, and the importance of creating conditions where assistance is no longer needed.
I believe that nobody is more qualified to carry out that mission than Dr. Jim Kim. Its time for a development professional to lead the worlds largest development agency. And thats why today, after a careful and thorough search, I am nominating Dr. Jim Kim to be the next president of the World Bank.
Jim has spent more than two decades working to improve conditions in developing countries around the world. As a physician and an anthropologist, he co-founded Partners in Health, and led a World Health Organization campaign to treat 3 million patients with HIV/AIDS. I have made HIV/AIDS and the fight against that dreaded disease and the promotion of public health a cornerstone of my development agenda, building on some of the outstanding work that was done by President Bush.
We pursue these efforts around the globe because its the right thing to do, and also because healthy populations enable growth and prosperity. And I'm pleased that Jim brings this particular experience with him to his new job.
Jim was also the chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He has earned a MacArthur Genius Fellowship. And for the last three years, he has served as the president of Dartmouth College.
I should also mention that, after immigrating to this country from Korea at age five, Jim went on to become the president of his high school class, the quarterback of the football team, the point guard of the basketball team. I just found out he is a five handicap in golf. Im a little resentful about that last item. (Laughter.) But he does it all.
Jim has truly global experience. Hes worked from Asia to Africa to the Americas -- from capitals to small villages. His personal story exemplifies the great diversity of our country and the fact that anyone can make it as far as he has as long as they're willing to work hard and look out for others. And his experience makes him ideally suited to forge partnerships all around the world.
So I could not be more pleased to nominate Jim for this job, and I think I can speak for Secretary Clinton and Secretary Geithner when I say that we are looking forward to working with him.
And I also want to take a minute to thank Bob Zoellick once again for all his hard work. Over the last five years, Bob has made the bank more transparent, he has helped shore up progress made in places like Afghanistan. Hes raised billions of dollars to help some of the worlds poorest communities.
Jim is the right person to carry on that legacy, and I know his unique set of skills and years of experience will serve him well. So Im grateful to Jim for his willingness to serve. I do not think that the World Bank could have a better leader. So, thank you.
DR. KIM: Mr. President, thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
DR. KIM: Thank you, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Youre going to do great. Thank you.
Source: whitehouse.gov
frazzled
(18,402 posts)From Wonkblog:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/lunch-break-jim-yong-kim-a-world-bank-nominee-who-can-rap/2012/03/23/gIQAhtW6VS_blog.html
ProSense
(116,464 posts)about to post that:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/23/1077149/-Dr-Jim-Yong-Kim-rocks-it-out-at-Dartmouth-You-re-going-to-love-this-
Dr. Kim has mad skillz!
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Wikipedia has some mixed reviews on him.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)"Is it true that he refused to disclose the details of the budget at Dartmouth?"
...no idea, but from what I've read, he appears exceedingly qualified for the position. He's also getting rave reviews.
This morning President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Jim Kim for the Presidency of the World Bank. I support this nomination 100 percent, with my complete enthusiasm. Dr. Kim is an outstanding development leader, one of the great public health specialists of our age. He will make a historic contribution to the fight against poverty, hunger, and disease. He is exactly the kind of professional needed at the helm of the World Bank. I strongly commend President Obama for this selection.
I am grateful for your support during my brief candidacy for this position. My campaign was launched to promote a core idea: that the World Bank can be a great development institution, and that to accomplish this, it should be led by a true development professional, with the expertise and lifetime commitment and experience to get that accomplished. This campaign, joined by all of us, has succeeded today. The US nomination is a superb candidate who deserves the worlds wholehearted supported, and who will make great contributions in the years ahead.
Once again, please accept my gratitude to you for your warmth, personal support, and commitment to the cause of ending poverty. We have all won today, with the World Bank helm given, for the first time in the Banks history, to a world-class development leader.
http://jeffsachs.org/2012/03/prof-sachs-strongly-supports-dr-jim-kim-and-expresses-gratitude-to-world-leaders-and-all-supporters/
Fellow Partners in Health co-founder praises Jim Yong Kim nomination
http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2012/03/23/paul-farmer-jim-yong-kim-inspired-nomination-for-world-bank-leader/MNYxRJV7K1ylsbwpwm8NuK/story.html
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)He sounded good and addressed the budget problem. The clips don't give the full context of his statement, but it seems that after the crash of 2007-2008, Dartmouth like a lot of non-profits faced a funding problem. He seems to suggest that his emphasis on continuing research programs was controversial. So there was a problem about the budget, but it sounded as though he was defending a rational approach. I would like to know more about that issue, because a willingness to be transparent is important. But the Charlie Rose excerpts certainly show me that that Dr. Kim is a person with a true commitment to humanitarianism -- a very loving but wise person. I was very impressed.
Forgive me, but when people speak too favorably about someone, I become suspicious. Even good people have their weaknesses and flaws. Best to be honest in presenting someone. But Dr. Kim is truly a hero from what I can tell.
bigtree
(86,005 posts). . . that's what you took from the extensive record of accomplishments listed in the Wiki article?
mucifer
(23,565 posts)Number23
(24,544 posts)That entire clip was the worst bit of singing/dancing I've seen in a looooooong time but Dr. Kim was just adorable.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)Loved it! Thanks for posting!
Julie
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)I somehow doubt he is much of a believer in the Shock Doctrine.
pampango
(24,692 posts)The US has nominated Jim Yong Kim, the president of Dartmouth College and a prominent health expert, to head the World Bank, a US official has said. The Korean-born Kim is a physician by training and a prominent figure in global health and development circles.
Barack Obama, the US president, took a strong personal interest in filling the World Bank vacancy after Zoellicks announcement to quit. Obama and his advisers considered more than a dozen candidates, including well-known figures in the administration such as Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state, and Victoria Nuland, the state department spokeswoman.
The 187-nation International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, popularly called as World Bank, focuses on fighting poverty and promoting development.
Economist Jeffrey Sachs, the director of Columbia University's Earth Institute, has openly campaigned for the World Bank post, saying the position should be filled by an expert in development issues.
Sachs, however, said he supported Kim's nomination, describing the nominee as a world-class development leader. "Dr Jim Kim is a superb nominee for the World Bank presidency. I support his nomination 100 percent. I congratulate the administration for nominating a world-class development leader for this position," said Sachs.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/03/201232313463097379.html
bigtree
(86,005 posts). . . a development specialist.
Go figure.
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)Jeneral2885
(1,354 posts)And perhaps so. An Anthropologist on IDA replenishments?
bigtree
(86,005 posts)Jeneral2885
(1,354 posts)What's your argument for Dr. Kim? How will he manage IDA? IBRD?
bigtree
(86,005 posts)both have presented their qualifications to those responsible for the choice . . . I think the U.S. choice will be accepted by the majority.
Number23
(24,544 posts)K&R!! This is most definitely a groundbreaking appointment. I know many were hoping for the Nigerian economist to be appointed (he was also a good choice) and there was one from South America that many were hoping for.
This is about as good as it's going to get within the confines of the appointment. It is very political and no one expected the president to appoint anyone other than an American. A Korean-American (who hopefully still has some tie to Asia) with strong experience raising people out of poverty is an excellent choice.
bigtree
(86,005 posts). . . I like the fact that Dr. Kim has worked on development projects outside of the U.S..
I also like that he campaigned for George McGovern when he was 12.
Jeneral2885
(1,354 posts)will little knowledge over funding for IDA or IBRD work or MIGA or the other arms of the Bank?
eridani
(51,907 posts)--of similar caliber to replace Geithner and Summers.
Jeneral2885
(1,354 posts)and that's why people are championing for him
Response to Jeneral2885 (Reply #29)
bigtree This message was self-deleted by its author.