Quotes

It's not as easy as it has been in the United States, which was founded on principles of equity and free speech and opportunity and a legal and judicial system which protects rights.

James Wolfensohn

It's also been demonstrated that corruption is the thing that holds poor people back the most.

James Wolfensohn

Investment is important because it brings not just money; it brings the technology that is needed, and it brings marketing capacity and jobs.

James Wolfensohn

In 1990 there was about $30 billion per year flowing to developing countries against overseas assistance of about $60 billion.

James Wolfensohn

If you have Palestinians who have no hope, who don't have a job, who've used up all their resources, the notion of getting rid of violence is a dream.

James Wolfensohn

If you go country by country, you'll see that the framework in the countries, the history of the countries, is very different.

James Wolfensohn

I was interested in the challenge in the World Bank, because it's a challenge that relates not just to investment, but to people.

James Wolfensohn

I was deeply concerned then, and have become more concerned since, that unless we can deal with the questions of development and the questions of poverty, there's no way that we're going to have a peaceful world for our children.

James Wolfensohn

I don't think the rules have kept up on capital markets, I don't think the rules have kept up in terms of transparency in the international scene, and I don't think the rules have kept up on trade.

James Wolfensohn

Globalization in the sense of the world becoming smaller has been going on, since Adam and Eve.

James Wolfensohn

For me the argument about globalization is a non-argument.

James Wolfensohn

Equally important is to create an environment in which people can flourish.

James Wolfensohn

But when someone is on a winning horse, and everything looks wonderful, it's very hard as an outsider to persuade them something is wrong.

James Wolfensohn

But trust me, Asia's going to be there, it's going to be a major force, it's going to get through this, it'll have a more stable system.

James Wolfensohn

But the number one element is to go out and see projects and to meet the people you're trying to work with.

James Wolfensohn

But in terms of direct investment, I think that most countries in the world today are looking for it, because with direct investments comes money, technology, and jobs.

James Wolfensohn

But I think no-one expected a disaster of these proportions and I'm quite certain that the nations are now going to come together and ensure that an early-warning system takes place.

James Wolfensohn

But having said that, the crucial thing that needs to be underlined again is that in order for there to be real development getting to the people, it is not just multinational investment or trade.

James Wolfensohn

But for every part of the world, instability, migration, crime, health becomes our issue, and it is just too late to wait for the crisis.

James Wolfensohn

At this moment, the critical need is survival and immediately after the emergency then the World Bank and the other agencies come in to work under the leadership of the governments, to make sure that the locality is reconstructed both physically and emotionally.

James Wolfensohn