WASHINGTON, April 30, 2010 – The World Bank today presented the 2010 Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service to His Excellency Mr. Abdulkarim Ismail Al-Arhabi, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister for Planning and International Cooperation of Yemen.
The World Bank established the memorial award for Outstanding Public Service in 2004, following the death of the Bank staff Jit Gill, a dedicated leader in public sector governance and integrity.
In his acceptance speech, His Excellency Mr. Al-Arhabi viewed his selection as a “continuation of international acknowledgement of Yemen’s experience in implementing reforms which in itself reflects the relentless effort exerted by the Yemeni Government, at all levels, under the leadership of His Excellency the President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh to advance the reform agenda in conformity with aspired achievements and national development needs”.
Merza Hasan, Executive Director at the World Bank, said “This award is in recognition for His Excellency Mr. Al-Arhabi’s devotion and personal contribution to fighting poverty; promoting growth and enhancing governance. His leadership and commitment is an inspiration to all of us working in the development field.”
The award was presented to the Deputy Prime Minister of Yemen by the World Bank’s Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM), Otaviano Canuto, during a ceremony at World Bank headquarters on the institution’s Public Sector Day.
“Today we celebrate your tireless efforts to lead reform,” said Canuto. “You have been a key champion in the battle to reduce poverty, improve governance and broaden economic growth in Yemen.”
Recipients are selected for their sustained track record of public service; proven leadership and innovation that has enhanced public service effectiveness; high standards of professional ethics; dedication and client orientation; and for inspiring and influencing public servants in promoting honesty, integrity and accountability in public service.
“His Excellency Mr. Al-Arhabi represents a great example in a region where the challenge of developing effective public policy frameworks, complemented by an accountable and responsive public administration, is the key to unlocking the region’s considerable potential for development,” said Shamshad Akhtar, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East & North Africa. “We at the World Bank salute his extraordinary commitment and the personal excellence that this award celebrate.”
