DR. KIM: Good morning, everyone.
I'm honored today to assume the presidency of the World Bank Group. I do so at a pivotal moment for the global economy.
I want to start by thanking my predecessor, Robert Zoellick. Bob has done a fantastic job over the last five years, and he has left me with a very strong institution.
I spent most of my adult life working in some of the poorest communities in the world. And in my work, what I've learned is that the World Bank is the most important development institution in the world. I'm both humbled and inspired to take over today as President.
You know, over the last few months, I've had the privilege of talking with many, many World Bank employees, and what I've found is that not only is it the most important global development institution in the world, but it's a movement. People here in Washington, and in more than a hundred country offices all over the world, are passionate about the twin aims of boosting prosperity and eradicating poverty. I'm very excited to get going, and I want to say to everyone here today that we will continue to do our work at the World Bank with innovation, with analytic rigor, and with great passion, working in partnership with governments, with civil society organizations, with the private sector and, most importantly, with the people living in poverty we aspire to serve.
Thank you very much. I can't wait to get started.
