Footnote:
Europe and Central Asia
United Kingdom
English
Description:
Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, spoke about how corruption poses an enormous obstacle to economic and social development, and the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030. He defined corruption as stealing from the poor. The Bank that has zero tolerance for corruption, has opened itself to scrutiny, and is influencing governments and the private sector to take wide-ranging steps to prevent corruption. He gave few inputs on a new agenda that draws on citizens' demands for transparency and accountability, an agenda that draws on all partners and available tools as follows: First, we must continue to push for more information and greater transparency involving public funds; Second, we must use innovation and technology to drive change around the world. Third, we must do more to get citizens and the private sector involved; And finally, successful anti-corruption efforts must feature a broad coalition of leaders both inside and outside of government, working together. He saluted and strongly supported Prime Minister Cameron's call for a coordinated global effort to fight corruption