Oxfam calls for leadership, new focus for World Bank, IMF
As the new World Bank President is set to open the International Financial Institutions’ (IFIs) Annual Meetings, international aid agency Oxfam called on him to put health and education for the poorest countries on top of his agenda.
By INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK |
WASHINGTON DC: As the new World Bank President is set to open the International Financial Institutions’ (IFIs) Annual Meetings, international aid agency Oxfam called on him to put health and education for the poorest countries on top of his agenda.
Robert Zoellick, who will be opening the meeting, was urged to bring results on the ground by working to bring better education and health benefits to the worlds poorest.
“The World Bank has a clear role to play to tackle poverty and help countries deliver services that will lift millions out of poverty. The bank should be working with developing countries to provide free healthcare and education for all their citizens. There is still a need for 6 million more teachers, doctors and nurses in the developing world: this staffing crisis needs to be addressed today,” said Elizabeth Stuart, Senior Policy Advisor of Oxfam International.
Commenting on the bank’s replenishment process, Stuart added: “Donors should fill the bank’s coffers, but need to insist that it radically changes the way it operates. Some 85% of all banks’ loans still require countries to privatize."
On the climate change debate, Oxfam called for a clear focus on the need to help the poorest to adapt to an ever changing world.
On International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato, who leaves office at the end of the month, Suart said. “Mr de Rato leaves the IMF without having delivered the meaningful reform so vitally needed. The way the fund is run has to change so that all developing countries, including the poorest, have a voice inside it. What has been suggested so far comes short of the long-overdue reforms that are needed.”
Robert Zoellick, who will be opening the meeting, was urged to bring results on the ground by working to bring better education and health benefits to the worlds poorest.
“The World Bank has a clear role to play to tackle poverty and help countries deliver services that will lift millions out of poverty. The bank should be working with developing countries to provide free healthcare and education for all their citizens. There is still a need for 6 million more teachers, doctors and nurses in the developing world: this staffing crisis needs to be addressed today,” said Elizabeth Stuart, Senior Policy Advisor of Oxfam International.
Commenting on the bank’s replenishment process, Stuart added: “Donors should fill the bank’s coffers, but need to insist that it radically changes the way it operates. Some 85% of all banks’ loans still require countries to privatize."
On the climate change debate, Oxfam called for a clear focus on the need to help the poorest to adapt to an ever changing world.
On International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato, who leaves office at the end of the month, Suart said. “Mr de Rato leaves the IMF without having delivered the meaningful reform so vitally needed. The way the fund is run has to change so that all developing countries, including the poorest, have a voice inside it. What has been suggested so far comes short of the long-overdue reforms that are needed.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
