World Bank President Jim Yong Kim has reiterated the organisation’s goal of tackling extreme poverty and inequality, and improving the lot of the underprivileged people around the world.
Addressing the students at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi at its City Campus on Wednesday, the World Bank president termed the students the sfuture of the country and asked them to pay attention to skills development and to familiarise themselves with finance so as to help spur process of development.
Jim Yong Kim said that 40 per cent of Pakistan’s population was young and they would soon job markets after the completion of their studies.
The address was streamed through video link to students of around 75 universities in the country.
He said that they should come up with entrepreneurial skills as well so that they may create opportunities for themselves and other people in the society.
He said that one of the goals being pursued by the World Bank was to tackle the issue of inequality around the world to lift the people out of poverty.
The World Bank president said that his organisation with some 188 member countries extends technical assistance and financing to enable them to take decisions to overcome their problems.
He said that there is a need for coming up with the solutions that work effectively.
Kim said that the World Bank serves low-income countries and poor people around the world.
The bank, he further stated, makes available substantial financial assistance to the countries to help meet their development needs.
“Investment in people contributes to the real growth, especially in the field of education and health,” he said.
Kim said that there are some 2,000 PhDs at the World Bank who were engaged in coming up with solutions to the problems faced by the people around the globe.
Replying to a question, he said that for enhancing its power generation, Pakistan may turn to solar option as this will help provide electricity in the far flung areas as well. The matters pertaining to connectivity with the grid can be worked out, he added.
On arrival at the venue, the World Bank president was accorded a warm welcome.
IBA Karachi Dean and Director Dr Ishrat Husain welcomed Jim Yong Kim.
He said that the IBA Karachi was the oldest business school outside North America.
Dr Ishrat said that IBA helped students attain excellence and upward social mobility.
Former federal minister Abdul Razzak Dawood said that the private sector in Pakistan was vibrant.
He said that some 28 million people are in the 18-23 age group and they need better skills training as well.
Sadaf Abid was of the view that it is good to invest in women for the betterment of families and the society.
Later, Dr Ishrat Hussain presented the world Bank president a shield and the traditional gift of the Sindhi cap and Ajrak.
