May 31st 2007 | Jeff Powell | More on The Process, Zoellick | Comments Off
Bloomberg reports Australian treasurer Peter Costello: “Zoellick is an excellent candidate for the World Bank presidency and will be supported by Australia.” Australia joined Brazil and South Africa last week in calling for “transparent” selection process based on merit and open to citizens of all nations. “Following the completion of current processes, it is Australia’s view that the World Bank should examine the selection process for the president,” Costello said. more…
May 31st 2007 | Jeff Powell | More on Zoellick | Comments Off
A Norwegian government press release yesterday tries to have something for everyone. more…
May 31st 2007 | Jeff Powell | More on The Process, Zoellick | Comments Off
Commenting on the appointment of Robert Zoellick to be president of the World Bank, Liberal Democrat shadow international development secretary, Lynne Featherstone MP said: “No offence to Mr Zoellick, but this is another American and another Bush appointee. The World Bank has fallen into disrepute through political appointments. It is not credible for the World Bank to preach good governance to developing nations when its own governance is based on such an outdated and patriarchal world view. The president of the World Bank should be chosen according to a transparent process on the basis of merit and qualification. It is a shame that the British government has done nothing to push for an open and meritocratic selection process for the World Bank presidency.”
May 31st 2007 | Voice of Reason | More on Zoellick | 2 Comments
The Bank’s Board has given their criteria for the next World Bank President.
The Board believes it is essential for the next World Bank President to have:
- a proven track record of leadership;
- experience managing large, international organizations, a familiarity with the public sector and a willingness to tackle governance reform
- a firm commitment to development;
- a commitment to and appreciation for multilateral cooperation, and
- political objectivity and independence.
Nominations are open until June 15. While the Board acknowledges that the Executive Director for the United States will be making a nomination, they leave themselve open to other suggestions.
There are many good things to say about Bob Zoellick, and some things he will have to work on. more…
May 31st 2007 | Alex Wilks | More on Zoellick | 1 Comment
Clearly George W. Bush has been clever with his pick of Zoellick. Lots of praise has come in from governments, senior figures in Congress and from analysts. (In the words of BusinessWeek: “It was a rare experience for George W. Bush: A major Presidential decision was greeted with bipartisan praise and international congratulations”). Although many governments say they would prefer multiple candidates to come before the board for scrutiny, it is now very unlikely that anyone will dare put up someone against Zoellick. They have until 15 June, should they wish to do so. more…
May 30th 2007 | Sameer Dossani | More on Zoellick | 3 Comments
One common theme among journalists I spoke with today is their frustration at getting anyone from within the Bank to say anything on Zoellick. I know people would and should be cautious, but if I had anything to do with the WB Staff Association, surely this would be a time to flex muscles, no? more…
Courtesy of Daily Kos, a political cartoon showing the respect one gets when you get a top job on the basis of political appointment. more…
May 30th 2007 | Alex Wilks | More on Zoellick | 3 Comments
I’ve been asking colleagues in NGOs to let me know if their organisations produce statements on the Zoellick nomination. Several have, including Oxfam, Action Aid, Greenpeace, Plateforme Dette et Developement, International Rivers Network. They all raise varying degrees of complaint about the Zoellick nomination.
more…
May 30th 2007 | Alex Wilks | More on Zoellick | 2 Comments
In his official announcement of the nomination just now George Bush set out various reasons for his choice of World Bank president. They include that Robert Zoellick is:
“a committed internationalist.”
“He has earned the trust and support of leaders from every region of the world”.
more…
May 30th 2007 | The Beaver | More on Uncategorized | Comments Off
That’s what Goldman Sachs is known for, according to the New York Times. The following alumni are part of the “coterie” of the Bush administration:
Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson
Joshua B. Bolten, the White House chief of staff
Stephen Friedman, President Bush’s ex-director of the National Economic Council.
I guess Bob does owe a lot to ‘Hank’ who keeps hiring him wherever he goes (or when he has a say or the ear of GWB) - Wall Street and now the WB .
