Why is it that when it comes to our most cherished social goal [health care], we not only tolerate poor execution, sometimes we even celebrate it?

What happens when corn and wheat prices rise is that we see real increases in malnutrition and under-nutrition. And when children are malnourished, their brain development actually slows down and is affected. So this is not just a short-term impact.

I want to eradicate poverty. I think that theres a tremendous passion for that inside the World Bank.

We have to find climate-friendly ways of encouraging economic growth. The good news is we think they exist.

Unless you invest in people, you are not going to see growth in the long term, the medium term, and maybe even the short term.

When you're working on development issues, optimism is not always based on rational analysis, often it is a moral choice.

A lot of young people dont think they can make a difference. Thats really what I am at Dartmouth to do. Im there to tell the young people, Look, a few committed souls can change the world.