We need to have a plan equal to the challenge.

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

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.

One of the most important things about leadership is that you have to have the kind of humility that will allow you to be coached.

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?

Today there are a lot places where people say they're just hopeless. If I can come from a hopeless country, get an education, become a hyphenated American and become president of the World Bank, it's my moral duty to make sure that every single person on the planet has that opportunity.

We will never end poverty if we don't tackle climate change.