It's official. Dr. Jim Yong Kim, president of Dartouth College and an international expert in public health, has been selected as the next president of the World Bank: Jim Yong Kim named World Bank president.While Dr. Kim was somewhat of a surprise choice by President Obama for the post, and faced competition against nominees from Nigeria and Colombia, he was widely expected to be approved by the World Bank board. The 187-member institution focuses on development loans and fighting poverty.
Here's President Obama's statement on the selection of Dr. Kim as World Bank President:
On behalf of the United States, I would like to offer my congratulations to Dr. Jim Yong Kim on his selection as the next President of the World Bank. I am confident that Dr. Kim will be an inclusive leader who will bring to the Bank a passion for and deep knowledge of development, a commitment to sustained economic growth, and the ability to respond to complex challenges and seize new opportunities. I appreciate the strong support offered to Dr. Kim from leaders around the world.Dr. Kim will begin his five-year term as president of the World Bank in July. It's too bad for the folks Dartmouth College, who will be losing perhaps the coolest college president ever. (See here for a demonstration of said coolness.)
I am also pleased that this has been an open and transparent process, and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding qualifications and commitment of the other two candidates. I look forward to working with Dr. Kim and our partners throughout the world in support of a strong and effective World Bank.