In a ceremony in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Jean Lemierre and ambassadors accredited in Washington, D.C., the Inter-American Development Bank today paid tribute to the accomplishments of World Bank President James Wolfensohn, whose mandate concludes in June.
IDB President Enrique V. Iglesias, accompanied by members of the Board of Executive Directors and senior management, praised Wolfensohn for his leadership in which the World Bank has played a pivotal role among multilateral institutions in behalf of the development of Latin America.
Iglesias said Wolfensohn offered a "tremendous contribution and commitment" in fighting poverty and inequality and in promoting environmental protection.
Secretary Rice lauded Wolfensohn's work on behalf of development and peace and for his efforts to combat corruption and increase transparency.
In his response the outgoing World Bank president stressed the importance of the Americas in maintaining world peace and stability, causes he plans to pursue once he leaves his current post.