Action Alert: Wolfowitz candidacy for World Bank President
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Keep the real wolf from the World Bank's door
We have called on your support a lot in recent days but something very alarming and very urgent is happening related to the choice of the next World Bank President and the future of international development finance. In the circumstances we're confident that we can count on your active support.
“A compassionate decent man, committed to development, and a skilled diplomat.”
This is how George W. Bush described the official US nominee for the next World Bank President yesterday. The man in question is US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, a man who, so far in his career, has not shown any interest in poverty reduction, environmental protection and human rights, and who, as the main cheerleader for the Iraq war, was prepared not only to ignore international law but also to willfully reject international cooperation.
In any sane person's mind, Paul Wolfowitz's record should disqualify him from arguably the top development job in the world. If his nomination is allowed to stand, the consequences for the developing world, for World Bank-civil society relations and for the Bank itself will in all probability be disastrous.
Bush's announcement represents the lowpoint of a mysterious and undemocratic selection process that gives the US virtually unilateral power to nominate the World Bank's leader. Yet there is still a possibility to prevent the Wolfowitz candidacy from progressing. The European directors of the World Bank could block Wolfowitz just as the Americans blocked the European candidate for the International Monetary Fund job in 2000.
However, the decision-making timeframe will be short - with James Wolfensohn's nomination 10 years ago it took 24 hours for the board to agree though this time, with such a controversial choice, the debate should continue for several days.
Suggested action:
Already France and Germany have reportedly greeted the news with skepticism and some suggestions are emerging that UK support may be far from guaranteed. The willingness of these countries to challenge the Wolfowitz nomination will be crucial.
The contact details for the World Bank Directors of these countries are:
World Bank Executive Director for France - Pierre Duquesne
pduquesne at worldbank.org
Tel: +1 202-623-6505
Fax: +1 202-623-4951
World Bank Executive Director for Germany - Eckhard Deutscher
edeutscher at worldbank.org
Tel: +1 202-458-1183
Fax: +1 202-477-7849
World Bank Executive Director for UK - Thomas Scholar
tscholar at worldbank.org
Tel: +! 202-623-4560
Fax: +1 202-623-4965
Urge them to challenge the Wolfowitz nomination when it comes before the board of the World Bank in the coming days.
Explain that, based on his record, Paul Wolfowitz is NOT a “ compassionate decent man, committed to development, and a skilled diplomat” as George W. Bush confidently claims.
Warn them that the consequences for the developing world, for World Bank-civil society relations and for the Bank itself could be disastrous if Paul Wolfowitz becomes World Bank President .
You can keep up to date with all the latest news surrounding the World Bank President selection process at worldbankpresident.org website.
Thank you for your support.
The Bankwatch team
Links
More information about the World Bank President selection process.