Obama's World Bank pick makes his case

By Peter Schroeder - 04/11/12 01:24 PM ET

President Obama's pick to head the World Bank made his case to the organization's officials Wednesday, contending he had the skills and experience, and would bring new ideas to the global organization.

"If I were entrusted with the responsibility of leading this institution, you would find in me someone who asks hard questions about the status quo and is not afraid to challenge existing orthodoxies," said Dr. Jim Yong Kim. "I’d bring rigor, objectivity and a focus on data that help all of us define and achieve our shared vision of securing strong economic growth and delivering greater opportunity for the world’s poor."

The man who most recently served as the president of Dartmouth College touted that experience to the World Bank's board as proof he could run a large organization. He pointed out that the college has about 4,500 employees, an $820 million budget and an endowment of $3.5 billion.

Prior to taking over as the head of the Ivy League school, Kim was a co-founder of Partners in Health, a global health advocacy organization, and also was director of the Department of HIV/AIDS at the World Health Organization.

He maintained that that work was proof he had the tools to help the World Bank in its mission to lift up developing nations.

"My life’s work has focused on investing in people to spur inclusive growth. I have devoted my career to providing the poorest communities with access to the technology, information and resources of the developed world," he said.

However, Kim, who is a medical doctor and anthropologist by training, said he recognized economic challenges facing the world as well. In particular, he said he was "deeply concerned" about high unemployment and mismatched skills in young people, calling it an "urgent priority."

He also used his personal background to build the case for his leadership at the global institution. Born in Korea, raised in the United States and having traveled the globe, Kim contended he had the broad perspective needed to head a group that must meet many divergent perspectives.

"I will bring a global orientation to my leadership, helping to build consensus to advance the mission of the World Bank," he said.

Kim opened his remarks by saying he was honored to participate in an "open and merit-based election process." However, Kim is widely expected to win the position, as the United States is the largest contributor to the World Bank and longstanding tradition has reserved the top spot for an American nominee.

Since being nominated by the president in March, Kim has been traveling across the world, meeting with global leaders as he campaigns to be its next director. The World Bank's current leader, Robert Zoellick, announced he plans to step down in June at the expiration of his term.