Remarks by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim at joint press conference at World Bank group Songdo office opening

It’s a pleasure to be here to open the new World Bank Group Korea Office in Songdo, which was made possible with the generous support of the Korean government, and our host, the city of Incheon. Korea is a true development success story and an inspiration for developing countries across the world. At the World Bank Group, we have set two important goals – to end extreme poverty by 2030 and build shared prosperity -so that we can create opportunities for all. The next few years will be critical. Today, we also celebrate the opening of the Green Climate Fund secretariat in this city. This is one way that the international development community is coming together to address climate change – what I see as one of the greatest challenges of our life time. It will not be easy, but I am optimistic. After all, we have many examples in history of overcoming major challenges. One example is right here in Korea. It was only 60 years ago that the world called Korea a basket case. Just look at Korea now. 101908