Summary
The article revolves around a discussion between World Bank President Jim Kim and Ali Velshi about the institution's campaign to end extreme poverty in the world by 2030. People living in extreme poverty, are defined as those making less than $1.25 a day. Currently, 17.7 percent of the world's population falls into that category. The World Banks goal is to reduce that number significantly, down to 3 percent. Jim Kim was quoted as saying, “We’re very focused on lifting the billion or so people living in
extreme poverty out of that condition so that they can have those things
that everybody in the world wants”. The World Bank aims to lift 50 million people out of poverty each year
by investing in health, education, roads, energy, infrastructure and
more. Kim was asked a series of questions in regards to poverty not only in the United States, but throughout the rest of the world as well.
Analysis
This was a very powerful, and inspiring interview and article. Jim Kim touched on a vast number of very important issues regarding world poverty. When asked about the inequality in America, Kim made a very valid and strong quote. Kim said, "The World Bank is actually tracking the income growth of the bottom 40%.
There's a lot of really good data that suggests that the higher levels
of inequality is actually a drag on economic growth. So even if all you
care about is economic growth then you've really got to be focused on
inequality." This is extremely important. As an American, I believe out first concern and focus should be on the inequality here in the United States. The United States has the highest inequality rate in the whole world. That is a HUGE problem. One that must be addressed swiftly, and with the utmost urgency, if we ever hope to get our economy in a better position. Kim also touched on the other 80% of the World's population that are making around 2 dollars a day, the United States debt, how climate change can effect economies, and the top 1%.
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/real-money-with-alivelshi/articles/2014/4/9/ending-extreme-povertyintheworldby2030.html
