Barber Conable, Seventh World Bank President

Conable was President of the World Bank from July, 1986 until July, 1991.  He joined the institution after a 20-year long career as a distinguished Congressman from the state of New York in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Monday, World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, on behalf of the

"Barber was a remarkable leader whose concern for the poor and passion to help improve their lives marked his tenure at the Bank," said Wolfensohn. "All his many friends and colleagues at the Bank are greatly indebted to what he achieved here, and we mourn his passing."

Upon Conable’s retirement from the Bank in 1991, a collection of his major policy addresses delivered during his mandate was published.  In the forward to that publication, the Executive Directors offered their assessment of his work at the organization.  The forward is reprinted below:

The Executive Directors of the World Bank commissioned this publication to mark the retirement of Barber B. Conable after five years of dedicated and productive service as President of the World Bank.

This selection from Barber Conable's major addresses reflects the priorities that the Bank adopted under his leadership: the reduction of poverty, protection of the environment, and the integration of women in the development process. Barber Conable believes it is a moral outrage that one-fifth of the world's people still live on less than one dollar a day. He believes development can be sustained only if it respects the natural environment. And he believes that economic development programs can be fully effective only if women are involved in their planning and implementation. Under Barber Conable's leadership these priorities have become central to the Bank's development agenda.

We hope this collection of speeches will enhance public understanding of the Conable years at the World Bank. They reflect both his passionate concern for the poor and his determination to help improve their lives.

This spirit is perhaps best expressed in Barber Conable's own words: “When we read statistics, we must see real people.  When we confront problems, we must cast them as opportunities. When we doubt our energy or question our faith in development, we must take fresh resolve from the reality that on our work depends the fate of millions.”

The World Bank Board of Directors