WASHINGTON, DC [HIGH-RES]
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2008 

"First, we have to re-energize the international community – donors and clients – to meet the MDGs. We are at the half-way point. Much of the world is on track to halve extreme poverty. But there are serious shortfalls in reducing child and maternal mortality, and in education, sanitation and nutrition. On current trends sub-Saharan Africa could miss all the MDGs. This must not happen.." -- Robert B. Zoellick

WASHINGTON, DC [HIGH-RES]
April 10, 2008 - " In just two months, rice prices have skyrocketed to near historical levels, rising by around 75% globally and more in some markets – with more likely to come. In Bangladesh a 2kg bag of rice now consumes almost half of the daily income of a poor family. With little margin for survival, rising prices too often means fewer meals." -- Robert B. Zoellick

Photo: © Simone D. McCourtie / World Bank

WASHINGTON, DC [HIGH-RES]
April 10, 2008 - "Or take wheat, where in the past year the price has risen by 120%.  That means that the price of a loaf of bread has more than doubled. Poor people in Yemen are now spending more than a quarter of their incomes just on bread - before they pay for other essential food for their children - let alone basic healthcare or shelter." -- Robert B. Zoellick

Photo: © Simone D. McCourtie / World Bank

WASHINGTON, DC [HIGH-RES]
April 10, 2008 - "Meetings such as this one are usually about talk. Words can focus attention. They can build momentum. But we can’t be satisfied with studies, papers and talk.' -- Robert B. Zoellick

Photo: © Simone D. McCourtie / World Bank

WASHINGTON, DC [HIGH-RES]
April 10, 2008 - "We must make agriculture a priority. The Bank has announced it will double agriculture lending for sub-Saharan Africa over the next year from $450 million to $800 million. IFC will be boosting its agribusiness investments, too, across the value chain of production"   -- Robert B. Zoellick

Photo: © Simone D. McCourtie / World Bank