New Year’s Message to the Families of the World Bank Group Staff

 

These are difficult times for people across the globe, especially inthe poorest countries. Jobs are hard to find and people are suffering. Families are having to cut back on food and even education for their children. It’s a time of testing for countries and leaders, for the global economy—and also for us at the World Bank Group.

I know that an enormous amount is being asked of us, both in Washington and in our country offices. But I also know that we are rising to the challenge. We have the great privilege and responsibility of helping to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. And I am extremely proud of the contributions Bank Group staff are making to advance our mission.

None of this would be possible without the involvement of our families, because it is the people of the World Bank Group who drive this institution. Many of you have left your home countries to support a spouse or partner who has relocated to another part of the world. Family members continue that support when working hours are long, or travel demands are great. So I want to thank the families of the World Bank Group staff for their patience and understanding, and for their encouragement.

I also want to thank the many volunteers of the World Bank Family Network, who welcome newcomers to the Bank Group, provide invaluable guidance, organize activities, and help make the transition to a new city or country so much easier. Thank you for helping to maintain a sense of community among World Bank Group families, and for making Washington, DC feel more like home for so many of us.

I wish all the World Bank Group families—those who have joined us recently, as well as our long standing members—a happy and fulfilling new year. Thank you for everything you do to support our community. It’s very important to the Bank Group. And it’s important to me.

Robert B. Zoellick