A key difference is a structure that is undermined by rampant corruption or no structure at all. Our task at the Bank is to find ways to be helpful to governments in areas where the theory is clear but the practice is difficult. That applies to the linkages between a sound fiscal and monetary policy and broad-based structural reform and prioritization of social objectives. All of these are amongst the International Development Goals. But as I look at the numbers I am troubled.
Poverty remains stubbornly high.
I am aware that income is not the full measure of poverty, but it provides an approximation of the global extent of poverty. In the next 25 years we will add 2 billion people to the planet. Achieving the International Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015 will be possible only with inclusive growth, only if the right combination of policies and interventions leads to sustained growth without increases in inequality. And so as we move into the next millennium, we face crucial questions. We must also think in terms of balanced development and incorporating the objectives set by the countries themselves, in education, health, transportation, knowledge, and others.