So the first thing you need to do about conflict is to prevent it, and the best way of preventing it is by dealing with the question of poverty.
Interpretation
Addressing poverty is essential for preventing conflict.
James Wolfensohn emphasizes that conflicts often arise from underlying social issues, particularly poverty. By tackling the root causes of poverty, society can proactively reduce the likelihood of conflicts, fostering a more peaceful environment.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about social justice initiatives.
In this time of globalization, with all its advantages, the poor are the most vulnerable to having their traditions, relationships and knowledge and skills ignored and denigrated, and experiencing development with a great sense of trauma, loss and social disconnectedness.
The only way really to influence countries, in terms of poverty, is to get them to change their policies and get them to understand what the issues are.
Too many of the conflicts which are caused today are caused by the problems that emerge from people who are in poverty.
When I travel, I make certain that I spend at least half of my time in the field. You have to get out to meet people that are in poverty, that are looking to improve their lives. That's something that you can't read in books.
The Bank had never used the word 'corruption' at all until I got there, and the reason for that was, as the general counsel pointed out to me, that quite a number of our shareholders represented were not immune from corruption in their governments.
My mother wouldn't allow me to speak slang when I was growing up. But when I got outside, around my friends, it was 'Yo' and 'That's the joint' and 'Yo, what's up?' So I had my game for my friends and my game for my mom.
She lived unknown, and few could know When Lucy ceased to be; But she is in her grave, and oh The difference to me!
It lies in human nature that where you experience your first laughs, you also remember the age kindly.
I have a respect for manners as such, they are a way of dealing with people you don't agree with or like.
You're not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you, Agent Starling?
The worst thing you can do for anyone you care about is anything that they can do on their own.
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