Jim Yong Kim

Stories

The world goes to school

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Former World Bank President; joined Global Infrastructure Partners in 2019

In 1970, fewer than half the world's teenagers attended secondary school. By 2017, more than three-quarters did.

Updated May 22

Angus Deaton: How Billions Were Lifted from Poverty

Built World

As of May 2026: Now with Global Infrastructure Partners

In 1820, more than 80% of the world's population lived in extreme poverty. By 2019, that figure had fallen to 8.9% at the then-$2.15/day line, a decline of roughly 0.35 percentage points per year sustained over two centuries.

Updated May 22

Notable Quotes

South Korea knew that education was the best way to pull itself out of economic misery. The focus on education paid off.

from The world goes to school · Updated May 22

"We are at an auspicious moment in history when the successes of past decades and an increasingly favorable economic outlook combine to give developing countries a chance—for the first time ever—to end extreme poverty within a generation." — April 2013

from Angus Deaton: How Billions Were Lifted from Poverty · Updated May 22