WB gives outstanding public service award to Yemeni deputy Premier

WASHINGTON, April
30 (Saba)- The World Bank presented on Friday the 2010 Jit Gill Memorial Award for
Outstanding
Public Service to Abdul-Karim Ismail al-Arhabi, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic
Affairs and Minister for Planning and International Cooperation.
The award was presented to al-Arhabi by the World Bank's Vice President for Poverty
Reduction and Economic Management (PREM), Otaviano Canuto, during a ceremony at
World
Bank headquarters on the institution's Public Sector Day.
"Today we celebrate your tireless efforts to lead reform," said Canuto. "You have
been a key champion in the battle to reduce poverty, improve governance and broaden
economic
growth in Yemen." The WB established the memorial award for Outstanding Public
Service in 2004, following the death of the Bank staff Jit Gill, a dedicated leader
in public
sector governance and integrity.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. al-Arhabi viewed his selection as a "continuation of
international acknowledgement of Yemen's experience in implementing reforms which
in itself
reflects the relentless effort exerted by the Yemeni government, at all levels,
under the leadership of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to advance the reform agenda in
conformity
with aspired achievements and national development needs".
Merza Hasan, Executive Director at the World Bank, said "This award is in
recognition for Mr. Al-Arhabi's devotion and personal contribution to fighting
poverty, promoting
growth and enhancing governance. His leadership and commitment is an inspiration to
all of us working in the development field".
Recipients are selected for their sustained track record of public service, proven
leadership and innovation that has enhanced public service effectiveness, high
standards
of professional ethics, dedication and client orientation, and for inspiring and
influencing public servants in promoting honesty, integrity and accountability in
public
service.
"Mr. Al-Arhabi represents a great example in a region where the challenge of
developing effective public policy frameworks, complemented by an accountable and
responsive
public administration, is the key to unlocking the region's considerable potential
for development," said Shamshad Akhtar, World Bank Vice President for the Middle
East &
North Africa. "We at the World Bank salute his extraordinary commitment and the
personal excellence that this award celebrate".