Dear Members of the Turkish Press:
We would like to make a correction related to the news that appeared on various newspapers, referring to the opening speech that World Bank Country Director Ulrich Zachau delivered at Active Academy Risk Summit on February 26, 2009.
In his speech, Mr. Zachau focused on the impact of the current global crisis. He highlighted that the greatest risks in Turkey today are to the real economy and to jobs, and to children and young workers and job-seekers, who are the most vulnerable group in Turkey today. He noted that Turkey’s unemployment rate today is higher than during the 2001 crisis. He also spoke about illustrative examples of policies and programs that Turkey already has in place, may expand, or may consider putting in place in order to address these risks, maintain and create jobs, and protect the poor.
Unfortunately, some of the media stories about Mr. Zachau’s speech did not capture accurately what he said. They carried headlines such as “Turkey will face economic crisis worse than that of 2001” and “A big crisis is on the way for Turkey” and attributed such statements to Mr. Zachau. Such an interpretation would be incorrect. Mr. Zachau did not make any projection of any kind about a future crisis in Turkey, big or small, or how it might compare with that in 2001, in his speech today.
Our website includes in the section Country Director's Corner the full speech and entire presentation Mr. Zachau delivered today. With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Tunya Celasin
External Affairs Officer
