Welcome to India Development Marketplace 2007

On behalf of the World Bank, our partners and participants, I welcome H.E. the President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam to the 2007 IDM.  I would also like to welcome all of you here today.

 

It is an honor for us to be able to host fifty social entrepreneurs who have come from almost every state in the country, bringing in different ideas to improve the quality of life by protecting natural resources.

 

Once every two years we open our doors to encourage social innovations from grassroots practitioners from across the country. Our first IDM, held in 2004 rewarded innovative ideas for improving rural services. This year, our IDM is based on the theme ‘Grassroots Initiatives for Management and Protection of Natural Resources’.

 

This topic is at the centre of one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.  

Human activities now occur on a scale that is starting to interfere with natural systems. The earlier warning by scientists of a crisis ahead is now widely accepted, partly because of the natural disasters that are occurring worldwide.

 

Concern for the environment is viewed by some as a rich-country luxury. This is not so. Natural resources – fresh water, clean air, forests, grasslands, marine resources, and agro-ecosystems – are what provide sustenance to most of the world’s poor.  They provide the foundation for the well being of humankind. 

 

Our Development Marketplace this year has received an overwhelming response; we have received over 2500 proposals. Each proposal has been thoroughly reviewed by development experts, and the most innovative and potentially viable have been invited to present at today’s Marketplace.

 

Of the 50 proposals here today top 20 will be selected by the jury for prize around Rs. 8 Lakh each. 

 

We have also received a fantastic response from partners: Ministry of Environment and Forests, DFID, Asian Development Bank, IFC, WHO,   Pehel- A Jagran group of publications social initiative, the Times Foundation, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Ford Foundation, Sir Ratan Tata Trust, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Together contributed ½ million dollars and we thank them for their generosity and commitment.

 

I wish all the participants much success in their efforts to bring hope to the lives of all around us through these projects.

 

I now request the Hon’ble President of India to please address the gathering.