Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me start by telling you the story of Beatrice Gakuba. In Rwanda in Africa, I met a remarkable woman whose hard work and determination symbolize the talents and dreams of millions of Africans.
Beatrice Gakuba left a comfortable life in the West to start a flower-growing business in her native Rwanda. Against enormous odds, her small farm grew, creating jobs for nearly 200 rural women. When I asked Beatrice Gakuba why she decided to take on such a daunting challenge, she replied, "I came here to grow beautiful flowers on the ashes of genocide." Her biggest obstacle to creating even more jobs is not a lack of skilled workers or entrepreneurial spirit; it is a weak infrastructure that makes electricity unreliable and transportation unaffordable.
Through sound policies, Rwanda has come a long way from its years of pain and conflict. In a new report, Rwanda is cited by the World Bank as a model for Africa in reforming business regulations. In the last seven years, Rwanda's economy grew an average of more than 6 percent annually. Some other African countries are on the right track. To transform. Africa into a continent of hope, they need our help.
The responsibility for doing more and better cannot be left to the developing world alone. It demands more than high profile meetings. It demands urgent result.
Today, we have a choice.
The direction we take now can help make a difference for the millions of people trapped in extreme poverty. For many, it can be a difference between life and death.
We promised here five years ago, to help bring hope, dignity and opportunity into the lives of the poorest. We promised to measure and achieve results. As we gather here today, let us not forget the Beatrice Gakubas of the world, who stand poised to transform. their countries.
Today, we stand accountable to them.
Thank you.