The World Bank Group is honored to hold our meetings in Istanbul the world’s only metropolis that sits astride two continents, exemplifies rich diversity, and is already a leader in the region and increasingly in the world and we are grateful to the Turkish people for their world class hospitality. During the Annual Meetings in Istanbul this October, officials and constituents of our 186 member countries will gather to discuss our shared work at promoting sustainable development and fighting poverty. The diverse voices and ideas of civil society and of all other stakeholders around the world will be critical for an effective global response to the global financial crisis.