strictly business
Q&A
well as a bachelors degree in sociology and anthropology from Luther College in Iowa. Q: How do you spend your time away from World Bank activities? A: My relaxation activities include reading, diving, sport and catching up with friends and family around the world. I enjoy ballroom dancing, but I’ve yet to find a teacher in PNG. I love PNG and this part of the world. That’s why I took up the opportunity to come back to this region. Recently I went to New Ireland, the Highlands, and Milne Bay, where I enjoyed driving all the way down to the south of New Ireland, was amazed by the hospitality of the communities in the Highlands, and loved the diving and visits to remote islands in Milne Bay. My favourite part of PNG, so far, has been meeting the people in the communities. There are so many wonderful, warm people, who welcomed me and never lost patience in answering my many questions. Q: How long will you stay in PNG? My three-year appointment ends in 2017, but could be extended for a further two years. But after four to five years, I have to move on, because the idea is to rotate experts across regions, as the World Bank’s philosophy is to share global knowledge and to change countries and regions, and that’s how we add value. n
Steffi Stallmeister ... “The things I value are fairness, honesty and equal opportunities for everybody.”
March – April 2016
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