Joint Video Message of Former US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton at the Tsunami Meeting

18 March 2005

Former President George HW Bush: Greetings to all. President Clinton and I are pleased to be able to say a few words about the tsunami relief and reconstruction efforts. In mid-February we had an opportunity to visit some of the worst tsunami-affected countries, roughly seven weeks after the terrible disaster struck. It was a deeply moving experience, one I'll never forget. We met with survivors, government officials and many organizations, including representatives of the American government and NGO groups who were lending a hand. President Clinton and I talked to many people who wanted to tell their story and to express to us how grateful they were. Never have I been prouder to represent our country.

Former President Bill Clinton: We were greatly impressed with the courage and resilience of the people who are picking up their lives and trying to go forward. But we were also painfully moved by their terrible losses. The enormity of the job that lies ahead to make things right again struck us both. The physical devastation is enormous as is the personal devastation to so many of the survivors.

Bush: The children test us the most. They are the future. We in the donor community want to see how we can best help the governments and communities of those affected by the tsunami ensure that these children have a bright future.

Clinton: President Bush and I are encouraged that the international donor community will coordinate its planning and action with the NGO and private sector communities as well as local governments. This is essential. Working along with officials of the affected countries, together we can tackle this critically important reconstruction effort that lies ahead and work towards broad-based sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Bush: We were impressed with the determination of the government leaders we had the honor to meet. And they were committed to see that their countries recover quickly, that their people have a bright future ahead. They also assured us that they would make accountability and transparency a top priority. They know that the international community is concerned about the use of funds. And they told us they intend to be good stewards of the money raised for their aid.

Clinton: As private citizens, we've been privileged to help raise funds for this effort from the private sector. Donations have poured in from across America, from individuals and small companies as well as large corporations. On one end of the spectrum, students in an elementary school held a penny drive and collected $1,200 in one week. On the other end, one city mounted a campaign and raised more than $4 million. Using these funds and in kind donations carefully and expeditiously will require creativity and careful coordination in the months ahead.

Bush: We encourage all of you to work as cooperatively as possible to help speed delivery to those in need. President Clinton will continue to keep a watchful eye from his new UN vantage point. So be prepared. And I'll continue to work quietly but with keen interest to see that the funds we've helped raise are put to good use.

Clinton: The work of each of you will be vital to put these hard-hit countries back on the road to recovery. The road ahead will be long and hard, given the enormity of the task. But please know that your efforts - big and small - will have a long-term positive impact and give hope to these victims of the tsunami. In particular, for those of you meeting at the Asian Development Bank meeting in Manila, we hope that you will work to ensure that coordination continues at all levels so that reconstruction leads to broad-based development and poverty-reduction. I'm sorry I was not able to be with you in person, but look forward to hearing the results of your deliberation.

View the video at:
High Bandwidth
Low Bandwidth