Barbara Ward Quotes

Economist
United Kingdom
1940

Barbara Ward was a British economist, writer, and environmentalist who was known for her influential works on international development and environmental issues. She was born in 1914 and grew up in a wealthy family, but she dedicated her life to advocating for the poor and promoting sustainable development.Ward’s notable works include “The West at Bay” (1948), which analyzed the economic and political challenges facing Western countries after World War II, and “The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations” (1962), which examined the growing economic disparities between developed and developing countries.She also co-authored the influential report “Only One Earth: The Care and Maintenance of a Small Planet” (1972), which highlighted the urgent need for global action to address environmental degradation and resource depletion.Ward was a strong advocate for international cooperation and was a key figure in the creation of the United Nations Development Programme. She also served as an advisor to several world leaders, including US President Lyndon B. Johnson and British Prime Minister Harold Wilson.Throughout her career, Ward received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to economics and environmentalism. She passed away in 1981, but her ideas and advocacy continue to inspire and influence global development efforts.Read Less

3 Insightful Barbara Ward Quotes

We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do. Feraz Zeid, December 27, 2023, Barbara Ward, Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, Environmental, Rivers, Science, 0

- Barbara Ward

Economist

· United Kingdom

Our physical unity has gone far ahead of our moral unity. Feraz Zeid, September 12, 2023, Barbara Ward, Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, Moral, Unity, 0

- Barbara Ward

Economist

· United Kingdom

Moral
Unity

Fear can indeed be the beginning of wisdom. Feraz Zeid, June 6, 2023, Barbara Ward, Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, God, 0

- Barbara Ward

Economist

· United Kingdom

Barbara Ward Career Highlights

In 1940, Ward joined the British Foreign Office as a research officer, where she worked on economic and social issues.
In 1946, she became the editor of The Economist’s “Foreign Report” and was the first woman to hold this position.
In 1950, Ward became the first female editor of the British weekly magazine, The Economist.
In 1958, she was appointed as the first female director of the Oxford Institute of Statistics.
In 1965, Ward was made a life peer in the House of Lords, becoming the first woman to sit in the House as a crossbencher.
In 1969, she was awarded the prestigious Albert Medal by the Royal Society of Arts for her contributions to international relations and economic development.
In 1972, Ward was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of York, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
In 1974, she was awarded the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global 500 Roll of Honour for her work in environmental conservation.
In 1976, Ward was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to international relations and environmental conservation.

Key Contributions by Barbara Ward

Ward was a pioneer in the field of international development, advocating for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources between developed and developing countries.
She was a strong advocate for environmental conservation and was one of the first to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment.
Ward played a crucial role in shaping the policies of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, influencing their approach towards economic development and environmental sustainability.
She was a vocal critic of the traditional economic growth model, arguing for a more sustainable and inclusive approach to development.
Ward’s work on poverty and inequality paved the way for the concept of “sustainable development,” which recognizes the interdependence of economic, social, and environmental factors.

What Sets Barbara Ward Apart

Ward’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and policy-making was one of her greatest strengths. She was able to translate complex economic theories into practical solutions for policymakers.
She was a trailblazer for women in the fields of economics and international relations, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
Ward’s work was characterized by a deep sense of empathy and compassion for the less fortunate. She believed that economic development should not come at the cost of social justice and environmental degradation.
Her writing style was clear, concise, and accessible, making her ideas and arguments easily understandable to a wide audience.

Takeaways

Barbara Ward’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate her significant impact on the fields of international relations, economic development, and environmental conservation.
Her pioneering work on sustainable development continues to influence policies and practices around the world.
Ward’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and her commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, make her a role model for future generations of economists and policymakers.

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