The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have selected Bangkok as the host city for their prestigious annual joint meeting in 2026, according to Minister of Finance Arkhom Tempittayapaisith. This significant event will also include the annual meetings of the boards of governors of both the World Bank Group and the IMF.
This gathering is anticipated to attract approximately 12,000 attendees from across the globe, featuring finance ministers from the World Bank’s 189 member countries and central bank governors from the IMF’s 190 member countries. Additionally, executives from various international financial institutions and organizations, representing both the public and private sectors, will also be present at the meeting.
Thailand was one of 10 countries vying for the opportunity to host this esteemed event. Last December, a team from the World Bank visited Bangkok to evaluate the city’s preparedness for hosting the 2026 meeting. Ultimately, Bangkok was chosen as the host location during a joint meeting of the governors of the World Bank and IMF on April 10.
The annual joint meeting serves as an important platform for member countries of both institutions to discuss pressing issues, such as the global economic and financial landscape, poverty reduction, job creation, climate change, transitioning to a digital economy, and fostering sustainable economic growth and development through international cooperation. The event is typically held in October each year.
In 2026, Morocco will play host to the annual meeting, while Washington, D.C. will be the host city in 2024 and 2025. Notably, Bangkok previously hosted the event in 1991.
Hosting the 2026 meeting presents a valuable opportunity for Thailand to take on a key role in supporting the functions of international financial institutions and fostering economic cooperation at both regional and sub-regional levels. In addition, the meeting will act as a stage for Thailand to promote policies and developments that benefit the nation and demonstrate its capabilities as a host for international gatherings.
During the annual meeting, parallel meetings between member countries and prominent international financial institutions will take place, further contributing to the significance and impact of this global event.
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