Progress on the Preparation for the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in 2026

The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have jointly provided updates on the preparations for the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in 2026, which Thailand will host from October 12 to 18, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

During this meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Mr. Veerathai Santiprabhob, and IMF Managing Director, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, along with the organizing committee from Thailand and the IMF, discussed various preparation aspects that are proceeding smoothly and according to the established plans. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress and praised the modernity of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, as well as Bangkok's potential as a leading international conference hub in the region. The strong cooperation between the IMF and Thai agencies will be a key factor in ensuring the success of the 2026 Annual Meetings and producing meaningful outcomes. This will be the second time Thailand has hosted this meeting, following the event in 1991 at the same venue.

Mr. Ekniti stated that Thailand's selection as host once again is a significant opportunity for the country. The meeting returning to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the original venue built for the 1991 meeting, reflects Thailand's continuous development over the past 35 years and the confidence it has earned as one of the world's key economic cooperation centers. Thailand is one of only three countries honored to host this meeting, likened to the “Olympics of finance,” more than once, demonstrating its potential and readiness to host a global event.

One of Thailand's significant opportunities as host is to share its experiences and vision for national development under the theme “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This concept reflects Thailand's move towards new horizons by building on lessons learned from over 35 years of development and emphasizes the importance of “people” as the heart of national development in driving the economy amidst rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence, as well as the need to enhance resilience to various challenges, from geopolitical conflicts to climate change, which will significantly impact Thailand's future. This transition concept can serve as a model for other countries in the region to adopt in the future.

Mr. Veerathai mentioned that this meeting is taking place at a time when the global economy faces numerous challenges, requiring a long-term perspective, appropriate innovation, and international cooperation. “This meeting will be an important platform for member countries worldwide to exchange views and collaboratively seek practices and policies for sustainable, strong, and inclusive growth.”

In driving Thailand towards “new horizons,” the Bank of Thailand has promoted financial strength through the creation of a safe and inclusive digital finance economy (Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF) for Financial Wellbeing), emphasizing that the annual meeting is a crucial opportunity to advance the SIDF agenda globally by developing a practical blueprint that countries can adapt to their contexts. This SIDF blueprint is something Thailand has contributed to the global community, even after its role as host concludes. Additionally, Mr. Veerathai affirmed Thailand's readiness to ensure the meeting proceeds smoothly to support achieving the IMF's goals.

Ms. Kristalina Georgieva expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation of government agencies and the Thai people, stating, “Thank you to the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, and all team members for their professionalism, dedication, and warm hospitality. From what I have seen today, I am very confident and excited. Thailand is exceptionally prepared to host this meeting, reflecting the strong collaboration between the Thai authorities, the IMF, and the World Bank team, and I look forward to returning this October.”

Ms. Georgieva emphasized Asia's crucial role in the global economy, stating, “Asia remains a key driver of global economic growth, with its dynamism, resilience, and regional integration. I cannot think of a better place than Thailand to hold the annual meeting.”

This year, our gathering in Asia is particularly meaningful for building on the region's successes while working with the global community to create a strong and resilient future economy. I look forward to welcoming representatives from around the world to Thailand to collectively address the challenges we share through concrete and practical cooperation and solutions.”