IMF chair notes global resilience amid Russian‑Ukraine dispute walkout

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank convened in Bangkok for a week‑long series of meetings that drew more than 18,000 participants from governments, central banks and private‑sector representatives.

During a press conference on Saturday, Mohammed Al‑Jadaan, the Saudi finance minister who chairs the IMF’s steering committee, described the global economy as showing "remarkable resilience" despite a range of pressures. He highlighted wars, energy and food‑security threats, high public‑debt levels and the rapid rise of artificial‑intelligence technologies as key challenges that could erode gains if policymakers relax their vigilance.

The meeting was interrupted when Russia’s finance minister Anton Siluanov made remarks about the country’s war in Ukraine. Nearly half of the delegates walked out in protest, signalling deep anger over Russia’s actions and a strong endorsement of Ukraine. Al‑Jadaan acknowledged the walkout but emphasised that the committee’s statement had been approved by all members.

Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF chief executive, said the meetings were productive but tense. She noted that poorer member states were concerned about falling behind and that many participants still sought a multilateral forum for dialogue.

Al‑Jadaan called on fiscal authorities to rebuild buffers, protect vulnerable groups and support investment that drives private‑sector growth. He also stressed the importance of maintaining central‑bank independence and pursuing policies that encourage investment while managing debt.

The week of meetings in Bangkok underscored the need for continued cooperation among international financial institutions and national governments to address the intertwined risks of conflict, commodity price volatility, and technological disruption.