Opening Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Asia in 2050 Conference in Bangkok, Thailand As prepared for deliveryA very good morning to all.Governor Vitai, thank you for co-hosting this conference in the run-up to our Annual Meetings here in Bangkok later in the year.Having just seen the amazing location fo...
There are few elegant, easy, or politically attractive ways to reduce debtFor years, policymakers have treated government debt like an elastic band that could be stretched without ever snapping. They stretched during the global financial crisis and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, with public debt exceeding annual economic output in several major...
The Global Trade Helpdesk offers a comprehensive platform that simplifies market research for firms of all sizes. By teaming up with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the online tool now offers insight on which markets to sell to, and how to get products there.As companies negotiate deals with buyers and exp...
HighlightThe global push towards clean energy is driving a surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals such as cobalt and nickel – essential for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable technologies. Mineral-rich developing countries stand to benefit. But without targeted policies, the gains risk bypassing women.Drawing on case studies from ...
A focused, risk aligned evaluation agenda to inform decision making across UNDPIsabelle Mercier presents to the UNDP Executive BoardAt its first regular session of 2026, the Executive Board of UNDP approved the Independent Evaluation Office’s (IEO) Multi Year Programme of Work for 2026–2029. The document sets out a focused and strategic evaluation agenda...
UNESCO and Jordan launch the Education Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to advance quality, inclusive, and future-ready education aligned with national and global goals.UNESCO/Dana Almasri4 March 2026Last update:5 March 2026The UNESCO Amman Office, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, officially launched Jordan’s Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2026–20...
Global debt markets remained resilient in 2025 amidst geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and risks for growth prospects, with governments and companies borrowing a record USD 27 trillion, according to a new OECD report.The OECD Global Debt Report 2026: Sustaining Debt Market Resilience Under Growing Pressure, highlights low levels of...
IntroductionGlobal debt markets are navigating a difficult terrain. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment are adding pressure to already stretched markets. But debt markets have been resilient so far. This stability, however, masks deeper structural developments. The cost of long-term borrowing has risen, and the...
Disclaimer: This Technical Guidance Note should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Note are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.SummaryThis note presents the key updates and revenue development highlights of the 2026 version ...
At a meeting on the Work Programme on E-Commerce on 3 March, WTO members considered a proposal to establish a Committee on Digital Trade as part of a draft decision on e-commerce for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), which will take place from 26 to 29 March in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Members also continued discussions on the reinvigoration of the Work P...
