Finance ministers and central bank governors from 191 countries will gather for the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank from tomorrow amid global economic uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia and fragile diplomatic conditions. The meetings will continue till 18th of this month.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that new economic forecasts, to be released this week along with the Global Financial Stability Report, are likely to be revised downward due to the economic impact of ongoing conflicts.
In January, global growth was projected at 3.3% for the year, including 2.1% in the United States, 1.4% in the euro area, and 5.4% in emerging Asia. Updated estimates are expected to be lower. Ms Georgieva noted that while the global economy has shown resilience, it is once again under strain from conflict-driven disruptions affecting multiple regions. Global oil flows have declined by about 13%, while liquefied natural gas flows have dropped nearly 20%, contributing to rising prices and supply chain challenges.
The meetings will bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to review global growth, financial stability, and poverty reduction efforts. The IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee and the joint IMF-World Bank Development Committee will also meet to assess progress and set policy priorities.
