Washington, D.C. will be the epicenter of the Global Economic Dialogue April 15-20, 2024, hosting the spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. These annual meetings are key moments for international economic decision-makers, who meet to discuss current economic challenges. These events bring together a diversity of actors – academics, legislators, business leaders, civil society representatives and central bankers – to debate and find solutions to the most pressing economic problems. In a context of unprecedented economic difficulties, the agenda for the 2024 Spring Meetings is designed to guide and support economic development on a global scale. This is a unique opportunity for participants to help shape the economic future of our planet.
The main goal of the Spring Meetings is to discuss many global issues, such as the state of the world economy, the fight against poverty, economic development, and the efficacy of aid. The objective of the 2024 Spring sessions, themed “Towards Inclusive Recovery and Sustainable Growth,” is to promote cooperative approaches to address economic inequality and accomplish sustainable development objectives.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva gave a sneak peek at this year’s theme, stating that unless governments address policies that stimulate development, the globe is in for a dismal stretch of time. According to Ms. Georgieva, this decade may be known as the “Tepid Twenties” if such measures are not adopted.
Participants
The events will be attended by accomplished delegates worldwide and credible observers. Civil Society Representatives, which include non-governmental organizations, community groups, labour unions, indigenous peoples movements, faith-based organizations, professional associations, foundations, think tanks, charitable organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations. Members of the Press and other registered guests would also join them.
Schedule
The Spring Meetings’ extensive schedule includes various workshops, policy talks, and capacity-building events. Among the noteworthy events are:
- ISO 20121 Certification Event with the IMF Managing Director: Demonstrating the commitment towards sustainability and responsible event management.
- Analytical Corners: Covering diverse topics such as industrial policy, tax capacity building in developing countries, and workforce development in Africa.
- High-Level Policy Panels: Addressing critical issues like resilience of funding markets, significance of private funds, and evolving interactions between central banks and securities market regulators.
- Capacity Development Talks: Providing insights into energy subsidy reforms, fiscal journeys to debt relief, and governance diagnostics for performance and accountability.
- Climate Voices: Exploring climate finance solutions and lessons from Costa Rica and Kenya.
- Governor Talks: Featuring discussions on monetary policy insights from Korea, reforming monetary policy in Nigeria, and restoring macroeconomic stability in Egypt.
Speakers
The meetings will be graced by more than a few distinguished individuals. The participants are key figures such as Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the African Department at the IMF, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group. Their attendance emphasizes how important it is for different sectors to work together to shape the global economic environment. The speakers are listed in full below:
- Abebe Aemro Selassie
Director of the African Department, IMF.
- Ajay Banga
President, World Bank
- Akinwumi A. Adesina
President, African Development Bank Group
- Alamine Ousmane Mey
Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, Cameroon
- Ernesto Max Elia Tonela
Minister of Economy and Finance of Mozambique
- Folake Soetan
CEO Ikeja Electric Plc
- Hans Olav Kvalvaag
CEO Release by Scatec
- Hassanein Hiridjee
CEO Axian Group
- Joanne Carter
Executive Director, RESULTS
- Kevin Kariuki
Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, African Development Bank
- Lamia Tazi
CEO, Sothema
- Lucy Heintz
Partner, Head of Energy Infrastructure, Actis
- Mawunyo Mila Aziable
Minister of State for Energy and Mines, Togo
- Mohamed Maait
Minister of Finance, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Muhammad Ali Pate
Minister of Health, Nigeria
- Njuguna S. Ndungu
Cabinet Secretary, , National Treasury & Economic Planning, Kenya
- Patrick Walsh
CEO and Co-Founder of Sun King
- Senait Fisseha
Vice President of Global Programs, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
- Shun’ichi Suzuki
Minister of Finance, Japan
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organization
- Tjedu Moyo
Executive Director, Lunia Centre for Youths”
The 2024 World Bank Group and IMF Spring Meetings are a glimmer of hope amidst the ambiguity enveloping global economics. With conflicts raging around the world, these meetings are increasingly important for planning and organizing a sustainable world economy.
Almost a year after becoming the World Bank’s president, Ajay Banga hopes to showcase a more robust and effective entity this week.
Mr Banga outlined a number of recent changes made by the World Bank, such as quickening the approval process. It has broadened its scope in eradicating poverty by tackling other worldwide concerns including pandemics and climate change.
Requests for change were made due to the World Bank’s handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, which left dozens of nations deeply indebted.
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