The President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, praised, on October 15 in Marrakech, Morocco’s excellent organization of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the incredible work accomplished by the Kingdom.
Speaking on the occasion of the signing ceremony for the holding of the 2026 annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok, Thailand, Banga expressed his gratitude to “His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and all Moroccans for the quality of the organization and the warm welcome extended to participants at these Meetings.”
“Morocco has done an incredible job in welcoming us during a very difficult time,” stated Banga in light of the earthquake that struck Al-Haouz region on September 8, noting that authorities “have not only conducted your hospitality for us, but the decency and dignity with which you are helping your own people every single day.”
During this ceremony, which was also attended by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister, Krisada Chinavicharana, and the Assistant Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Chayawadeee Chai-anant, the World Bank official affirmed that “this only reinforces my admiration for the Moroccan people.”
For his part, Chinavicharana praised the Kingdom “for its outstanding efforts in successfully organizing and hosting the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,” stressing that “this achievement will always be remembered as a shining example of determination.”
It should be recalled that the IMF Managing Director announced, on October 14 in Marrakech, that Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, will host the 2026 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings.
The World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, the media, and academic professionals to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global economy, including the economic outlook, financial stability, poverty eradication, inclusive economic growth and job creation, climate change, and digital transformation.
These Annual Meetings are usually held for two consecutive years at the World Bank and IMF headquarters in Washington, followed by a third year in another member country.
