BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand will host two special forums during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, bringing international financial leaders together to discuss cooperation in a divided world and ways to finance a more resilient green economy. The forums, scheduled for October 13 and 16 in Bangkok, reflect Thailand’s ambition to use its role as host to encourage dialogue and build cooperation across countries and institutions at a time of growing international divisions.
Santitarn Sathirathai, Vice Minister for Finance of Thailand, outlined the two initiatives in a Facebook post, describing them as opportunities for Thailand to set the agenda and invite global leaders to work together on shared challenges. He said the forums reflect the role of a middle-power country as a trusted bridge, bringing different nations and organizations together to find common ground and develop practical solutions despite growing differences.
The first forum, “Building Resilience in a Fragmented World,” on October 13, will feature Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas alongside IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, and Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra. Their discussion will examine how countries can build resilience amid international conflicts and divisions within societies, and identify areas where governments and institutions can work together to prepare for future challenges.
The second forum, “Financing a Resilient Green Economy,” on October 16, will bring together Santitarn, World Bank Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer Paschal Donohoe, Ma Jun, president of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability and the Hong Kong Green Finance Association, and Jean-Paul Servais, chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The discussion will focus on mobilizing finance for the green transition while ensuring that communities and businesses can access the funding they need to adapt to climate change and withstand future crises.
Santitarn said Ekniti had assigned him to serve as editor-in-chief for Thailand’s substantive preparations for the meetings, working with teams from multiple agencies to clarify the country’s priorities and the issues it wants to bring to the international discussion. He said hosting the forums gives Thailand an opportunity to learn from international partners, share its own experience and help shape conversations on issues affecting the global economy and future generations.
The 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings take place in Bangkok from October 12–18, bringing together financial officials and representatives from around the world.
