WASHINGTON, D.C. (Enmaeya News) — Policymakers, financial leaders, and development experts gathered in Washington, D.C., from April 21 to 26 for the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, focusing on persistent global uncertainty, debt vulnerabilities, and the future of inclusive growth.

In opening remarks, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned of heightened risks to global financial stability. “Uncertainty is bad for business,” she said, noting that companies are delaying investments and consumers are becoming more cautious amid aggressive trade measures and slowing growth.

The meetings featured various panels, summits, and debates covering inflation control, monetary policy in emerging markets, public debt risks, AI’s implications for financial stability, capitalizing climate investments, and international tax cooperation. The prominent themes were labor market shifts, the gendered division of labor, and building an AI-ready workforce through public-private collaboration.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga underscored the critical need for job creation, particularly in emerging economies. "History shows that more open economies tend to grow faster and withstand shocks more effectively," Banga stated during a press conference, addressing the growing trend of trade protectionism. On development prospects, he added, “Development is a long endeavor. It is not always linear, but it is still possible even during these uncertainties.”

While concerns over slowing regional growth and rising fiscal pressures dominated the discussions, the meetings closed with cautious optimism. Delegates emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation, targeted reforms to unlock job creation, and investments to build more resilient and sustainable economies.