Switzerland at 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Bangkok

Bern, 14.10.2026 — President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, as well as Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Bangkok from 15 to 17 October 2026. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.

The Annual Meetings will focus on current global economic and development policy challenges. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes are weighing on the global economy. Reliable international economic relations are of central importance to Switzerland, which is why it is committed to open markets and resilient supply chains. Switzerland also emphasises that sound public finances, financial stability and integrity, and an innovation-friendly economic policy are necessary for resilience and growth.

Other important topics include the priority activities of the IMF and the World Bank. Switzerland advocates that the IMF provide sound and independent advice to member countries. The IMF should focus on key risks and its core competencies. It should assess its members' external positions holistically and objectively. Furthermore, Switzerland advocates prudent IMF lending in the context of effective adjustment programmes, as well as sound IMF finances.

Switzerland welcomes the World Bank’s stronger focus on job creation and the mobilisation of private investment. Poverty reduction and development impact should be at the heart of these efforts. This requires favourable economic conditions, functioning and inclusive labour markets, and high environmental and social standards.