October 16-18, 2020 | #WBGMeetings

2020 World Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings

Each Fall, the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) hold Annual Meetings to discuss a range of issues related to poverty reduction, international economic development and finance. Given the ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Annual Meetings events was held in a primarily virtual format. All public events were live-streamed in English, Spanish, French and Arabic and are available for replay. 

During the meetings, the World Bank announced plans to make available up to $12 billion to developing countries for purchase and deployment once vaccines become available. IFC is also investing heavily in manufacturers of vaccines and related supplies through its $4 billion Global Health Platform. These efforts will support affordable and equitable access for the poorest and those most at risk.

The week also saw the G20’s extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) through the first six months of 2021. First championed by the World Bank Group and IMF, it allows low-income countries to suspend their debt service payments to official bilateral creditors. Noting that “the DSSI is creating much needed fiscal space and supporting the financing programs of the WBG and IMF for the poorest countries,” the committee encouraged further actions by multilateral development banks as well as participation by private creditors. Read more >

Read more about the 2020 Annual Meetings or select an event below to watch the replay.