On 16 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Plenary Session of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, at which H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the host country.

The Plenary Session serves as the main programme of the Annual Meetings, bringing together Governors of the IMF and the World Bank Group from member countries for discussions on the global economic outlook, international economic and financial challenges, and the strategic priorities of both institutions. Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, underscored the importance of maintaining fiscal stability and sustainability, while promoting inclusive access to artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, highlighted job creation and the mobilisation of private capital to support development.

The Plenary Session also congratulated H.E. Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs of Pakistan, on his designation as the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the IMF and the World Bank Group for 2027.