Special Edition: Your Annual Meetings Guide is Here

Five events you can't miss — and how to watch them live from anywhere.

October 09, 2026 This week, we're taking you to Bangkok for the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings from October 12–18. Whether you're on the ground in Thailand or following from home, every public event will stream live on World Bank Live — no registration required. We'll be on social media throughout the week with daily updates and behind-the-scenes coverage. Browse the events below, add them to your calendar, and join the conversation.

How Small AI Creates Jobs Where It Matters Most Monday, October 12 Artificial intelligence is already changing how farmers grow food, businesses operate, and governments deliver services — and for developing countries, the biggest opportunities may not come from frontier models. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga joins leaders and innovators to explore how practical, affordable AI can move from promising pilots to widespread impact. Set a reminder for this event here.

The Floor Is Yours: Civil Society Meets World Bank Leadership Monday, October 12 For his fourth time, Ajay Banga opens the floor to civil society — sharing updates on recent developments at the institution and taking questions from the room and online audience alike. Joined by the Managing Directors, this town hall is a rare opportunity for direct, unfiltered dialogue with the people shaping the global development agenda. Set a reminder for this event here.

Invisible No More: How Data Can Get Small Businesses Funded Tuesday, October 13 Small and medium businesses make up 9 in 10 businesses in developing economies — yet they remain chronically underfinanced. With 1.2 billion people set to enter the workforce over the next decade, that has to change. Join policymakers and financial experts to explore how data can help small businesses get the funding they need. Set a reminder for this event here.

Making Emerging Markets Investable Wednesday, October 14 What will it take to bring more private capital to emerging markets? Investors, regulators, insurers, and development finance leaders come together to examine how capital markets, local currency financing, guarantees, and policy reforms can reduce risk and create new investment opportunities — and what that means for businesses, growth, and jobs. Set a reminder for this event here.

The Main Stage: Annual Meetings Plenary Friday, October 16 The centerpiece of the 2026 Annual Meetings. Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva join Annual Meetings Chairman Carlos Carvallo Spalding, President of the Central Bank of Paraguay, for the plenary session in Bangkok. Watch it live. Set a reminder for this event here.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

What AI Means for Your Region: Six Economic Updates, One Big Theme This year, all six of the World Bank's Regional Economic Updates arrive with the same question at their center: what will AI mean for growth, jobs, and opportunity? The answers vary by region — and that's what makes them worth reading. Find your region and learn more.

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