Global economic policymakers are preparing to examine how countries can protect economic stability and sustain growth as artificial intelligence transforms industries, energy costs remain elevated and government debt limits the room for financial manoeuvre.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scheduled a high-level discussion titled “Debate on the Global Economy: Forging Resilient and Dynamic Economies for the Future” for October 15, 2026. The session is part of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, and is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time in Thailand, equivalent to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The discussion brings together senior economic and financial officials from several regions to explore how governments can respond to economic shocks while preparing their countries for long-term changes in technology, trade and investment.

AI Emerges as a Major Factor in Economic Growth

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important consideration in national economic strategies. Businesses are adopting AI-powered tools to automate processes, analyse information, improve productivity and develop new services. These changes could create fresh opportunities for investment and economic expansion, but the benefits may not be distributed evenly among countries, industries or workers.

Economies with strong digital infrastructure, skilled workforces and access to technology-related investment may be better positioned to take advantage of this transformation. Countries with limited technological capacity could face difficulties keeping pace, potentially widening existing differences in productivity and income.

The IMF’s broader economic assessment has highlighted the contrasting forces shaping growth, including the boost from AI-related demand and the pressure created by energy supply disruptions.

Policymakers therefore face a two-part challenge: encouraging innovation while ensuring that technological change supports employment, competitiveness and broader economic participation.

Investment in education, workforce training, digital infrastructure and research could help countries prepare for changing labour-market requirements. Governments must also consider how to support workers and businesses facing disruption as new technologies reshape established industries.

High Energy Prices Complicate Economic Planning

Energy costs remain another important source of uncertainty for governments and businesses. Expensive fuel and electricity can increase production costs, raise transportation expenses and place pressure on household budgets.

For energy-importing economies, sustained price increases can also affect trade balances and inflation. Businesses may pass higher operating expenses on to consumers, while central banks could face difficult decisions if inflation remains elevated even as economic growth weakens.

The IMF has identified energy-related supply pressures as one of the forces weighing on the global economic outlook. These pressures can reduce the resources available for other priorities, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and technological development.

Building resilience will require countries to prepare for disruptions rather than rely exclusively on emergency responses. Improving energy efficiency, diversifying supply sources and strengthening infrastructure can help reduce exposure to sudden price movements.

However, such changes often require substantial upfront investment. Governments must balance the immediate cost of improving energy security against the potential economic damage caused by repeated supply shocks.

Rising Public Debt Restricts Government Choices

Public debt is another central concern for economic policymakers. When governments devote a growing share of their budgets to interest payments, fewer resources may remain available for public investment and essential services.

High borrowing costs can make debt refinancing more expensive and increase the difficulty of responding to future crises. Countries with limited fiscal flexibility may have less capacity to support households and businesses during periods of weak growth or unexpected economic disruption.

The challenge is particularly significant for developing economies, where financing needs can be substantial and access to affordable borrowing may be more constrained. Recent IMF discussions have also drawn attention to the pressure debt-service costs place on lower-income countries.

Governments must consequently consider how to preserve fiscal credibility without undermining the foundations of future growth. More efficient public spending, stronger revenue systems and carefully selected investment projects can help improve the relationship between public expenditure and economic outcomes.

At the same time, abrupt spending reductions can weaken demand or delay essential development projects. The appropriate balance will vary according to each country’s debt burden, economic conditions and institutional capacity.

International Cooperation Becomes Increasingly Important

The IMF’s scheduled debate reflects the need to consider economic resilience across countries rather than treating individual challenges in isolation. Technology, energy markets, trade and financial conditions are interconnected, meaning that developments in one region can have consequences elsewhere.

A disruption to energy supplies can affect production and inflation across multiple economies. Changes in AI investment can redirect capital and reshape global supply chains. Higher interest rates and borrowing costs can also influence financial conditions in countries far from the original source of economic pressure.

The panel features IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Greece’s Economy and Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso, and Argentina’s Economy Minister Luis Caputo.

Their participation brings perspectives from international financial institutions, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. These economies face different policy circumstances, but all must consider how to maintain stability while adapting to structural changes.

The discussion is expected to examine the capacity of economies, businesses and institutions to withstand repeated shocks, sustain balanced growth and use technological innovation to expand economic opportunities.

Building Resilience Beyond Short-Term Crisis Management

Economic resilience involves more than responding to an immediate emergency. It also requires institutions capable of anticipating risks, allocating resources effectively and adapting to changing conditions.

For governments, this may involve strengthening fiscal frameworks, improving financial oversight and maintaining sufficient policy flexibility to respond to unexpected developments. Businesses can contribute by diversifying supply chains, investing in skills and adopting technologies that improve efficiency.

Long-term resilience also depends on whether economic progress benefits a broad section of society. Productivity gains from AI will have greater developmental value if workers can access new skills and businesses of different sizes can participate in technological change.

Similarly, energy investments need to be evaluated not only in terms of immediate affordability but also their contribution to reliable supplies and long-term economic stability.

Developing economies may require international financing, technical assistance and investment partnerships to address these challenges. Cooperation among governments and international institutions can help mobilise resources, although the effectiveness of such efforts will depend on implementation and country-specific needs.

Outlook for the Global Economy

The IMF’s upcoming debate comes at a time when policymakers must manage several pressures simultaneously. AI offers the possibility of stronger productivity and new economic opportunities, while expensive energy and high debt can limit the ability of governments and businesses to respond to change.

There is no single policy solution that will work equally well for every economy. Countries differ in their fiscal positions, technological capabilities, energy requirements and exposure to international financial conditions.

The central challenge is to combine short-term stability with reforms that strengthen long-term productive capacity. Policies that improve public finances, encourage responsible innovation, support workforce development and reduce vulnerability to energy disruptions could help economies navigate an increasingly uncertain environment.

The discussions at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings will provide an important opportunity for policymakers to compare approaches and examine how economic institutions can remain effective amid rapid technological and geopolitical change.

Ultimately, resilient economies will depend not only on their ability to absorb shocks, but also on their capacity to adapt, innovate and sustain inclusive growth when global conditions become more difficult.