The global economy continues to demonstrate notable resilience despite a range of persistent challenges, International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials said on October 17, even as tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine prompted a partial walkout during a key committee meeting.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who chairs the IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), acknowledged that nearly half of the delegates exited the room during remarks by Russia’s finance minister at the meeting held in Bangkok. Despite the disruption, Al-Jadaan emphasized that agreement was ultimately reached on the chair’s statement, which reflects the consensus of all members.

“We came here for a reason, and we achieved it,” Al-Jadaan said, highlighting the importance of the final agreed text. He noted that the global economy is facing significant ongoing difficulties, including conflicts, risks to energy and food security, elevated public debt, and challenges stemming from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. However, he cautioned finance officials against complacency in responding to these threats.

“There is no room for complacency,” the chairman stated during the concluding news conference of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, which drew more than 18,000 participants to Bangkok. The meeting’s chair’s statement warned that escalating conflicts and rising trade tensions have the potential to disrupt key trade routes, intensify commodity price pressures—particularly in refined energy products—and further undermine energy and food security globally.

Al-Jadaan stressed the need for fiscal authorities to rebuild financial buffers while continuing to protect vulnerable populations and investing in growth-enhancing initiatives. He underscored the importance of maintaining central bank independence and supporting policies that encourage private sector-led growth and investment. In addition, international cooperation was described as vital to addressing excessive global economic imbalances and ongoing trade frictions.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described the meetings as productive but acknowledged a growing sense of anxiety among member countries over increasing economic divergence. She highlighted concerns voiced by many lower-income nations, particularly those not integrated into the emerging artificial intelligence value chain, that they risk being left behind.

Despite geopolitical fragmentation and recurring global shocks, Georgieva expressed optimism about the continuing commitment among countries to multilateral dialogue and cooperation. “It is there,” she said, signaling that collective engagement remains central to navigating current and future economic challenges.