IMF and World Bank Address Debt, Jobs, and AI Challenges

Global financial leaders convened at the IMF–World Bank Plenary 2026 in Bangkok, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline, job creation, and AI safeguards amid rising economic challenges.

The IMF warned that high public debt is restricting governments' capacity to manage economic shocks, calling for stricter fiscal measures to restore financial stability.

The World Bank projected a 800-million job gap over the next decade, as 1.2 billion young workers are expected to enter a market only set to generate 400 million new roles.

Artificial Intelligence was flagged as a major economic disruptor, with the US Fed noting its potential to boost productivity while posing risks like labor market instability and cybersecurity threats.