Why I get excited about Annual Meetings – and why you should too

This morning, as I walked through the doors of the World Bank Group headquarters, just as I was about to hang up the phone with one of my sons, he said, “Have a good day, Mom.” My reply? “How about we make it a great day?” And today, like every day during our 2024 Annual Meetings, has the potential to be more than just great: it’s our chance to drive real progress and make a difference for people around the world.?

Honestly, this particular son has a hard time understanding what’s so special about “Annual Meetings,” but let me explain why they matter (and if you read until the end, I’ll also share my top 3 things to watch for this week).

The Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund are one of the largest gatherings of finance ministers, central bankers, business leaders, and civil society representatives. Everyone comes to Washington D.C. with the same question in mind: how can we accelerate development and respond to crises? And we engage to identify actions. Because in a world in turmoil, we must meet the moment and provide solutions.

Our Annual Meetings take place in an extremely challenging context for the countries and the people we serve. We know, for example, that over the next decade, an unprecedented 1.2 billion young people will become working age adults. But far too many will not be prepared for the job market. With only an additional 420 million jobs expected to be created, many youths are at risk of being left behind. Whenever I sit down with government leaders, I’m reminded of the enormity of our shared mission – finding solutions that change lives. But I’m also convinced that solutions are within reach, and helping countries shape a better future is what we’re here to do.?

This year’s meetings couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Just last year in Marrakesh, we formalized an ambitious vision for a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Since then, we’ve achieved meaningful improvements in becoming a better, bigger, and more effective Bank. If you are curious to learn more about this topic, mark your calendar for Tuesday, 11:30 am D.C. time, as our President will be joined by US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Zambia Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Former UN Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch-Brown .?

But there’s more work to do to be future-ready. Ministers are telling us that they’re starting to see the impact of our efforts to change our institution, something that is music to my ears. And that we’re stepping up to be the partner they need.??

So, without further ado, here are my 3 things to watch out for (in person or online) this week:?

• I’ll be paying close attention to the number of female leaders in the room. From shaping financial policies to guiding sustainable development, the women leaders I meet during these Meetings are driving innovative solutions to challenges disproportionately affecting women and girls. I can’t wait for our “Women Transforming the World” flagship event, on Thursday, at 9 am D.C. time. You should tune in too for new bold announcements on how to empower women economically.??
• You may want to explore how the global agriculture and food system can do more than just feed a growing population – it holds immense potential as a driver of growth and job creation. And transforming the food sector requires us to tackle nutrition, climate resilience, and job creation all at once. Join us for a conversation with Ajay and our guest speakers on Wednesday, at 10 am D.C. time.??
• Lastly, don’t miss the insights from some of the biggest champions of the job agenda – Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. They’ll be sharing their expertise on pursuing bold and innovative ideas to create jobs that provide young people with dignity and purpose. I’m looking forward to hearing their perspectives alongside Ajay on Wednesday, at 3 pm D.C. time.?

As I’m about to walk out of the building after an intense first day, I hope that these Annual Meetings are an opportunity to demonstrate that forecasts are not destiny. Something we’re committed to proving every day. That’s it for today. I’ll share more throughout the week, so stay tuned!?