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<\/a><\/p>\nPublished On 17 Oct 202617 Oct 2026<\/p>\n
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a responsibility to help poorer nations struggling with rising debt, high inflation and price shocks caused by war spillovers, the head of the global lender says.<\/p>\n
Speaking as the IMF\u2019s annual meetings in Bangkok wrapped up on Saturday, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said discussions with global policymakers showed both \u201coptimism and worry\u201d.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOptimism from the resilience of the global economy, the promise of AI, the dynamism of Asia,\u201d Georgieva told reporters. \u201cBut AI is also recognised to be a source of worry and so are inflation, high levels of debt, wars, climate risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Georgieva said vulnerable nations are missing out on the AI investment boom that is driving growth in richer countries while at the same time dealing with higher borrowing costs.<\/p>\n
Higher global interest rates mean low-income countries now spend 8 to 14 percent of their revenue on debt repayments, up from previous years, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can tell you that people everywhere, but especially in poorer countries, don\u2019t like inflation. Inflation is like a tax on the poor,\u201d Georgieva said.<\/p>\n
The warnings came as low-income, oil-importing countries take the strongest hit from rising global energy<\/a> costs. Prices<\/a> have soared since February when the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran<\/a>, leading to retaliatory strikes in the Middle East and disrupted oil and gas flows.<\/p>\n \u201cEscalating conflicts \u200cand trade tensions could further disrupt critical trade routes, exacerbate commodity price pressures, including in refined energy products, and worsen energy and food security,\u201d said a statement issued by Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).<\/p>\n The IMFC is the main steering committee for the 191-member crisis lender.<\/p>\n Georgieva said her organisation has a responsibility to help countries restructure debt if needed to assist with domestic resource mobilisation, bring in international finance and create conditions for private investment.<\/p>\n Such countries need to set spending targets that prioritise growth and protect the most vulnerable people, she said, adding that the IMF has a \u201crelentless pursuit of more resources for low-income countries\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we do our best, it translates into better lives for people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Georgieva also said the IMF plans to back Iraq \u201cvery firmly\u201d with a requested loan programme while talks with Lebanese authorities are making progress.<\/p>\n![\"International](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ap_6ad3379db6d05-1792227229.jpg\")
IMFC Chairman and Saudi Arabian Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan addresses the IMF annual meetings with Georgieva in Bangkok on October 17, 2026 [Sakchai Lalit\/AP Photo]Debt relief and regional support<\/p>\n