Switzerland at 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Bangkok
Bern, 14.10.2026 — President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, as well as Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Bangkok from 15 to 17 October 2026. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
The Annual Meetings will focus on current global economic and development policy challenges. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes are weighing on the global economy. Reliable international economic relations are of central importance to Switzerland, which is why it is committed to open markets and resilient supply chains. Switzerland also emphasises that sound public finances, financial stability and integrity, and an innovation-friendly economic policy are necessary for resilience and growth.
Other important topics include the priority activities of the IMF and the World Bank. Switzerland advocates that the IMF provide sound and independent advice to member countries. The IMF should focus on key risks and its core competencies. It should assess its members' external positions holistically and objectively. Furthermore, Switzerland advocates prudent IMF lending in the context of effective adjustment programmes, as well as sound IMF finances.
Switzerland welcomes the World Bank’s stronger focus on job creation and the mobilisation of private investment. Poverty reduction and development impact should be at the heart of these efforts. This requires favourable economic conditions, functioning and inclusive labour markets, and high environmental and social standards.
At the Annual Meetings, Switzerland will sign a new partnership with the IMF, which the Federal Council approved on 26 August 2026. As part of this partnership, Switzerland is providing the IMF with CHF 40 million over the period 2026–2030 to support its member countries in building state capacities and institutions. This partnership will be implemented by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Switzerland's continued commitment strengthens its position within the IMF and the World Bank, and also benefits Swiss companies and investors, for example through improved conditions for trade and investment, and reduced economic risks.
A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors under the U.S. presidency will be held during the Annual Meetings. Among other things, Switzerland will advocate for economic openness and growth-friendly, reliable framework conditions at this meeting. Furthermore, Switzerland also supports calls for debt transparency and more efficient debt restructuring in developing and emerging economies.