Statement by World Bank President Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui on the 2023 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings

Statement by World Bank President Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui on the 2023 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings

September 18, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC: World Bank President Ajay
Banga; International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina
Georgieva; and Kingdom of Morocco Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia
Fettah Alaoui, today issued the following statement:

“Since the devastating earthquake in Morocco on September 8, the World Bank
and the IMF staff have worked in close coordination with the Moroccan
authorities and a team of experts to thoroughly assess Marrakech’s capacity
to host the 2023 Annual Meetings. In undertaking this assessment, key
considerations were that the Meetings would not disrupt vital relief and
reconstruction efforts, and that the safety of the participants can be
assured. Based on a careful review of the findings, the Managements of the
World Bank and IMF, together with the Moroccan authorities, have agreed to
proceed with holding the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech from October 9 to
15, adapting the content to the circumstances.

As we look ahead to the Meetings, it is of utmost importance that we conduct
them in a way that does not hamper the relief efforts under way and that is
respectful to the victims and the Moroccan people. At this very difficult
time, we believe that the Annual Meetings also provide an opportunity for
the international community to stand by Morocco and its people, who have
once again shown resilience in the face of tragedy. We also remain committed
to ensuring the safety of all participants.”

About the World Bank

The World Bank plays a key role in the global effort to end extreme
poverty and boost shared prosperity. Working in more than 100 countries,
the World Bank provides financing, advice, and other solutions that enable
countries to address the most urgent challenges of development.

About the International Monetary Fund

The IMF is a global organization that works to achieve sustainable growth
and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by
supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary
cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation,
and economic well-being. The IMF is governed by and accountable to its
member countries.