WASHINGTON, July 1, 2024—In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (the “Bretton Woods Conference”), the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group today announced the launch of a consultation tasked with developing a long-term view on the future of the world economy, international cooperation, and the roles of the Bank and the Fund.
The Bank and the Fund have formed a group of external advisors to help guide this initiative. The advisors include Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance of Indonesia; Patrick Achi, former Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire; and Mark Malloch Brown, former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN. Working closely with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, these advisors will lead discussions with global stakeholders on shaping the world economy over the next 20‒30 years. They will also explore how multilateralism may evolve and how both institutions can best support stability and progress towards a livable planet.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated: “As the IMF seeks to serve the evolving needs of our global membership and to deliver efficiently and effectively on our three principal tasks—economic policy advice, lending, and capacity development—we recognize the importance of a longer-term perspective. This process will help us better understand possible futures and plan for them.”
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga remarked: “For 80 years, the World Bank has worked to improve lives and make the world a better place. This anniversary is an opportunity not only to reflect but more importantly to look to the future and make ourselves ready for challenges beyond the horizon. The world needs the Bank, and the next 50 years will demand even more from this institution than were required during the preceding 80 years to realize a world free of poverty on a livable planet.”
Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been Indonesia's Minister of Finance since 2016. She is an expert in public finance, fiscal policy, and labor economics. Her previous roles include Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at the World Bank Group, Minister of Development Planning in Indonesia, and an IMF Executive Director. She holds degrees from University of Indonesia (Bachelor’s) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Ph.D.).
Patrick Achi served as Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire from March 2021 to October 2023. His past positions include Secretary General of Côte d'Ivoire's Presidency, Executive Secretary for Economic Policy in charge of Vision 2030 Strategic Development Plan preparation, Minister of Economic Infrastructure for 17 years. He holds degrees from Université de Cocody (Bachelor’s), École Supérieure d'Électricité de Paris (M.Sc.), University Paris 1 Sorbonne (Certificate), Stanford University (M.Sc.), with fellowship experience at Harvard Kennedy School.
Mark Malloch Brown was most recently President at Open Society Foundations and Co-Chair at UN Foundation Board. His career includes roles as Deputy Secretary‐General at UNDP Administrator United Nations UK Foreign Office Minister Vice President World Bank Group Vice Chair World Economic Forum senior advisor Eurasia Group journalist refugee worker founding or leading several organizations including International Crisis Group active in international business.
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