IMF Members Urge Increased Support Amid War Shocks and Technology Risks

International Monetary Fund member countries called for increased support to nations facing short-term financing challenges due to war spillovers and high energy prices, noting that global economic risks remain tilted downward. The statement was issued on October 17 in Bangkok by Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who serves as the chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

The committee warned that escalating conflicts and trade tensions could disrupt critical trade routes, worsen commodity price pressures, and threaten energy and food security. Additionally, members addressed the uncertain impact of advanced intelligence technologies alongside rising bond yields in major economies, which could amplify macro-financial vulnerabilities for indebted nations.

Ahead of the final statement, the United States had pressed fellow IMF members to rename artificial intelligence as super intelligence in alignment with US President Donald Trump's preference, though the final text ultimately used the term advanced intelligence technologies and contained no reference to artificial intelligence.

Member economies agreed to support countries undertaking reforms and addressing debt vulnerabilities, paying specific attention to low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries as well as conflict-affected states. Several members have already provided assurances of support to the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, which assists poor and developing nations.