October once again brought the world's economic spotlight to Bangkok. More than 15000 delegates from 191 countries and regions gathered for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, engaging in discussions on strengthening global economic resilience and shaping the future of global development.
Following their participation in the 2025 Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., a ZIBS delegation of faculty and students returned to this major multilateral economic gathering. More than ten students from the international Master of Finance (iMF), international Master of Data Science (iMDS), Global Communication and Management (GCM), and International Master of Business (iMBA) programes actively participated in key forums and thematic discussions. They listened to central bank governors, finance and development ministers, private sector executives, and experts and scholars from around the world share their insights on the evolving global economic landscape, gaining first-hand exposure to macroeconomic policy coordination and its practical implementation within the multilateral framework.
ZIBS Delegation at the 2026 IMF–WBG Annual Meetings
On the Frontlines of Global Conversations
The two flagship reports released at the IMF Annual Meetings—World Economic Outlook（WEO） and the Global Financial Stability Report（GFSR）—offered authoritative assessments of key issues, including global economic resilience, divergent growth trajectories, and the risks and opportunities brought about by AI-driven transformation. They gave me plenty of food for thought! I was also particularly impressed by the World Bank's flagship forum, Small AI: More and Better Jobs, which inspired me to think more deeply about innovation and its potential to drive meaningful change. shared Levon Harutyunyan, a student from the GCM programe.
Luca Marchi, also from the GCM programe, shared his excitement: It was my first time attending high-level dialogues in person featuring global leaders such as Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. I'm truly grateful to ZIBS for providing this invaluable opportunity!
ZIBS Students at the World Bank's Flagship Forum Small AI: More and Better Jobs
As they listened to keynote speeches and thematic discussions throughout the meetings, ZIBS students gained new perspectives and insights.
LIU Hongbo from iMDS Program was particularly interested in the underlying logic of translating technology into practical applications. In his view, the strength of Small AI lies in its problem-oriented approach, offering lightweight, cost-effective solutions tailored to local needs. Data varies significantly across regions, particularly in terms of language and industry. Locally relevant data is essential for AI to adapt to specific needs. Model capabilities, access costs, infrastructure, and policy environments together determine the boundaries of technological adoption and its potential for scaling up.
The discussions on making technology more inclusive also resonated with Gwen Stefanie Rondonuwu from GCM Program. Rather than simply pursuing more advanced models, we should leverage AI to enhance productivity, narrow development gaps, and ensure that the benefits of technological progress reach a broader population. For her, the fundamental value of technology lies in addressing real development needs.
Makenzie Catherine McKnight from GCM Program focused on the institutional frameworks needed to translate the inclusive potential of technology into practice. Whether through incentives that mobilize greater private-sector investment or regulations that balance technological transformation with employment protection, policymaking must take into account local realities and long-term development goals while balancing the interests of different stakeholders.
A ZIBS Student Asks a Question at the Event
The conversation also prompted Kazama Vanichjakvong from iMF Program to reflect more deeply on how finance could support his own entrepreneurial journey in bringing Chinese technology to overseas markets. Finance is not merely a tool for analyzing financial assets; it can also serve as a powerful force in helping promising businesses scale up.
In his view, for technology companies expanding overseas, capital is only the starting point. Financial analysis must look beyond the numbers to assess whether a technology can meet market demand, adapt to local conditions, and establish a viable business model. Ultimately, it should help direct capital towards initiatives that create genuine value, fostering a mutually reinforcing relationship between technology, business, and development.
From discussions at the main forum to exchanges at breakout sessions, ZIBSers were actively engaged throughout the conference. Their enthusiastic participation also attracted media attention, with leading financial media outlets such as 21st Century Business Herald interviewing students and bringing the voices of ZIBSers to a wider audience.
ZIBS Students Engage in Conversations with Fellow Attendees
In Conversation with Global Leaders
For Lauw Alecsandre Alden from GCM Program, this was not only his first time stepping into the world of global financial discussions, but also the first time in his life that he experienced such an intensive period of proactive networking.
At first, I didn't dare to strike up conversations with people. But whether during breaks between sessions, over coffee, or even while waiting for the elevator, almost everyone seemed to be talking with someone around them. That atmosphere pushed me to gather the courage to take the first step, Alden recalled.
One encounter, in particular, left a lasting impression on him: an unexpected meeting with Sri Mulyani Indrawati, former Minister of Finance of Indonesia and former Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank Group.
As an Indonesian student, Alden was deeply aware of her significance in his home country's economic governance. Yet, despite spotting her nearby, he paced around for quite some time, unable to bring himself to approach her. Noticing his hesitation, Bruce Alter, the ZIBS delegation leader and full-time adjunct expert, encouraged him: Just try. You have nothing to lose.
With that encouragement, Alden finally summoned the courage to walk up and initiate a conversation. What began as a daunting first step became one of the most memorable moments of his trip.
Sri Mulyani Indrawati, former Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank Group and former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia (third from left), poses for a group photo with ZIBS students.
Alden's experience was far from unique. Throughout this year's Annual Meetings, many ZIBS students were having their own first encounters: their first discussions on global economic issues with the President of the World Bank Group, their first conversations with IMF executives about AI and employment, and their first attempts to introduce themselves to officials and entrepreneurs from other countries sitting right beside them.
At this high-level gathering of global dialogue and multilateral cooperation, ZIBS students drew on their academic knowledge to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and engage proactively. Through face-to-face conversations with people from different countries and professional backgrounds, they gained exposure to cutting-edge insights and broadened their global perspectives.
“Growth is never measured solely by academic achievements or professional performance. Taking the initiative to meet people from different backgrounds and fields, and building connections with them, is an equally important part of personal development. The person sitting next to you could be a member of parliament from Thailand or a minister of trade from Indonesia. Stepping outside your comfort zone and engaging with people and experiences beyond the classroom can bring unexpected insights through cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural conversations,” Bruce Alter emphasized.
Dr. Francesco Strobbe, World Bank Practice Manager (first from left), engages in conversation with ZIBS faculty and students.
Last year, a ZIBS student delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in discussions on global issues at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG). On a related note, this summer, ZIBS students took part in the International Financial Youth Leadership Training Camp (IFYL), learning from financial experts from institutions including the IMF and the World Bank. They also visited the World Bank Group's China Office to gain insights into its practical cooperation with developing economies. Through a simulation competition, they experienced the deliberative processes of the IMF firsthand and explored the complexities of decision-making in multilateral financing.
Looking ahead, ZIBS will continue to expand and strengthen its global network, deepening connections with international organizations, leading universities, and industry partners worldwide. By bringing global issues and world-class international resources into its educational programmes, the School will further enhance students’ global competence and leadership, preparing them to become outstanding, innovative, and interdisciplinary talents with a strong understanding of both China and the world.
