International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that rapid advances in artificial intelligence bring new economic risks alongside potential gains. Global conflicts, expensive energy and elevated debt are adding to existing uncertainty.
During the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, the Fund estimated world economic growth at 3.1% for 2026, below the historical average. Georgieva said international cooperation was needed to ensure lower-income countries could benefit from new technology and withstand adverse economic shocks.
The IMF identified swings in energy and food prices, the burden of debt servicing and the consequences of war as major challenges for many economies.