The 2023 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings will take place from October 9-15 in Marrakech, Morocco, marking 50 years since they were last held in Africa. This year's focus is on ending poverty sustainably, exploring effective solutions for global challenges, including job creation, digital infrastructure, and climate action. IFC's presence at this years meetings is alongside leaders, finance ministers, civil society groups, and experts to discuss pressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, financial inclusion, food security, and international trade.
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50 yearsSince the meetings were last held in Africa
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October 9 - 15Event Dates
Building Foundations for an Inclusive Digital Future
Tuesday, October 10
15:00-16:00 in Marrakech (local time)
Access to digital tools and online resources is increasingly vital, yet in 2022, almost 3 billion people lacked basic digital access, 1.4 billion were without bank accounts, and 850 million lacked official identification, primarily in developing countries. To accelerate digitalization, public and private sectors need to invest, innovate, and collaborate. Enhancing broadband connectivity, digital infrastructure, and digital skills is crucial for global economic participation. The 2023 Annual Meetings will discuss these challenges and the need for an inclusive digital future.
Harnessing Institutional Investment and Finance for Development
Wednesday, October 11
10:15-11:15 in Marrakech (local time)
Amid global economic uncertainty and escalating crises, it's crucial for global finance to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of the massive $400 trillion held by private financial institutions goes into emerging markets and developing economies. This event, led by IFC and global investors, aims to address how we can attract more private sector investment and expand viable projects in these regions. It's about bridging the gap between private capital and the urgent funding needs of developing countries, accelerating progress towards the SDGs despite economic uncertainty and global crises.
Delivery on the Ground: Country Action for A Livable Planet
Wednesday, October 11
13:30-14:15 in Marrakech (local time)
With the climate crisis growing more pressing, global action is urgently required to meet the Paris Agreement's temperature and adaptation goals. This event, co-hosted by the World Bank Group and the IMF, will focus on key actions, including implementing climate policies at regional and national levels, strengthening climate information systems, and increasing climate investment. It will explore innovative strategies for countries to enhance their quality of life by promoting low-carbon and resilient growth, engaging the private sector, and attracting more climate finance. Join on October 11th to discuss shaping a sustainable future.
Engaging Women as Leaders: Innovation, Financing and Collective Action
Wednesday, October 11
15:00-16:30 in Marrakech (local time)
Gender equality is a pressing global priority and both a moral imperative and economic necessity. The 2023 Annual Meetings will provide a platform to discuss innovative approaches for achieving gender equality and women's economic empowerment. The event explores ways the public and private sectors can collaborate to enhance women's economic opportunities, engage women as leaders in addressing global challenges, and foster partnerships to remove barriers and advance women's empowerment. It's a crucial step toward creating a more equitable and prosperous world.
Unleashing the potential of the Creative Industries
Saturday, October 14
14:00-18:00 in Marrakech (local time)
The creative industries are gaining increasing recognition from policymakers and private investors as a driver of growth and a source of employment for the young, innovative, and fast-growing populations in emerging markets. But industries such as audiovisual media, music, and fashion, are not yet fulfilling their full potential when it comes to creating jobs and providing new opportunities for people, in particular women. This event, co-hosted by IFC and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) explores the impact and challenges of promoting creative industries in emerging markets, with leading voices and artists from Africa and beyond.