KUWAIT: A senior delegation from National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) will attend the 2019 Annual Meetings of The Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that will take place in Washington, D.C. during the week of October 14-20.


The delegation will be headed by NBK Group Chairman Nasser Al-Sayer, NBK Group Chief Executive Officer, Isam Al-Sager, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Shaikha Al-Bahar and CEO - International Banking Group, Georges Richani.


NBK delegation will participate in the annual meetings that will discuss key economic and financial challenges and future growth prospects, as well as highlights on a number of issues related to global financial sector reforms. The delegation will also participate in several bilateral meetings with senior officials on the sidelines of the sessions. The meetings and discussions will highlight the latest and most pressing issues facing the financial services industry and global economy today.


Moreover, NBK delegation will attend the reception organized by the Kuwait Banking Association on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Boards of Governors of the IMF and the World Bank Group that brings together senior financiers, investors and policy-makers from all over the world. During its annual meeting, IMF will provide a briefing on the World Economic Outlook report including insights from IMF experts on global economic performance, current and future trends and risks, as well as an overview of the world economic outlook projections. IMF will also host a conference on financial stability.


Delegates attending the Word Bank/ IMF meetings include government officials, central bank governors, ministers of finance and development. The guest list also includes private sector senior officials, representatives of the civil society and academic scholars. Participants get together to discuss key international issues including: World Economic Outlook and how to reduce poverty and spur economic growth. Events include meetings of the Development Committee, the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the Group of Ten, the Group of Twenty-Four, the Group of Thirty and various other constituencies. The International Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee is scheduled to discuss world economic performance, future trends and provide an update on the international financial markets and the associated risk impacting their performance, in addition to discussing key polices to mitigate such risks.
This year's annual meetings will discuss several important topics including Global Economic Outlook report as well as shedding light on Fintech Innovators as Drivers of Inclusive Economies and Catalyzing Environmental, Social and Governance Investment. Other key topics of discussion include Integrated Solar Energy Plans and Unleashing the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs through Finance and Markets as well as the international development association's role in comprehensive development.


The annual meetings bring together a large number of officials from member countries, providing opportunities for formal and informal discussions. Numerous seminars are held on the sidelines of the meetings, in addition to the Per Jacobsson Lecture on international finance, which is sponsored by a foundation set up in honor of the IMF's third Managing Director, is also given each year in conjunction with the meetings.


NBK is keen to attend global forums and international conferences to stay on top of the latest global developments, activities and events focused on global economy, international development and the financial system.