Watch IMF-World Bank 2026 free online as AI and SME finance take centre stage

The Thai government is inviting the public to follow selected events from the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, hosted in Bangkok from October 12 to 18, through free livestreams on World Bank Live.

Deputy Government Spokeswoman Lalida Perswiwatthana said on Saturday (October 10) that members of the public can watch participating sessions online without registering or travelling to the conference venue. Recordings will also remain available after the livestreams end.

The World Bank Group confirms that its public Annual Meetings broadcasts are accessible online without registration, with replays available afterwards. The 2026 meetings bring together government, business, civil society and international organisations in Bangkok to discuss jobs, investment, growth and development challenges.

Civil society townhall opens on October 12

One of the first public events is the Civil Society Townhall on Monday (October 12) from 1pm to 2pm Thailand time.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and senior executives will provide updates on the institution’s work and engage directly with representatives of civil society.

Questions can be submitted both by participants at the venue and by viewers online, although submission does not guarantee that a question will be selected. The official World Bank programme confirms Banga’s participation and the opportunity for online audiences to submit questions.

AI session focuses on jobs in developing economies

Earlier the same day, from 10am to 11.10am, the programme will feature “Small AI: More and Better Jobs”.

The session will examine how practical and affordable artificial intelligence can be used in developing economies to improve productivity, strengthen skills and create employment opportunities.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, is among the listed participants, alongside Ajay Banga and other international speakers.

Data and digital tools in focus for SME finance

On Tuesday (October 13), from 11.30am to 12.30pm, the World Bank Group will host “MSME Finance: Leveraging Data for Jobs”.

The discussion will focus on how data and digital technologies can improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them expand and create employment.

Among the speakers is Kattiya Indaravijaya, Chief Executive Officer of KASIKORNBANK.

Lalida said the government wanted people from all sections of society to have access to ideas and knowledge emerging from the global economic meetings, even if they could not attend in person.

Issues such as AI, the future of work and access to finance for smaller businesses have direct implications for Thailand’s economic development and opportunities for its people, she added.

Watching the sessions online does not provide access to the physical conference venue without the required registration.

Public livestreams, event details and replays are available through World Bank Live Information on Thailand’s hosting of the meetings is also available through the official event website IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026 Thailand