by Linda Straker
- IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, from 25–27 April
- Kimica Hopkin, Policy Analyst and Tonia Adams, Chief Policy Analyst, will join Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall for meetings
- Featured events include fora focused on international development, issues of debt, economic recovery, and private sector mobilisation
Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and 2 senior public officers in the Ministry of Finance are scheduled to attend the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, from 25–27 April 2025.
According to the registered participant list on the event’s website, Kimica Hopkin, Policy Analyst and Tonia Adams, Chief Policy Analyst, will join Cornwall for the meeting, which will feature the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee, IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee events, and ancillary meetings.
Key topics to be discussed include governance, sustainable development, poverty eradication, economics, investment, and global partnerships. Participants typically include governors, their alternates, members of their delegations, observers from other intergovernmental organisations, representatives from financial institutions, journalists, academics, and civil society organisations.
“At the heart of the Spring Meetings are meetings of the joint World Bank Group/IMF Development Committee and the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee, where progress on the work of the institutions is discussed,” according to the meeting website. Other featured events include regional briefings, press conferences, and fora focused on international development, issues of debt, economic recovery, and private sector mobilisation. The theme for the Programme of Events will be “Jobs — The Path to Prosperity.”
Some of the topics for discussion include:
- The Role of IMF Arrangements in Restoring Access to International Capital Markets
- Catalysing Climate Investments: Unlocking Capital for Sustainable Growth, and
- The Rise of the Silver Economy: The Global Implications of Population Ageing
The “silver economy” refers to the economic opportunities arising from the needs and spending habits of people over 50, particularly those aged 65 and older. It encompasses goods, services, and industries designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of this demographic, such as healthcare, senior living, travel, and leisure.
Many silver economy initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for older adults by promoting health and wellness, social engagement, and financial security. Silver economy trends include senior living and assisted living facilities, senior-friendly tourism and leisure activities, financial planning and retirement solutions, and social and community engagement programmes.
These initiatives promote social interaction and reduce isolation among older adults. “In essence, the silver economy recognises the economic and social impact of an ageing population and seeks to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this demographic shift by providing products and services that meet the specific needs and aspirations of older individuals,” according to the website equitiesfirst.com.