The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have announced that they will go ahead with their scheduled 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, despite the recent earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more.
The two global institutions said they had decided to proceed with the meetings after consulting with the Moroccan authorities, who assured them that the situation was under control and that the necessary security and logistical arrangements were in place.
The meetings, which will take place from October 9 to 15, will bring together central bankers, finance ministers, development experts, civil society representatives, and private sector executives to discuss issues of global concern, such as the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development and aid effectiveness.
The meeting theme will be “Global Action, Global Impact,” reflecting the need for collective action to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, inequality, and fragility.
The meetings will also feature seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world’s financial system.
The IMF and the World Bank expressed their solidarity with the people of Morocco and offered their full support to the government in its relief and recovery efforts. They also praised the resilience and generosity of the Moroccan people, who have donated blood and provided aid to the affected areas.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake. Our hearts go out to the people of Morocco in this time of immense grief and need,” said IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
“We stand with all Moroccan people during this difficult time. We are committed to working with them to build back better and stronger,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass.
The IMF and the World Bank also thanked their host country for its hospitality and readiness to host the meetings despite the challenging circumstances. They hoped the meetings would provide an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s achievements and potential as a regional hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
Morocco is one of the founding members of the IMF and the World Bank and has been a close partner of the two institutions for more than six decades. The country has implemented several economic and social reforms with the support of the IMF and the World Bank, resulting in improved macroeconomic stability, growth, poverty reduction, and human development.
Morocco is also part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), which covers five countries in southern Africa and is home to half of Africa’s remaining savanna elephants. The country has been working with its neighbors and other stakeholders to protect wildlife and habitats, promote tourism and community development, and foster regional cooperation.
As Morocco recovers from the earthquake, it faces an uncertain future in a changing environment. But it also offers hope for a better coexistence between humans and nature in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.
Source: Business Day
