The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is currently supporting the global economy. According to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, strong investments in AI infrastructure are helping sustain global growth at around 3%.
Georgieva noted that the boom in AI investments has already caused a 'demand shock and investment shock,' which can increase growth rates in developed Asian economies by half a percentage point or a full percentage point, and in developing Asian economies by 0.2–0.8 percentage points.
Speaking to hundreds of participants on the first day of the weekly cycle of meetings between the IMF and the World Bank in the Thai capital, Georgieva emphasized that this transition to a higher level allows the world economy to grow by approximately 3%, despite the negative impact of the energy crisis.
The IMF forecasts global growth of 3% for 2026, with an updated forecast to be published on Tuesday. It is expected that about 18,000 people will attend these meetings, including financial officials from 191 IMF member countries. However, some ministers, such as US Secretary of State Scott Bessent and Spanish Finance Minister Arcadi Espanya, will skip the events to focus on domestic priorities.
Consequences of AI Transformation
Georgieva described AI as a 'slow-moving tsunami' that will have a profound impact on employment, economic growth, education, and even how governments collect tax revenue, given the expected shift from labor to capital.
According to IMF estimates, over time, AI could lead to 40% of jobs being augmented, downgraded, or eliminated. Initial research showed that 10% of jobs in the US already required AI-related skills. While routine and repetitive jobs are decreasing, low-wage positions are growing in two sectors: construction and data centers.
She called AI a 'transformative technology' that completely changes methods of work and life, citing the use of an AI assistant for a daily 30-minute briefing on schedule.
Georgieva pointed out that the US, China, and India are the main producers in the AI supply chain, but many companies creating the necessary infrastructure are located in Asia, referencing Thailand, which is hosting the annual meetings this year.
Views of Other Leaders
World Bank President Ajay Banga, who has focused on jobs as the central theme of his presidency, stated that the bank is using 'small AI'—which does not rely on large language models—to improve the productivity of farmers, healthcare systems, educators, and others in emerging markets.
Singapore President Temasek Shanthamugaratnam, speaking at the same event, urged governments to address the issue of reduced employment opportunities for graduates due to AI. He noted there is a specific problem that needs to be solved soon: the demand for first jobs after graduation is declining.
He also warned of the risk of creating an AI 'new divergence' in growth and job creation between developing and developed economies. This risk was supported by PwC, which warned that high inequality in South Africa would limit its benefit from AI. Thamman concluded that AI could exacerbate this divergence if left passive, and therefore AI must be used to create good jobs and jobs that humans can perform, allowing them to advance in their careers despite the presence of AI.