Tonga Participates in 2025 Global Parliamentary Forum on the World Bank and IMF

A delegation from the Legislative Assembly of Tonga is taking part in the 2025 Global Parliamentary Forum on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington, D.C. from April 22–23.

The Tongan delegation is led by Deputy Speaker Lord Tu’iha’angana, with participation from Members of Parliament Hon. Dr. Viliami Latu and Hon. Dulcie Tei. Their attendance reflects Tonga’s continued commitment to global dialogue on economic development and international cooperation. It is understood the Hon. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke as Minister of Finance is also leading a delegation from the government to the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group.

The Global Parliamentary Forum (GPF) is the flagship parliamentary event of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the IMF. Jointly organized by the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF (PN), the WBG, and the IMF, the GPF brings together around 200 legislators from across the globe for direct engagement with senior leadership of the World Bank and IMF, as well as global development experts.

A key highlight of the Forum is a high-level townhall discussion with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, offering parliamentarians a rare opportunity to raise questions and exchange views on pressing development issues.

Held annually, the Spring Meetings of the IMF and WBG serve as a vital platform for discussions among finance ministers, central bank governors, development professionals, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and parliamentarians. These meetings include sessions of the Development Committee (DC) and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), which advise the Boards of Governors of both institutions.

This year’s Global Parliamentary Forum addresses a range of critical topics, including slow economic growth, rising national debt, and increased global uncertainty, with a special focus on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of work and sustainable development.

The forum emphasizes the essential role of parliamentarians in shaping policies that drive economic resilience, inclusive growth, and effective multilateral cooperation.