Switzerland at 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
Bern, 14.04.2026 — President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, as well as Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 15 to 17 April 2026. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will also take place during the Spring Meetings. The Swiss delegation, led by Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, will additionally take the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.
The Spring Meetings will focus on global economic and development policy challenges. In the current environment of geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions, it is particularly important for Switzerland to advocate reliable economic relations and open markets in multilateral bodies and bilateral contacts. Healthy public finances, price stability and a robust global monetary and financial system are also crucial for a resilient economy and lasting prosperity.
Other important topics include IMF and World Bank priorities and governance. Within the IMF, Switzerland is committed to a stability-oriented policy. It supports targeted efforts by the IMF, such as the preparation of sound analyses and advice, as well as moderate financial assistance accompanied by reform programmes. To achieve this, the IMF needs to have sound finances and effective, broad-based governance, and its focus needs to be on its core areas of expertise.
Switzerland welcomes the World Bank's efforts to create sustainable jobs and mobilise private investment by creating favourable framework conditions in developing countries. Labour markets that function well and compliance with climate targets and environmental and social standards are crucial in this regard. Furthermore, Switzerland is committed to close cooperation between the World Bank and other development players.
During the Spring Meetings, President Guy Parmelin will sign an agreement with the World Bank for a transport project in Ukraine. This will promote the modernisation of Ukrainian Railways and complement existing projects with which Switzerland and the Swiss private sector are supporting Ukraine's rail sector.
A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will take place in the run-up to the Spring Meetings. Among other things, Switzerland will campaign for effective and reliable framework conditions that boost economic momentum.
In addition, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will attend the FATF ministerial meeting, where she will emphasise that Switzerland supports the Task Force's strategic priorities in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.