The 56th Joint Governors’ Meeting of the World Bank (WBG) – International Monetary Fund (IMF) Southeast Asia Constituency

Press Release

2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings | 15 October 2025, Washington, D.C.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, chaired the 56th Joint Governors’ Meeting of the World Bank (WBG)–International Monetary Fund (IMF) Southeast Asia Constituency, held on the third day of the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Eke warmly welcomed participants, extended greetings from the Pacific, and expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chair from Singapore. The Prime Minister underscored that the meeting provides a valuable opportunity and constructive platform for Governors of the Bank and the Fund to engage in meaningful dialogue on the latest global economic and financial developments, as well as on pressing regional issues. He highlighted that shared insights and perspectives will be essential in shaping collective responses to current and emerging challenges.

The first part of the meeting featured presentations from Mr. Wempi Saputra, Executive Director at the World Bank Group, and Mr. Idwan Hakim, Executive Director at the IMF, who provided updates on key policy matters under consideration by their respective Executive Boards. The Governors acknowledged and expressed appreciation for both presentations, reaffirming their support for the ongoing operations, policies, and strategies of the Bank and the Fund. They also encouraged continued engagement and responsiveness to the priorities and requests of member countries.

Tonga was represented by Mr. Tatafu Moeaki, Governor of the National Reserve Bank, and Mrs. Kilisitina Tuaimei‘api, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance, in their capacities as Alternate Governors for the Fund and the Bank, respectively. During the meeting, Governor Moeaki reaffirmed Tonga’s support for the World Bank and IMF’s ongoing efforts to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He further highlighted the upcoming 1 percent U.S. levy on remittances, effective January 2026, noting its potential strain on remittance-dependent economies such as Tonga. He called for the support of the Bank and the Fund in identifying appropriate policy responses to safeguard Pacific livelihoods and economic stability.

The second part of the meeting featured a presentation on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping future jobs, which facilitated dialogue and exchange of ideas on the impact of technology on human society. The presentation emphasized that “the future is not something that will happen tomorrow, but something we will shape today.” It underscored the importance of effective governance and policymaking to optimize AI for national economic benefit and ensure the creation of sustainable job opportunities. Next steps include piloting initiatives in the health and agriculture sectors, establishing an AI Adoption Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), developing an “AI-for-Jobs” dashboard, and enhancing regional cooperation.

In closing, Prime Minister Eke expressed appreciation to ED Saputra, ED Hakim, the Governors of both the Bank and the Fund for their insightful presentations, valuable discussions, and collective commitment to strengthening regional and global economic cooperation.

For Tonga, the meeting was of particular importance as it reaffirmed the country’s active engagement within the Southeast Asia Constituency and underscored the Kingdom's contributions to regional and global economic policy discussions. Tonga’s participation reinforces the Kingdom's call for sustained international support in advancing climate resilience, economic recovery, and sustainable development for Small Island Developing States, whose vulnerabilities are often magnified by external shocks and climate-related risks.