Sept. 19, 2023: The World Bank, International Monetary Fund(IMF) and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to proceed to hold the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech despite the recent earthquake in Morocco.
World Bank President Ajay Banga; IMF’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva; and Kingdom of Morocco Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, said this in a statement issued by the IMF’s Press Centre on Tuesday.
According to the statement, since the devastating earthquake in Morocco on September 8, the World Bank and the IMF staff have worked in close coordination with the Moroccan authorities.
“We have also worked with a team of experts to thoroughly assess Marrakech’s capacity to host the 2023 Annual Meetings. ”
They said in undertaking this assessment, key considerations were that the Meetings would not disrupt vital relief and reconstruction efforts and that the safety of the participants would be assured.
“Based on a careful review of the findings, the management of the World Bank and IMF, together with the Moroccan authorities, have agreed to proceed with holding the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech from October 9 to 15, adapting the content to the circumstances.
“As we look ahead to the Meetings, it is of utmost importance that we conduct them in a way that does not hamper the relief efforts underway and that is respectful to the victims and the Moroccan people.
” At this very difficult time, we believe that the Annual Meetings also provide an opportunity for the international community to stand by Morocco and its people who have once again shown resilience in the face of tragedy. ”
“We also remain committed to ensuring the safety of all participants.”
