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AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies

The upcoming AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized jointly by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is slated for February 16-17, 2025, in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This high-profile annual event serves as a global platform, bringing together policymakers, esteemed economists, and experts from around the world to foster dialogue and collaboration regarding the economic challenges faced by emerging markets amidst the structural shifts in the global economy.

His Excellency Mohammed Aljadaan, the Saudi Minister of Finance, emphasized that the conference is a distinctive platform for sharing knowledge, promoting informed decision-making, and advancing policy discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange insights on regional and global economic developments while discussing policy measures and reforms aimed at enhancing prosperity and resilience. This highlights the Saudi government's strong partnership with the IMF, particularly following the recent establishment of the IMF's regional office in Riyadh, which aims to support regional economies through technical assistance for sustainable development.

The conference will tackle the various economic hurdles that emerging and developing countries are currently grappling with, such as sluggish growth, constrained fiscal space, and increasing financing needs alongside high public debt levels. It provides a forum for finding effective solutions to these pressing issues. Moreover, Minister Aljadaan pointed out that the event will unveil opportunities for emerging markets and developing countries to enhance collaboration and boost economic growth and resilience.

Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF, noted the significance of convening the inaugural AlUla Conference during a time of substantial economic transformation. She remarked, "This conference provides an essential venue for policymakers, the private sector, and key stakeholders to discuss how emerging economies can harness these transformative economic opportunities to enhance their competitiveness and achieve strong, private-sector-driven growth."

The joint conference reflects the deepening partnership between Saudi Arabia and the IMF, with Minister Aljadaan serving as the Chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). This partnership aims to build dynamic and resilient economies through collaborative efforts.

The conference will feature several key sessions covering a range of topics, including the monetary and fiscal policies relevant to emerging and developing economies, the importance of these policies for macroeconomic and financial stability, and innovative solutions for public debt management. Additionally, it will address the role of modern technology and artificial intelligence in promoting economic development, offering fresh perspectives on harnessing these tools for better economic outcomes.

For attendees, the AlUla Conference promises to be a pivotal experience. It will provide critical insights and discussions that can shape the future of economic policies in emerging markets. The collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF represents a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of today’s global economy and to encourage sustainable prosperity across the region. As the world continues to evolve, sharing strategies and solutions becomes increasingly vital in addressing the unique challenges emerging markets face today.

In summary, the AlUla Conference will be an essential gathering for stakeholders who are invested in the economic development of emerging markets, and it will foster essential dialogues that can lead to actionable solutions for some of the most pressing economic challenges of our time.