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IMF members seek increased aid as geopolitical shocks weigh on economies

International Monetary Fund member countries have called for bolstered financial support for nations struggling with short-term funding pressures stemming from ongoing conflicts and elevated energy costs. Policymakers warned that economic headwinds continue to pose significant downside risks to global growth.

LSN Singapore · 17 October 2026

IMF members seek increased aid as geopolitical shocks weigh on economies

International Monetary Fund member nations meeting in Bangkok have urged the global financial community to increase assistance to countries facing acute financing constraints caused by spillover effects from regional conflicts and persistently high energy prices.

The IMF members emphasised that many developing and emerging market economies remain particularly vulnerable to external shocks, citing the combination of geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity markets as key sources of economic uncertainty.

The call for enhanced support reflects growing concerns about the resilience of economies across the region that depend heavily on energy imports and are exposed to supply chain disruptions. Officials warned that the current economic outlook remains tilted toward downside risks, suggesting the potential for weaker-than-expected growth in coming months.

The discussions underscore the need for coordinated international action to mitigate the adverse effects of external pressures on vulnerable economies, with member nations emphasizing the importance of targeted financial mechanisms and policy coordination to support countries through this period of heightened uncertainty.