"This Work Program (WP) translates the strategic directions and policy priorities laid out in the Fall 2018 Global Policy Agenda and the International Monetary and Financial Committee Communiqué into an Executive Board agenda for the next twelve months. Its main policy priorities and deliverables are as follows: • Advise member countries to rebuild buffers, enhance resilience, and advance structural reforms for the benefit of all to respond to mounting vulnerabilities. The Spring 2019 World Economic Outlook (WEO) will analyze the macroeconomic implications of increased corporate market power. The Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) will discuss global financial risks in light of tightening financial conditions, while the Fiscal Monitor (FM) will study how improved governance in fiscal frameworks and institutions can reduce corruption vulnerabilities and improve policy outcomes. • Promote cooperation to modernize the multilateral trade system and address other challenges that transcend borders. The spillover chapter of the Spring 2019 WEO will examine the determinants of trade imbalances and spillovers from different trade policies. Building on the “Bali Fintech Agenda,"" staff will provide a stock-take of fintech developments and study the implications for cross-border flows, financial integrity, and global monetary and financial stability in Fintech: The Experience So Far. To support Japan’s G-20 Presidency, staff will prepare a note on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Implications of Aging. • Adapt the Fund’s policy toolkits to further enhance its surveillance, lending, and capacity development. Scoping notes for the Surveillance Review and the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) Review will establish priorities. The Review of Conditionality and the Design of Fund Supported Programs will assess the effectiveness of Fund program design and conditionality. Building on an earlier paper, the Review of Facilities for Low-Income Countries-Reform Proposals will offer proposals on adjusting these facilities to better meet evolving membership needs. The Fund will implement a multipronged approach to enhance debt transparency and sustainable financing practices. Staff will also strengthen debt sustainability analysis by reviewing the Debt Sustainability Framework for Market Access Countries and the Fund’s Debt Limits Policy. The Revised IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development will reflect on suggestions made in recent discussions. • Improve governance of the Fund and modernize its operations. Work on the 15thGeneral Review of Quotas will continue with a view to completing it by the Spring Meetings, and no later than the Annual Meetings, of 2019. The Board will receive a briefing on Modernizing HR Policies and Practices: A Progress Report on Key Initiatives and continue the discussions on the Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Review."

The Work Program aims to help the membership tackle multiple and complex challenges—most prominently high inflation, along with elevated debt levels, energy and food security, and risks of fragmentation. In addition to discussing policy advice, financial assistance, and capacity development to provide critical support to the countries affected by these compounding crises, the Board will continue to monitor closely the economic and financial developments, new challenges and risks, and discuss policy responses. Work will also focus on implementing the strategies to support a more resilient, inclusive, digital, and green global economy.

The global economy is going through a period of unprecedented financial instability. The Fund has been asked by the IMFC to play a leading role in helping the membership both to deal with the immediate crisis and work towards a new strengthened global architecture. These tasks are well within our mandate. Addressing these challenges—and doing so within a compressed timeframe—will require strict prioritization on three key areas: (i) providing policy advice and timely financial support that meets members’ needs; (ii) understanding what went wrong; (iii) and assembling the building blocks of a new international financial architecture.

This Executive Board Work Program (BWP) for FY 2024 (May 2023 to April 2024) focuses on supporting the membership in responding to these challenges through prompt and tailored policy advice, financial assistance—buttressed by efforts to support debt restructuring processes—and capacity development. It ensures that the Board can continue to closely monitor economic and financial developments and discuss macro policy responses. The BWP also provides opportunities to deliberate on key Fund policies and operations. Given continued high uncertainty, the BWP will need to remain flexible and adaptable to prioritize the membership’s changing needs, while recognizing the Fund’s constrained budget environment.

Against the backdrop of a global economic crisis, the IMFC has underscored the Fund’s central role in responding to its membership’s needs and restoring prosperity and financial stability. The Fund has acted with alacrity—by overhauling its lending framework; mobilizing strong support and firm pledges toward a tripling of its resources; and continuing to strengthen the quality of its surveillance. The work program is heavy, reflecting the responsibilities assigned to the Fund by the international community and the needs of our membership.