Overview

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF, will discuss key issues in the global economy with Stephen Sackur of the BBC’s HARDtalk. Global growth in 2015 remains modest and uneven, as important transitions weigh on the outlook. These transitions include asynchronous monetary policy in advanced economies, rebalancing in China, and the end of the global commodity boom. Recent data suggest that global growth is likely to remain modest in 2016, with a continuation of the modest recovery in advanced economies and still-difficult conditions in several emerging and developing economies, particularly commodity exporters. If the transitions are not successfully navigated, global growth could be derailed. Indeed, in an environment of significantly lower commodity prices, reduced private capital flows to emerging markets, and higher financial market volatility, downside risks to the outlook remain elevated, particularly for emerging and developing economies. To secure a strong and durable recovery, policies need a decisive upgrade.

This session will be broadcast (at a later date); audience members should be in their seats no later than 11:55 a.m. when the doors will close. No filming or flash photography during this seminar.

Join the conversation via #BBCIMF