IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned on October 7 that the global economy faces new threats. She named high energy prices, record public debt and the AI investment boom as risks to growth. She spoke in Singapore ahead of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok next week.

Georgieva said the AI boom was pouring money into data centres and chips. But it could create bubbles and widen gaps between rich and poor countries. She urged governments to invest in skills and safety nets instead of only chasing AI growth.

She said Ukraine and Gulf countries face the biggest growth downgrades. Oil at $100 a barrel is squeezing importers while boosting producers unevenly. Public debt in many countries is at record levels.

The IMF will release updated growth forecasts at the Bangkok meetings. The speech sets the tone for difficult talks. Finance ministers will debate how to manage debt, energy costs and the AI race at the same time.