AlUla 2026: Emerging Markets Now Command 56% of Global Economy, IMF’s Georgieva Warns of "Underwhelming" Growth

At the second AlUla Emerging Markets Exchange 2026 in Saudi Arabia, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted a historic shift: Emerging markets now represent 56% of global GDP. Georgieva praised these nations for their central bank independence and mid-term fiscal frameworks, which have shielded them from volatile currency and equity markets.

However, the IMF chief issued a sobering warning: global growth remains "below par" since the pandemic, complicated by rising debt levels and potential economic shocks. Georgieva outlined two top priorities: unleashing the private sector and empowering youth to become "entrepreneurs" rather than government job-seekers. From the heart of AlUla, the message was clear: the world’s economic center of gravity has shifted, but resilience requires deep institutional reform.