Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
This Fiscal Monitor explores how governments can improve economic growth prospects by enhancing the efficiency and composition of public spending. Redirecting public spending toward infrastructure, education, health, and research and development, without increasing overall spending, can deliver significant long-term gains in output. Closing gaps in efficiency can further magnify these gains, with institution-building being the most effective strategy. The analysis provides new global and time-varying datasets of public spending efficiency and rigidity.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
The war in the Middle East has been a major shock, with significant implications for trade, energy markets, and macro financial stability for many countries in the region and beyond. Qatar is confronting this pivotal economic moment with damage to critical energy infrastructure, disruptions to energy exports and production, and interruption to air and maritime transportation routes as well as increased uncertainty.
This Governor’s Talk provides an opportunity to hear from H.E. Minister Al Kuwari how Qatar has been impacted by the conflict, and how its fiscal and structural policies and institutions are adapting to manage the changed conjuncture to preserve policy credibility, intergenerational equity, and macroeconomic stability. He will also discuss the role played by Qatar’s underlying strengths—including its credible macroeconomic framework, sizable sovereign buffers, and ongoing reforms under the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3)—in managing the impact of the conflict.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Thailand has demonstrated resilience amid a highly uncertain global environment, yet it faces mounting economic challenges. Growth has moderated due to long standing structural constraints, while cyclical headwinds are intensifying against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and the energy price shock induced by the conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, Thailand’s recent election has helped reduce political uncertainty, opening a long awaited window of opportunity to advance reforms needed to strengthen growth and resilience. In this edition of Governor Talks, APD Director Krishna Srinivasan will be joined by Thailand’s Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, for a fireside discussion on Thailand’s economic outlook and policy priorities. The conversation will explore how the government is responding to higher energy prices, its vision for domestic policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability and reinvigorate growth, as well as Thailand’s role in ASEAN trade and financial integration to support more resilient and sustainable growth across the region. The discussion will also provide an opportunity to highlight Thailand’s priorities as it prepares to host the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General travel
– Iran
– UNIFIL
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Security Council
– Central African Republic
– Andaman Sea
– Wellness Day
IRAN
The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict and its Consequences, Jean Arnault, is visiting the Sultanate of Oman. He is meeting with senior Omani officials to listen to their unique perspective on the conflict and discuss the potential contribution of the United Nations to its settlement.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, yesterday allocated $12 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the humanitarian response in the country.
The CERF funding will support life-saving activities in health, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food security. Where possible, response activities will be implemented through our local partners, aligned with large-scale efforts led by the Government.
According to authorities, between 28 February and 8 April, large-scale airstrikes across the country caused more than 2,360 civilian deaths, including 257 women and 220 children, and tens of thousands of injuries, severely stretching trauma care, burn management and primary health services.
The strikes also damaged homes, schools, health facilities and other critical infrastructure nationwide, including cutting off people’s access to essential services. Needs are most acute in municipalities that experienced the heaviest bombardment and are also hosting displaced people from nearby areas.
Although the ceasefire has eased insecurity, widespread destruction, rubble and explosive or toxic remnants of war continue to prevent people from accessing basic services and hinder rescue and response efforts. The crisis spans a broad geographic area, with particularly severe consequences in densely populated regions.
UNIFIL
Yesterday’s meeting between Lebanon and Israel, convened by the United States constitutes an important first step to end the hostilities, and towards breaking the recurrent rounds of violence that have caused considerable suffering for too long. The Secretary-General reiterates his call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities. Maintaining dialogue will be essential in resolving outstanding issues and achieving progress towards stability. We remain ready to support these efforts and continue to urge the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.
On the ground, the peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, continues to report ongoing hostilities, including projectiles fired towards Israel and Israel Defense Forces in southern Lebanon, and Israel Defense Forces operations throughout the mission’s area of operations, such as airstrikes, armored movements and other kinetic activities.
Our peacekeeping colleagues continue to report violations. Yesterday afternoon, a routine convoy transporting military and civilian peacekeepers, along with essential contractors, from Beirut to UNIFIL Headquarters was halted by Israel Defense Forces personnel a few kilometres from its destination in Naqoura.
UN-marked vehicles were eventually allowed to proceed; however, local contractors were required to return to Beirut under security arrangements, despite the convoy having been fully deconflicted in advance, including their presence being explicitly cleared.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar restrictions, through physical roadblocks or the reversal of prior clearances, have affected both peacekeepers and the essential personnel who support them. These actions raise serious concerns about the timely delivery of critical supplies, including food, fuel and water, to UNIFIL positions, particularly along the Blue Line.
We reiterate our call on the IDF to respect agreed arrangements and to uphold its obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as the freedom of movement of all UNIFIL patrols and logistical convoys.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-15
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia mined the coal and forged the steel that built America. Our technology, innovation, and industry powered this nation for centuries. Here, you’ll find communities built on toughness. Protecting them takes people built the same way. FBI Pittsburgh is a team of special agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff employees from every background. We’re dedicated to fighting violent crime and protecting our homeland. If you’re ready to join this mission, apply today at fbijobs.gov.
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Sustainability and climate change aren’t just buzzwords for this European company, they’re at the heart of their entire strategy. And the EU-Mercosur trade deal is helping them bring that mission to South America.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Watch our full explainer on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7bAa8QIoQ
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The International Agreements Committee scrutinises treaties laid before Parliament and government negotiations with states. Learn more about the committee with the Chair, Lord Johnson of Lainston.
The committee is accepting evidence for its inquiry into how the UK should deploy its trade instruments, until Friday 22 May 2026.
You can submit evidence at https://orlo.uk/5fu3r, or contact the committee via email at HLIntlAgreements@parliament.uk.
The EU is rolling out a new age verification app to protect children online.
Users can prove their age without sharing personal data, keeping privacy in their hands while ensuring safer access to online content.
A new step towards a safer digital space in Europe.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
MPs on the Women and Equalities Committee speak to experts for their inquiry, Experiences of women in live comedy.
Witnesses:
Ola Labib – Comedian and writer
Nina Gillingham – Founder and Comedian at Get Off Live Comedy
Rachael Healy – Journalist, The Guardian and The Observer
