IMF / World Bank Annual Meetings
October 2025 | Washington D.C, USA

What is the International Monetary Fund / World Bank Annual Meetings?

The IMF/WB Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations, and academics to discuss issues of global concern. Topics include the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Also featured are seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and many other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world's financial system.

These meetings aim to leverage the world’s economic capital to uplift developing nations out of poverty by utilising an array of economic levers and mechanisms. For Australia, it is important to ensure this capital is distributed to our neighbouring developing nations in the Pacific Region, to ensure positive health, education, and infrastructure outcomes.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

Be aged 18 - 30 for the full duration of the program
Be available for pre-departure training in Canberra
Be available and able to travel for the full duration of the international delegation you are applying for
Be able to travel to the country of the delegation you are applying for
Have the ability to commit at least 5 hours per week to the fellowship program
Currently hold or can obtain a passport which is valid for at least 6-months after the end of your delegation
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have not taken part in the Global Voices Fellowship Program before.

We are looking for delegates that have:

Personal and/or professional interest in the delegation’s purpose and issues
Potential to gain professionally and personally from the Fellowship Program
Intention to use this unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities
A desire to upskill in policy writing to create meaningful change.

You do NOT have to have prior experience in the theme of the delegation you are applying for. Grades are NOT considered as part of the application process.

There are 2 Fellowship streams you can apply for:

Sydney University FASS

If you are a student of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) (and meet all other eligibility requirements) with a passion for leadership and driving positive change, you can apply to attend the IMF/WB AM Sydney University FASS stream.

FASS seeks Global Voices Fellows who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to international affairs. Fellows must also be available for pre-departure training in Canberra and their selected international delegation while committing at least five hours per week to the program. Successful candidates will have a passion for global policy, the ability to engage in high-level discussions, and a drive to make an impact on the world stage.

Global Voices National Scholarship

If you are an Australian aged between 18 and 30 years old (and meet all other eligibility requirements) with a passion for leadership and driving positive change, you can apply to attend the IMF/WB via our Global Voices National Scholarship.

At Global Voices we strive to make these opportunities as accessible as possible for everyone, and this year we are proud to open applications nationally for dedicated young people looking to make tangible policy change.

IMF / World Bank Annual Meetings October 2025 | Washington D.C, USA