Finance Minister makes case for stronger Borrowers’ Forum, Global South representation

Mettis Global reported that Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has urged a stronger Borrowers' Forum, a larger role for the Global South and international financial institutions that are more responsive to borrowers. The minister raised these points during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed on the margins of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok. The exchange, based on a press release, touched on financing for development, debt levels and resilience to climate shocks.

Aurangzeb proposed building the Borrowers' Forum through peer learning, consistent governance and an operational virtual Secretariat. Both parties emphasised that sufficient funding is needed for the Sustainable Development Goals, cutting poverty, expanding social protection and creating decent work. Talks also addressed shortfalls in climate finance, easier access to money and better skills for preparing projects that can secure financing.

Aurangzeb also pointed to funding in domestic currency as a route to lower exchange rate exposure, alongside accountable policymaking at home. He also expressed gratitude to Mohammed for acknowledging the mediation role Pakistan played during the latest US-Iran crisis.