Jubilee USA Statement on G20 Finance Ministers Meeting During the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings

April 17, 2026

Washington DC – On Thursday, G20 finance ministers met and did not release an official statement or communique.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network and a United Nations finance expert who monitors G20 meetings, releases the following statement on the G20 finance ministers meeting during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings: 

"It's clear the G20 finance ministers remain committed to the consensus agenda on debt developed last year.

"The shocks to fuel and food prices, the concerns of financial markets and debt dominated G20 conversations.

"In keeping with its G20 Presidency priorities, the US placed emphasis on debt transparency and restoring momentum to debt restructuring processes.

"The Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, chaired by the US, offered more guidance on how to run debt restructurings.

"We are encouraged that the G20 sees the need for changes to make debt restructurings more timely, comprehensive, sufficient and transparent.

"The US wants to support poor countries to manage their debt."

 

Read Jubilee USA's press release on the WEO and GFSR here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF Global Financial Stability report here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF World Economic Outlook report here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.

Read more about Jubilee's Spring Meeting events here.



Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 750 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org

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Eric LeCompte Spotlighted in Business Today

April 16, 2026

Eric LeCompte, the Executive Director of Jubilee USA Network, was recently featured in Business Today, providing further insight on the IMF’s concerns for global financial stability. Read the excerpt below and follow the link to the full article.

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IMF Forecasts Grim Expectations for Global Economy

April 15, 2026

Washington DC – As world leaders gather to make decisions on the global economy, the IMF releases reports dominated by risks to the global economy stemming from the Middle East war, debt and trade tensions. One major IMF report, the World Economic Outlook report forecast economic growth will slow down to at least 3.1% in the best-case scenario, but it could go down to 2% if war and conflict continue.

"The Iran war, trade tensions and unsustainable country debt are the reasons that we are hearing dire economic projections,” said Eric LeCompte, the Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network and a United Nations finance expert who monitored IMF meetings since 2010. "The worst impacts of our economic situation will be felt by the poor and the vulnerable."

The World Food Programme recently estimated that the number of people suffering from a lack of food could go up by 45 million people – from its current historical high of 318 million – if the war continues until June.

“We will experience lower economic growth and higher food and fuel costs for the foreseeable future,” added LeCompte. "The IMF recommends that countries should stabilize their too high debts and invest in protecting the vulnerable and addressing the impacts of inflation for all of us."

Another flagship IMF report, the Global Financial Stability Report offered serious concerns for global markets.

"The report argues that the longer the Iran war continues, the greater chance that financial markets will suffer,” shared LeCompte. "Developing countries face higher financial market risks and will feel much more pain than developed countries."

In a letter to the G20 this week, the Financial Stability Board warned of vulnerabilities in financial markets that could bring a “double or triple whammy” threat to financial stability.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF Global Financial Stability report here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF World Economic Outlook report here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.

Read more about Jubilee's Spring Meeting events here.

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 750 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org
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Eric LeCompte Featured in US News & World Report

April 15, 2026

Eric LeCompte, the Executive Director of Jubilee USA Network, was recently spotlighted in US News & World Report, expressing concerns about the current war in Iran impacting the global economy. Read the excerpt below and follow the link to the full article.

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Jubilee USA Statement on IMF Global Financial Stability Report

April 14, 2026

Washington DC – The IMF releases the Global Financial Stability Report and underscores growing global financial risks emerging from the ongoing Middle East war and high inflation.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network and a United Nations finance expert who monitored IMF meetings since 2010, releases the following statement on the IMF Meetings and the Global Financial Stability Report:

"The IMF's concerns about global financial stability are alarming.

"War in the Middle East, greater inflation, high debts of countries and concerns about financial institutions can lead to greater challenges in the markets.

"The report argues that the longer the Iran war continues, the greater chance that financial markets will suffer.

"Developing countries face higher financial market risks and will suffer more than developed countries.

"More non-bank investments, such as crypto and private credit markets, are creating greater risks to the financial system.

"The IMF recommends that countries should stabilize their too high debts and invest in protecting the vulnerable and addressing the impacts of inflation for all of us."

Read the full Global Financial Stability Report here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF World Economic Outlook report here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 750 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org

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Jubilee USA Statement on IMF World Economic Outlook Report

April 14, 2026

Washington DC – As world leaders arrive in Washington, DC for IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, the IMF releases its flagship World Economic Outlook report dominated by risks to the global economy. In the best case, growth this year will slow down to no less than 3.1% but it could go down to 2% if war and conflict continues.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network and a United Nations finance expert who monitors IMF meetings since 2010, releases the following statement on the IMF Meetings and World Economic Outlook Report:

"Spurred by the Iran war, trade tensions and countries holding too much debt, the forecasts are extremely concerning for the global economy.

"We will experience lower economic growth and higher food and fuel costs for the foreseeable future.

"The IMF warns that high food prices and lower incomes, could spread social unrest and instability in many countries.

"The best scenario the IMF projects will be worse than the average of economic growth in the first two decades of this century.

"The most dire impacts of our economic situation will be felt by the poor and the vulnerable."

Read the full World Economic Outlook Report here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here. 

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 750 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org

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IMF Head Georgieva Says Upcoming IMF Meetings Focus on Easing Shocks of Middle East War

April 09, 2026

Sub-Saharan Africa and Small Island States Poised to Suffer Most From Economic Challenges

Washington DC – Next week's IMF Spring meetings focus on easing global economic shocks of the Middle East war, noted IMF leader, Kristalina Georgieva in her curtain raiser remarks for the upcoming meetings. Georgieva forecasts a global economic growth slowdown, even if a lasting peace is reached in the Middle East.

“World leaders coming to Washington are receiving a very dark picture of the global economy,” said Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network and a United Nations finance expert. “The war is causing greater poverty and increases in our fuel and food costs."

Sub-Saharan African and small island countries are most vulnerable to the impacts, Georgieva added, announcing that their needs will take center stage at next week’s deliberations. The shock of war comes as countries are paying more in debt service than they were 20 years ago.

“The IMF is clear that current economic shocks hurt the poorest people the most,” added LeCompte.

The institution’s new flagship World Economic Outlook devotes a chapter to the economics of armed conflict.

“The IMF finds that in addition to the human toll, wars inflict higher economic costs on all countries, not just the countries in conflict,” commented LeCompte.

Read Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.

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Invites for Jubilee IMF/World Bank/G20 Events

April 09, 2026

Friend,

On behalf of Jubilee USA Network, we'd like to invite you to join us virtually or in-person if you've registered for these special upcoming events:

Towards Greater Coherence between Fiscal and Monetary Policy

April 14, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm ET

Moderator: Patricia Miranda
Global Advocacy Director, LATINDADD

Oscar Cabrera
Former President of the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador and President of FUDECEN

Mark Weisbrot
Co-director, Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)

Carolina Osorio Buitron
Senior Economist, IMF

This event proposes an exchange on the interaction between fiscal policy and monetary policy developing economies, considering the challenges they face in responding to various shocks. Drawing on recent experiences, the discussion will examine how different institutional arrangements influence policy effectiveness and their capacity to support macroeconomic stability, sustainable development and inclusive growth, and what has been the role of IBWs in this issue. The panel will also explore under what conditions greater alignment and communication between fiscal and monetary authorities can strengthen debt sustainability, improve access to local-currency financing, and enhance resilience to episodes of exchange rate volatility.

Sponsors: LATINDADD, Foundation for the Development of Central America (FUDECEN), Jubilee USA Network, European Network on Debt and Development (EURODAD), Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), MENAFem, Mexican Crisis Observatory (OMEC)

Location: IMF HQ2-03B-768B

Registration to the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings will be required to access the premises. This event will also be live-streamed here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2026/01/12/civil-society-policy-forum-spring-meetings-2026#tabs-c10141ecc0-item-5c7ced662d-tab 

How Much Debt Relief is Enough? Reimagining LIC-DSF for Balancing Fiscal Space, Development and Climate

April 17, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET 

Moderator: Kjetil Abildsnes
Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, Eurodad

Dr. Bertha Bangara Chikadza
Senior Lecturer, University of Malawi

Jane Nalunga
Executive Director, SEATINI

Didier Jacobs
Development Finance Lead, Oxfam International

Plamen Iossifov
Deputy Division Chief, IMF

The IMF and WB are about to complete their review of the Debt Sustainability Framework for Low-Income Countries (LIC-DSF). This is the model that de facto determines how much debt relief countries facing debt restructuring get. It is critical to get it right, both to prevent debt crises and to avoid that countries in debt distress end up overindebted, even after debt restructurings. This session will be an opportunity to debate possible improvements into the LIC DSF, focusing on how it can better reflect the debt vulnerabilities. Furthermore, participants will share how the framework should capture increasing climate change vulnerabilities.

Sponsors: EURODAD, Afrodad, MENAFem (Movement for Economic, Development, and Ecological Justice), Oxfam International, Wemos, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), ESCR-Net, Debt Justice Norway, Jubilee USA Network, SEATINI, Development Finance International, Bread for the World, Debt Justice UK, Recourse, Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), ISER

Location: IMF HQ2-03B-768B

Registration to the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings will be required to access the premises. This event will also be live-streamed here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2026/01/12/civil-society-policy-forum-spring-meetings-2026#tabs-c10141ecc0-item-5c7ced662d-tab

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US G20, Gifts Doubled

December 29, 2025

Dear Friend,

As the United States prepares to host world leaders for the 2026 G20, our Jubilee efforts feature high on this year's G20 agenda. Over the coming months we'll need your help as we urge world leaders to take more action on debt, jobs and economic stability.

As we mobilize our national and international Jubilee community to join us during this year's US G20 meetings, please make a tax-deductible gift to support these critical efforts. When you make a contribution now, it will be matched and doubled.

In 2026, we'll build on all we achieved this past year. Here are some of our 2025 achievements:

  • With Pope Francis and interfaith religious leaders, we launched Jubilee Year 2025, we set into motion Jubilee campaigns in over 160 countries for the next five years. We supported major events and pilgrimages at the Canada G7, South Africa G20, IMF and United Nations to move world leaders on debt relief and aid to end poverty.

  • With key interfaith, development, labor and business partners, we advanced commitments from world leaders and the US government to support debt relief. With the US Conference of Catholic Bishops we wrote to President Trump to support debt relief policies that stabilize food and fuel prices, protect our economy, workers and taxpayers and address poverty and development abroad.

  • At the UN Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, we joined world leaders and 70 heads of state and won commitments on debt relief, responsible lending and borrowing, tackling corruption and new debt relief processes.

  • Organizing Nobel laureates, former ministers and the world’s most notable experts, we published and presented high-level IMF and World Bank recommendations to ensure development, climate and transparency are part of debt decisions and at the IMF, World Bank, G7, G20 and United Nations.

  • In the New York State legislature, our bill to stop predatory “vulture funds,” passed the Senate and now awaits passage in the Assembly so the Governor can sign into law.

  • We continued implementation of our Jubilee Corporate Transparency Act, a pivotal tool to curtail human trafficking, protect aid and prevent corruption and tax evasion.

  • We organized and supported more than 100 African faith leaders to influence G20, G7, UN, IMF and World Bank processes.

  • Following our multi-year advocacy with Puerto Rico and US religious leaders to expand social programs on the island, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to increase food aid to the vulnerable. We partnered with legal experts and religious leaders to prevent the island from paying out billions in debt to creditors, allowing recovery from hurricane, earthquake, economic shocks and the child poverty epidemic.

  • We moved US and G20 leadership to support initiatives expanding development bank loans and grants, which could translate to hundreds of billions of development aid.

  • Our Jubilee efforts appeared in hundreds of thousands of news outlets around the world.

As we build on what we achieved in 2025 and head into Jubilee campaigns through 2030, please make a tax-deductible gift, that will be matched, to support our mission to build an economy where everyone has enough.

Gratefully,

Eric LeCompte
Executive Director
Jubilee USA Network
[email protected]

Twitter: @Eric_LeCompte
www.jubileeusa.org/support-us




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Proclaimed in FT, Reuters, Fox...

December 27, 2025
Dear Friends,

During the Jubilee Year 2025, Jubilee USA's message appeared in tens of thousands newspapers, radio shows and television programs. See a sampling of our media coverage from 2025 below.

Gratefully,

JUBILEE IN THE NEWS 

South Africa's G20 debt focus to be tested as US takes the chair  Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Fox News, US News and New York Times (November 24th)

G20 declaration in defiance of US marks rare victory for multilateralism Reuters (November 24th)

G20 summit in South Africa adopts declaration without the US Devex (November 24th)

G20 moves from Global South to U.S. as debt crisis deepens Anewz (November 24th)

G20 Summit in SA trumps detractors, puts poor countries’ issues at center of global discourse IOL (November 23rd)

Devex Newswire: G20 handed bold plan to ease Africa’s crushing debt load  Devex (November 20th)

We know how to fight global poverty. But do we have the energy to actually do it? America Magazine (November 20th)

Mini-Documentary on G20 G20 Interfaith (November 20th)

G20 panel calls for a new debt refinancing plan for low-income nations Devex (November 19th)

Africa: South Africa Hosts First G20 Africa Summit All Africa (November 19th)

What are the key issues at stake at the G20 summit in South Africa? Devex (November 17th)

Devex Newswire: Will Africa be forever indebted to its rich creditors? Devex (October 27th)

G20 recommits to debt relief — but critics say it’s far from enough Devex (October 22nd)

Churches unite for Jubilee 2025 Debt Reform: "Behind statistics are human faces" WCC (October 17th)

G20 vows to keep focus on developing countries' debt issues Reuters (October 16th)

What does the Jubilee have to do with debt justice? US Catholic (August 12th)

US eyes 'back to basics' revamp of G20 when it assumes presidency next year Reuters (July 18th)

Compromiso de Sevilla: mucho aliento, pocos dientes La Jornada (July 14th)

When was the last time you thought about what “forgiveness” really means? Catholic Financial Life (June 30th)

New Vatican report calls for global economic reforms National Catholic Reporter (June 23rd)

Vatican & World News 21.06.2025 Vatican News (June 21st)

Finance experts launch report at Vatican on foreign debt relief Catholic News Service (June 20th)

Devex Invested: What we’re watching at Financing for Development in Seville Devex (June 10th)

Letter: Relieving poor country debt is flagship US cause  Financial Times (June 5th)

Calls for overhaul of global debt architecture intensify ahead of FfD4 Devex (June 5th)

Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV as cardinals elect first US pontiff The Guardian (May 8th)

Floored, stunned and full of hope': Reactions to election of Pope Leo XIV National Catholic Reporter (May 8th)

Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV, first American to hold papacy in Catholic Church’s history The Globe and Mail (May 8th)

IMF-World Bank meetings end with little tariff clarity, but economic foreboding Reuters (April 27th)

The Times Radio: Breakfast with Chloe Tilley and Calum Macdonald The Times (April 26th)

The Policy with Leah Featuring Spring Meetings 2025 Washington DC Saban Media (April 26th)

The KPFA Evening News (Saturday) KPFA (April 26th)

US tariffs threaten to push debt-distressed nations closer to the brink Devex (April 24th)

The global impact of Pope Francis: From migration to taxes to A.I. weapons America Magazine (April 24th)

World Bank urged to reduce equity-to-loan ratio to free up funds for poor countries Reuters (April 22nd)

Devex Newswire: Jobs, nukes, and jitters at the World Bank Spring Meetings Devex (April 22nd)

Pope Francis Death Update: Seals Placed on Pope's Residence Newsweek (April 22nd)

IMF chief hails new playbook to help countries navigate sovereign debt processes Reuters (April 17th)

U.S. bishops and Jubilee USA urge Trump to pursue debt relief during 2025 Jubilee Year Catholic News Agency (April 11th)

US bishops ask Trump in joint letter to pursue global debt relief in the Jubilee Year OSV News (April 10th)

Interfaith community offers alternative conversation on economy during G7 Livewire Calgary (April 9th)

USCCB committee chairman calls on President Trump to lead the way on international debt relief Catholic Culture (April 9th)

'This is a miracle to them’: How the church is helping to erase medical debt OSV News (March 28th)

Despite pope's hospitalization and Trump's USAID cuts, Jubilee Year push for debt relief continues National Catholic Reporter (March 12th)

Pope's appeal for debt relief gains momentum, Vatican News (March 7th)

Vatican & World News 07.03.2025, Vatican Radio (March 7th)

Kenyan religious leaders roped in to tackle the country’s rising debt Devex (January 20th)

World Bank under Trump: What’s next for US influence and funding? Devex (January 14th)

Video Resources

Mini-Documentary on G20 G20 Interfaith (November 20th)

When was the last time you thought about what “forgiveness” really means? Catholic Financial Life (June 30th)

The Policy with Leah Featuring Spring Meetings 2025 Washington DC Saban Media (April 26th)

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2025 Jubilee Report and Reflection

December 23, 2025
Dear Friends,

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the Jubilee Year and campaigns taking place across the globe. 2025 was one of the most incredible global mobilizations in our history.

Read and share our Jubilee 2025 report and see where we've gone and where we are heading.

Together, through 2030 we'll expand Jubilee efforts in more than 160 countries. In the coming year, we'll host the global movement as the US takes over the G20.

Please review and share our Jubilee 2025 news.

Gratefully,

 

Aldo Caliari
Senior Director of Policy and Strategy
Jubilee USA Network
[email protected]
www.jubileeusa.org/support-us

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Join 200K 4 a world where we all have enough

December 20, 2025

Dear Friends,

More than 200,000 people signed our global Jubilee petition to the White House, Congress, the UN, G20, G7 and the IMF to win debt relief and permanent processes to end poverty.

As we prepare for our next petition delivery to world leaders, please sign the Jubilee petition on debt relief, economic aid and new processes to end poverty.

Thanks,

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Apr 17, 2026

Jubilee USA Statement on G20 Finance Ministers Meeting During the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings

Washington DC – On Thursday, G20 finance ministers met and did not release an official statement or communique. Eric LeCompte, Executive Director...
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