Business · Economy · 11 hrs ago
IMF warns AI could disrupt jobs as leaders urge support for young workers
At a panel in Bangkok, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that artificial intelligence is beginning to disrupt work worldwide.
She said young people entering the job market may be hit first because AI can replace routine entry-level tasks.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam called for governments to make emergency-style support for young workers a permanent part of economic policy.
He urged governments to work with businesses and encourage them to hire recent graduates.
World Bank President Ajay Banga said 1.2 billion young people will turn 18 over the next 15 years, and private companies will need to create most of the jobs for them.
The IMF estimates AI could affect about 40% of jobs worldwide, though exposure varies across countries.
AI investment is also helping support economic growth, but leaders warned that growth alone will not protect workers from disruption.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that artificial intelligence is disrupting the global labor market and that young graduates are especially exposed.
She said about 40% of jobs worldwide could eventually be augmented, downgraded or eliminated.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam urged governments to make crisis-era support for young workers a permanent policy.
World Bank President Ajay Banga said private businesses will need to absorb most of the 1.2 billion young people expected to turn 18 over the next 15 years.
The IMF said AI-related investment and trade have supported growth, while its adoption could raise growth in parts of Asia.
- Who
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
- What
- Leaders warned that AI could disrupt jobs, particularly for young workers, and discussed support measures.
- When
- Monday; the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- AI is reducing demand for some entry-level and graduate jobs, prompting calls to cushion the impact and help young people find work.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Jobs affected worldwide
- About 40% could eventually be augmented, downgraded or eliminated
- Exposure in advanced economies
- About 60%
- Exposure in low-income countries
- 23%
- Young people reaching age 18
- 1.2 billion over the next 15 years
- Private-sector share of jobs
- 75% to 85% in any country
What people are saying
slow-moving tsunami
the first rung in employment, your first job upon graduation, is now seeing less demand
It is private capital that creates jobs
Love it, hate it, or fear it. It [AI] is here, and we are already seeing the first wave of impact
Sources
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