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Thailand Ready to Welcome 191 Countries to the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group

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Showcasing Thai Soft Power to the World

BANGKOK, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand jointly proclaimed Thailand’s readiness to host the “2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group”. This premier global economic and financial forum—often referred to as the “Olympics of Finance”—will take place on 12–18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. Over 15,000 delegates from 191 countries, including global policymakers, economists, government representatives, private sector executives, and members of the media, will gather to discuss the future of the global economy. This marks a historic return after Thailand set a milestone with its successful and prestigious debut as host in 1991.

Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that hosting this summit is a major opportunity to deliver tangible benefits to Thailand and its citizens. It will stimulate the economy, elevate Thailand’s global credibility, and internationally showcase local community capabilities internationally under the concept of “Empowering Community: From Local to Global.”

As host, Thailand has introduced the core theme: “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This theme aligns with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) a paradigm which promotes a balanced, sustainable, resilient, and people-centric development framework.

In driving policy on the global stage, the Thai government has linked its vision and fiscal policies to address today’s challenges, building economic strength and readiness to cope with change across all dimensions. This is achieved through four pillars that represent key strategic issues currently being addressed by countries worldwide, comprising:

Digital and AI Transformation for Inclusive and Resilient Growth: Thailand stands ready to serve as a model for other nations in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), highlighting success stories like PromptPay and Cross-Border QR payments, as well as the integration of data and AI to optimize public services and healthcare policies with precision.

Building Resilience in a Fragmented World: Showcasing Thailand’s potential as a “Trusted Hub” for trade, finance, and investment in Asia, while promoting highly resilient supply chains and innovative forms of international cooperation.

Building a New Financial Architecture for Climate Adaptation: Championing the reform of global financial structures to support equitable energy transitions and climate adaptation.

Demographic Change and the Longevity Economy: Turning the challenges of an aging society into economic opportunities and robust financial preparedness.

In addition to policy discussions, a major highlight of the event is the presentation of Thai identity and soft power to elevate the country’s image and impress global delegates. The venue will feature handwoven textiles with unique local patterns curated from 21 provinces and 26 communities, totaling 37 heritage designs—such as Tai Lue Teen Jok woven fabric, elephant-patterned Pakaoma, and hand-painted “Buppha Borom Rachineenart” batik—made with acoustic panels and integrated into the interior decor to showcase traditional Thai wisdom. Furthermore, Geographical Indication (GI) products will be showcased and served, giving international delegates a taste of authentic Thai flavors, including premium, hand-selected 100% Thai Jasmine Rice, reflecting the abundance of Thailand as the region’s agricultural “rice bowl.”

Mr. Ekniti added that the host government is accelerating efforts to establish the event as a national agenda through the “Road to Thailand” communication campaign. This campaign aims to engage all sectors—government agencies, academic institutions, businesses, and the public—emphasizing that this meeting is not just for policymakers and academics, but directly touches the lives of everyone. This is reflected in the active involvement of youth, local communities, and small enterprises in the preparation and execution of the event. In the short term, the influx of high-spending global visitors will immediately boost the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Thailand’s preparations are meticulous, down to the finest detail. The government has elevated operations through three subcommittees: the Subcommittee on the Substance, ensuring a powerful driving force for the core theme; the Subcommittee on Protocol and Logistics, guaranteeing an exceptional experience that exceeds delegate expectations; and the Subcommittee on Security, ensuring a safe, orderly, and seamless event that inspires absolute confidence. Currently, Thailand is 100% ready. This July, delegations from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group are in Bangkok for their final evaluation, known as the ‘July Mission.’ Under a collaborative framework across all sectors, we have established a seamless control and operations system to ensure absolute readiness in all aspects,” said Mr. Ekniti.

Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), highlighted that with Thailand’s global leadership in digital financial infrastructure—particularly through systems like PromptPay and Cross-Border QR payments—the BOT aims to showcase the future of the financial world under the concept of “Safe & Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF).” This will demonstrate to the global community that digital finance must not only be fast but also highly secure and inclusive of all.

To achieve a safe and inclusive financial system, three key mechanisms are required: (1) managing digital fraud, scams, and digital crimes that directly impact confidence in the financial system; (2) mitigating cyber resilience risks to ensure the financial system can withstand technology-related vulnerabilities, given that the current system still relies on highly concentrated infrastructure and service providers; and (3) creating an accessible and fair enabling ecosystem to prevent financial exclusion and inequality, particularly in an era where unequal access to AI and digital footprints could create new forms of disparity if policies are not designed carefully.

The heart of this approach is a people-centric financial policy. Beyond protecting citizens from financial cyber threats, it unlocks fair access to capital and credit for small players, vulnerable groups, the elderly, and SMEs, ultimately enhancing their quality of life with safety and equality.

As the host central bank, the BOT is ready to make history by introducing the “Bangkok Blueprint” policy framework. Developed in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, this global output will serve as a policy compass that countries can adapt to their unique contexts to build trust in the digital financial era.

The framework will cover robust policy and legal foundations, fraud prevention and detection, enhanced inter-agency and international cooperation, and raising public financial literacy and digital resilience.

“The Bangkok Blueprint is designed to be one of the key deliverables of this summit, bridging Thailand’s national theme with global priorities. Since digital financial threats are a challenge faced by every nation, this blueprint demonstrates Thailand’s global thought leadership, turning concepts into actionable, concrete frameworks to address challenges and foster international cooperation,” concluded Mr. Vitai.

For more information on the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group and the “Road to Thailand” campaign, visit the official channels: Website: https://www.am2026thailand.go.th or Facebook: AM2026 Thailand https://www.facebook.com/AM2026THAILAND.

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SOURCE The Ministry of Finance of Thailand and The Bank of Thailand

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Beyond Boston TV Series Spotlights Greater Boston Real Estate, Lifestyle and Community on REAL Shows Network

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Locally hosted series led by Danny O’Connell highlights the homes, businesses, people, and communities that define Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire.

BOSTON, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REAL Shows Network (RSN), the national television platform dedicated to elevating real estate and lifestyle storytelling, has added Beyond Boston, a new locally hosted series serving Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire, to its lineup. The real estate and lifestyle TV series is hosted by local real estate professional Danny O’Connell and produced by RSN’s Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning team.

Viewers can learn more about the series and watch episodes of Beyond Boston at realshows.tv.

Born and raised in Dracut, Massachusetts, O’Connell comes from a family with deep roots in real estate. His parents have each been licensed for nearly three decades, and O’Connell entered the business himself at age 18. Together, the family-run team works with everything from first-time homebuyers and new construction to investment properties, foreclosures, commercial real estate, and luxury homes.

Each episode of Beyond Boston features O’Connell:

Highlighting distinctive homes, neighborhoods, and communities across Greater Boston and Southern New HampshireSharing stories from local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leadersExploring a wide range of real estate, from new construction and investment properties to luxury homesBringing a family-focused, approachable perspective to the buying and selling experience

“Real estate has always been a family business for us, and our philosophy is simple: our family helping yours,” said Danny O’Connell, host of Beyond Boston. “We work with all types of clients and properties, and we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty to help get the job done. My goal has always been to make the process as easy, stress-free, and fun as possible. Through Beyond Boston, I’m excited to share the homes, businesses, people, and communities that make this region such a great place to live and work.”

O’Connell’s connection to real estate began early. As a kindergartner, he overheard his teacher mention that she needed to buy a house, brought her one of his father’s business cards the next day, and helped make an introduction that ultimately led to multiple real estate transactions over the years. That early family connection to the business continues today through the team’s full-service approach to real estate, property management, and construction.

Beyond Boston is part of REAL Shows Network’s growing lineup of locally branded series that highlight communities across the United States.

As part of RSN’s national network of locally branded shows, Beyond Boston gives its host a full 30 minutes to build a recognizable, personality-driven brand while authentically representing Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire, and the communities the O’Connell family serves. The show also provides local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders a high-quality platform to share their stories through cinematic, lifestyle-driven segments.

Rooted in RSN’s mission of positive media, Beyond Boston focuses on authenticity, connection, and the people and experiences behind real estate. It gives viewers a closer look at the homes, communities, businesses, and personalities that shape life throughout the region. High-resolution images and video clips from Beyond Boston are available upon request.

About Danny O’Connell

Danny O’Connell is a real estate professional from Dracut, Massachusetts, and part of a family-run real estate team serving Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire, and beyond. Licensed since age 18, O’Connell works with buyers, sellers, investors, first-time homebuyers, new construction, foreclosures, commercial properties, and luxury real estate. He also operates property management and construction businesses and leads a networking group for young entrepreneurs and business owners.

About REAL Shows Network

REAL Shows Network (RSN) is a national TV network for top real estate professionals and influential local leaders, giving select hosts in each market the exclusive opportunity to lead a full 30-minute show that showcases their expertise, partners, and community. Created by an Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning production team, RSN delivers cinematic, lifestyle-driven storytelling and strategic media exposure that builds authority, deepens community connection, and elevates positive stories in each market. For more information, visit realshows.tv.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beyond-boston-tv-series-spotlights-greater-boston-real-estate-lifestyle-and-community-on-real-shows-network-302885027.html

SOURCE REAL Shows Network

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Robert “Dean” Day, as an Inner Circle Five Year

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COOKEVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Robert “Dean” Day is acknowledged as an Inner Circle Five Year for his contributions to Fiber Optic Infrastructure.

Robert Dean Day has built a distinguished career in the broadband industry, recognized for his leadership, technical expertise, and long standing contributions to fiber optic infrastructure across the southeastern United States. With decades of experience in outside plant fiber optic operations and direct sales, Mr. Day has played a meaningful role in advancing broadband connectivity and supporting large scale telecommunications growth.

Throughout his career, Mr. Day demonstrated expertise in fiber optic equipment, broadband solutions, and team leadership. His responsibilities included managing outside plant fiber optic initiatives, overseeing direct sales efforts, coordinating calls and email communications, and directing teams to ensure consistent performance and client satisfaction. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to continuous learning have been hallmarks of his professional approach.

One of Mr. Day’s most notable accomplishments was serving as chief negotiator at Nortel, where he successfully led the procurement of an eight point six billion dollar agreement with MCI WorldCom. This achievement highlighted his ability to manage complex negotiations and deliver results at the highest levels of the telecommunications industry.

Mr. Day held roles with organizations such as Calix and most recently retired from CableSouth Construction in January of this year. His career has been recognized with numerous honors, including President’s Club distinctions, Salesman of the Year, and the Panhandle Phone Ten Years of Safe and Courteous Beverage Cart Driving Award.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tennessee Technological University and remains actively affiliated with the Tennessee Broadband Association and the Fiber Broadband Association.

Outside of his professional career, Mr. Day enjoys University of Tennessee football, card collecting, attending games, and visiting historical sites. As he enters retirement, he looks forward to continued learning and engagement with fellow executives, guided by a philosophy centered on curiosity, collaboration, and shared success.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-robert-dean-day-as-an-inner-circle-five-year-302885031.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Global Approval of the United Nations Outweighs Disapproval, but Support Varies Widely by Country and Region

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As the UN prepares to name a new Secretary-General, a new Gallup report finds a median 50% of the world approves of the organization’s job performance while 26% disapproves — giving the organization a net approval score of +24

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the United Nations enters a pivotal period of leadership transition, a median 50% of adults worldwide approve of the job the organization is doing, while 26% disapprove — resulting in a net approval score of +24 — according to Gallup’s new report, How the World Rates the United Nations.

The report draws on Gallup World Poll surveys conducted across 137 countries in 2025. It finds that views of the UN are more positive than negative overall, even as public opinion remains far from a global consensus: The organization enjoys broad support in many countries, faces entrenched resistance in others, and is barely visible to some. The findings arrive as wars, humanitarian crises and deep geopolitical divisions strain the multilateral system and the UN prepares to name a new Secretary-General.

Even in this environment, the UN’s 50% median approval is higher than Gallup’s 2025 median approval ratings of the leadership of Germany (48%), China (36%), the United States (31%) and Russia (26%), although the questions are not directly comparable. China, the United States and Russia are all permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Approval Outweighs Disapproval in Most Countries

Majorities approve of the UN in 67 of the 137 countries surveyed. In 92 countries, approval exceeds disapproval by at least 10 percentage points, and another seven lean positive by smaller margins.Far fewer countries view the UN negatively. Majorities disapprove in only nine countries, and disapproval exceeds approval by at least 10 points in 19 countries.Net approval ranges from +75 in Vietnam, +74 in Cambodia and +71 in Laos to -61 in Israel, -58 in Russia and -48 in Tunisia.

The UN Holds a Positive Edge in Nearly Every Region and Among Youth

Support is strongest in Southeast Asia (+51 net approval) and sub-Saharan Africa (+43). Positive views also prevail across Europe, South Asia, Northern America and Post-Soviet Eurasia.The Middle East and North Africa is the only region where disapproval is substantially higher than approval, with a net approval of -23. Opinion in Latin America and the Caribbean is closely divided.Adults aged 15 to 29 have the highest median net approval in every region except Northern America, where views differ little by age.

Approval and Disapproval Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Across many countries, sizable numbers say their view of the UN depends on the circumstances, report being unfamiliar with the organization, or say they do not know enough to offer an opinion — suggesting views are less settled than they appear.Familiarity is most limited in South Asia, where a median 16% say they are unaware of the UN. Latin America and the Caribbean has the highest median percentage of those who don’t know or refuse to answer, at 16%.At the country level, the pattern is sharper: 41% in South Korea say their view depends on the circumstances, 35% in Lesotho are unaware of the UN, and 45% in Bahrain don’t know or refuse to offer an opinion.

Views From the Security Council and Where the UN Operates

Among 2026 Security Council Member States with 2025 data, approval ranges from 79% in Denmark to 15% in Russia. Among states set to join in 2027, approval tops 60% in Zimbabwe, Portugal and Austria, compared with 39% in Kyrgyzstan.Where the UN has a substantial operational presence, approval is no more uniform — reaching 70% in Kosovo but falling to 9% in Israel, underscoring that presence alone does not translate into approval.

“President Lincoln once said that with public sentiment, nothing can fail, and without it, nothing can succeed. If Lincoln was right, the United Nations has what it needs. Around the world, far more people approve than disapprove of the job the UN is doing. That may be the most underreported fact in geopolitics,” said Jon Clifton, CEO, Gallup.

The full report — including regional breakdowns, Security Council analysis, country-level results and the complete methodology — is available at gallup.com.

About Gallup
Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. For more than 80 years, Gallup has measured public opinion and global sentiment to inform decision-making worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-approval-of-the-united-nations-outweighs-disapproval-but-support-varies-widely-by-country-and-region-302885037.html

SOURCE GALLUP, INC

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