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Governor Talks: Central Banking in a Changing World: Perspectives from the National Bank of Georgia

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Location: G-09

Governor Talks: South Korea

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Overview

Central banks are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by rapid technological change, heightened global uncertainty, and evolving financial systems. These developments are creating new opportunities while requiring policymakers to continually adapt their policy frameworks and operational tools to preserve macroeconomic and financial stability. In this Governor Talks session, Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, will share her perspectives on the evolving role of central banks in navigating an increasingly complex global environment. Drawing on Georgia's experience, the discussion may touch on a range of issues, including monetary and financial stability, financial innovation, digital finance, payment systems, and the implications of evolving patterns of global and regional economic integration. The conversation will provide an opportunity to reflect on how central banks are adapting to a rapidly changing environment while supporting sustainable economic development.

Panelists

Natia Turnava

Governor of the National Bank of Georgia

 

Natia Turnava has been the Chair of the Board and the Governor of the National Bank of Georgia since February 2025. She has been a member of the NBG Board since June 2022. She served as the First Vice-Governor and Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia from June 2023 to February 2025. Prior to joining the NBG Board, in 2019-2022 Natia Turnava held the position of Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, having been a Deputy Minister in 2018-2019. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Executive Director of the Partnership Fund for five years. In 2006-2013, Natia Turnava was a member of the Board of Directors of Georgian Industrial Group (GIG), Ltd; General Director and a Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Georgian International Energy Corporation Ltd. Earlier, in 2000-2005, she served as the First Deputy Minister of Economy of Georgia. An economist by profession, she holds a Ph.D. in economics. She also earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Cumbria, Great Britain, in 2014. Throughout her career, she has served as a lecturer at several higher education institutions.

 

Natia Turnava

 

 

Jihad Azour (Moderator)

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF

 

Mr. Jihad Azour is the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund where he oversees the Fund’s work in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Caucasus. Mr. Azour served as Lebanon’s Finance Minister in 2005-08, during which time he coordinated the implementation of important reforms, including modernizing the country’s tax and customs systems. Before and since his time as finance minister, he held a wide range of positions in the private sector, including McKinsey and Booz and Co. where he was a Vice-President and Senior Executive Advisor. Prior to joining the IMF in March 2017, he was a Managing Partner at investment firm Inventis Partners. Mr. Azour holds a PhD in International Finance and a post-graduate degree in International Economics and Finance, both from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. He also did research on emerging economies and their integration into the global economy as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard. Mr. Azour has published several books and articles on economic and financial issues and taught extensively.

Jihad Azour (Moderator)