The annual meeting organized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank is underway in Washington D.C.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde (C) attends a press conference on the coming 2016 Annual Meetings of IMF and World Bank Group in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 6, 2016. The IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings are scheduled on October 7-9. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

The three-day meeting focuses on issues such as the global economic outlook, poverty alleviation, economic development and aid effectiveness. Participants include central bank governors, finance ministers, representatives of civil society organizations and academia.

One of the main messages leaders are stressing at the meeting is deepened global collaboration. IMF chief Christine Lagarde warned against the growing protectionist sentiment in Europe and the U.S., saying it will only reverse years of inclusive growth.