The first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund will speak at GW next week in a preview of the organization’s annual conference held at the University this year.

Christine Lagarde, who took the helm at the I.M.F. in 2011, will give a talk at the Jack Morton Auditorium on Oct. 3. Tickets are free to students who register online.

The former French finance minister will discuss the state of the I.M.F. before GW hosts seminars for the organization from Oct. 8 to 12 at sites across campus.

The sessions, also available to members of the GW community, will cover topics like improving economic policymaking and restoring momentum in emerging markets.

The International Affairs Society worked with nine other student organizations and GW to bring Lagarde to campus. A question-and-answer session will follow her speech.