#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #MOMENTUM 2025 #Saudi Fund #Ahmed Al Khateeb

Celebrating 50 Years of Development Impact

In a remarkable display of international commitment, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has commemorated its 50th anniversary, highlighting significant achievements over the decades. In a keynote speech delivered by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of SFD's Board, he announced that the Fund has facilitated more than USD 40 billion in development assistance. This milestone was marked during Day Three of the MOMENTUM 2025 Development Finance Conference, a pivotal event bringing together global leaders and financial experts.

The conference, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, served as a platform to not only celebrate past achievements but also to craft future pathways for sustainable global development.

A Legacy of Support

Over the years, the SFD has backed more than 1,200 projects spanning 100 developing nations, thus positively impacting the lives of millions. His Excellency emphasized the critical importance of international development in fostering a stable and prosperous world. These endeavors are not merely figures; they relate to enhanced lives, improved infrastructure, and more resilient economies.

With statistical insights pointing to an increase in demand for development assistance, His Excellency articulated that nations are striving to fast-track social and economic progress for their citizens, underlining that development cooperation is essential for enhancing quality of life globally.

Insights from Global Reports

Referencing global statistics, including those from the 2025 OECD rankings, it was indicated that over 141 countries have benefitted from this support, leading to various initiatives focused on enhancing social and economic stability. Additionally, the past five years of development assistance have surpassed USD 1 trillion—a testament to the increasing need and appetite for robust support frameworks across the globe.

MOMENTUM 2025 Conference Dynamics

The MOMENTUM 2025 conference featured over 35 sessions, with contributions from more than 100 international speakers, elucidating the pivotal role of the Saudi Fund for Development and its global impact. Attendees included policymakers, industry leaders, and development stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaborative dialogue. An exhibition showcasing more than 20 public and private sector entities was also part of the event, promoting innovation and solutions for development needs.

His Excellency's leadership in these discussions underscored the urgency of addressing developmental challenges through effective financial strategies and partnerships. The conference aimed to align capital, policy, and execution, thereby fostering a collective enhancement of global development objectives.

Shaping the Future

Momentum 2025 is more than just a conference; it's a rallying point for countries looking to innovate their approaches to development finance. As nations collectively strive for improvements, the support of established institutions like the SFD will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of global development.

Every project funded represents a story of resilience, adaptation, and growth, illustrating the transformative power of investment in human capital and sustainable practices. His Excellency concluded his remarks with a pledge to continue championing initiatives that prioritize both people and the planet, a commitment that reflects Saudi Arabia's ambition to lead in development finance.

Moving forward, the SFD aims to expand its reach further, continuously adapting to the unique needs of developing countries, ensuring that the next fifty years will be equally impactful and transformative.