Imagine a world where global development is not just a goal, but a tangible reality. That's the vision driving the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and their recent MOMENTUM conference in Riyadh showcased exactly how they're making it happen.
On December 9, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the National Development Fund (NDF) hosted the MOMENTUM Development Finance Conference, and the IsDB Group was a key player. H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, the Chairman of the IsDB, took center stage in the high-level panel discussion, "Building Sustainable Futures on a Global Scale."
Dr. Al Jasser began by expressing sincere gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He acknowledged their steadfast support of the IsDB and the Kingdom's leadership in fostering international development cooperation. This is a crucial point, as it underscores the vital role of strong partnerships in achieving global development goals.
He emphasized that the IsDB's presence in Saudi Arabia provides a strategic edge, boosting its capacity to promote sustainable and inclusive development worldwide. He explained that the Kingdom's vision, backing, and leadership in development finance have been instrumental in helping the Bank maintain its prestigious AAA credit rating. This, in turn, has allowed them to broaden their financing capabilities and build deeper strategic alliances, particularly within the Global South.
Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the impressive impact the IsDB has already made. "While our paid-up capital is around US$10 billion as of 2025, we have provided over US$200 billion in development financing," he stated. This clearly demonstrates the Bank's effectiveness in driving development through a strong Global South model. The Kingdom's leadership has created an environment that encourages innovation, humanitarian efforts, and knowledge sharing, allowing the IsDB to play a significant role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He also pointed out that the IsDB is a founding member of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), a coalition responsible for major development initiatives around the globe. These initiatives have improved communities through transformative investments in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, energy, and broader social development. The scale of these investments is truly remarkable, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts.
Dr. Al Jasser also discussed the Bank's strategic partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). This collaboration has resulted in joint investments supporting various development projects, including those in agriculture, transport, water, power, and other critical infrastructure. He also noted the Bank's impactful humanitarian partnerships with King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) and the Global Muslim Philanthropy Fund for Children (GMPFC), as well as the IsDB's leadership in promoting innovative Islamic financing.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Jasser emphasized the strong multilateral cooperation with the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the French Development Agency. These partnerships are contributing to crucial areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, food security, health systems, energy access, and climate resilience. This collaborative approach is key to tackling the complex challenges of global development.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that focusing on the Global South excludes other regions in need. What are your thoughts? Do you believe the IsDB's strategic partnerships are the most effective way to achieve sustainable development? Share your opinions in the comments below!
