Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the importance of strengthening economic resilience as a key driver of development during his keynote address at the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
Speaking at the event, held from June 23-24 under the theme “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow,” Al-Jadaan noted that resilience has become a long-term development and investment necessity.
In light of this, he emphasized the need for building economic institutions and systems that are able to adapt to recurring shocks, while creating opportunities to accelerate economic growth.
HE Mohammed A. Aljadaan @MAAljadaan, Minister of Finance of our member country Saudi Arabia @MOFKSA, at the Opening Session of the OPEC Fund Development Forum. pic.twitter.com/eJv3lCoKPp
— The OPEC Fund for International Development (@TheOPECFund) June 23, 2026
Moreover, the Saudi Minister stressed that addressing today’s complex challenges requires strong partnerships and collective action that involves close collaboration among development finance institutions (DFIs), governments and the private sector to mobilize resources, exchange knowledge, support innovation and deliver practical solutions.
He emphasized that sustainable development requires DFIs to align their investment strategies directly with the national priorities and long-term goals of beneficiary countries.
“Development financing strategies should therefore be based on deep partnerships with beneficiary countries, ensuring that investments are aligned with their national plans and long-term goals,” he stated.
“It is important for DFIs to scale up effective engagement with partner countries to ensure that their financing strategies are fully aligned with the national priorities of beneficiary countries,” the Minister said.
Al-Jadaan also led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 47th Meeting of the OPEC Fund Ministerial Council. Addressing the council, he reiterated that strengthening economic resilience must go hand-in-hand with boosting human capital investment to achieve inclusive, long-term economic growth.
