Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) participated in the two-day Arab-DAC Dialogue in Kuwait, a platform dedicated to boosting development finance and cooperation to address evolving global challenges.

This year’s event aimed to improve the quantity and quality of development finance and cooperation across diverse needs by focusing on two broader themes: financing for sustainable development in a changing context, and working together for better results and partnerships.

The dialogue’s panel discussions delved into crucial topics, including designing and implementing blended finance programmes, mobilising development finance for climate action, and effective partnerships for youth empowerment in the MENA region.

Through these discussions, participants aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of shared values and priorities and explore innovative approaches to deliver impactful development outcomes.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the ADFD, conducted high-level meetings with Carsten Staur, Chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-DAC), where they exchanged views regarding the general approach of development financing organisations, which typically involves creating essential infrastructure to enable investments and designing mechanisms to attract private sector involvement.

He emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing challenges, particularly through blended finance mechanisms to bridge the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also noted the collective need to combat climate change, focusing on defining key areas within the climate agenda to facilitate partnerships and mobilise resources.

The significant commitments to address climate change during international conferences, with specific objectives set by donors to minimise its impacts, are key efforts in this direction.

In light of upcoming international events such as the Summit of the Future, COP-29, and FFD-4, the Arab-DAC Dialogue is paramount in aligning priorities, shaping joint political agendas, and establishing actionable follow-up initiatives to inform global processes.

Since 2009, the Arab-DAC Dialogue has served as a cornerstone event for knowledge exchange and collaboration in sustainable development, facilitating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As an active participant, ADFD remains committed to driving positive change and fostering inclusive development globally.