Riyadh will host the inaugural Development Finance Conference (DFC) from December 9-11, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre. The event, sponsored by the National Development Fund (NDF), aims to address critical global financing challenges and opportunities. Over 150 speakers from 120 countries are expected to participate, making it a significant international gathering focused on economic development and investment.
Under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the conference will operate under the theme “Leading Developmental Transformation” as a key component of the NDF’s MOMENTUM 2025 initiative. MOMENTUM 2025 serves as a broader platform for collaboration, bringing together stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to sustainable growth, manufacturing advancements, and enhanced economic resilience.
The National Development Fund and the Future of Financing
The Development Finance Conference (DFC) signifies a strategic push by Saudi Arabia to strengthen its role in global development and enhance its own economic diversification efforts. Established in 2017, the NDF plays a crucial role in overseeing and improving the performance of development funds and banks throughout the Kingdom, according to the organization’s official website. This conference is a direct outcome of that mandate, seeking to optimize investment strategies and broaden participation in key sectors.
A core objective of the DFC is to improve the efficiency of development spending. This involves streamlining processes, enhancing project evaluation, and ensuring that funds are allocated to initiatives with the greatest potential return on investment. The NDF is particularly focused on integrating Saudi Arabia’s development funds and leveraging the National Infrastructure Fund to attract high-quality investment.
Focus on Key Sectors
The event’s agenda will prioritize discussions around manufacturing, sustainability, and economic resilience. These sectors align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependence. Sustainable development initiatives, in particular, will likely be a prominent feature, reflecting a global increase in emphasis on environmental and social governance (ESG) investing.
Experts anticipate that the conference will delve into the challenges and opportunities within each sector. This includes exploring how investment can drive innovation in manufacturing, promote environmentally sound practices, and build stronger, more adaptable economies. The potential for public-private partnerships to accelerate progress will also be a key topic of discussion.
Addressing Global Economic Shifts
The DFC’s timing is noteworthy, coinciding with significant global economic shifts. The conference will examine evolving trade relationships, the emergence of new markets, and the impact of geopolitical events on the flow of capital. These discussions are intended to provide insights into how development funds can navigate uncertainty and capitalize on new opportunities.
Furthermore, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) poses both challenges and promises for development. The conference is expected to address the implications of AI for labor markets, economic growth, and the design of effective development programs. Investment in human capital will also be highlighted as a crucial component of building future-ready economies.
The rise of alternative funding sources, such as impact investing and blended finance, is reshaping the landscape of development finance. These innovative approaches aim to combine financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes. The conference may explore how Saudi Arabia can leverage these mechanisms to achieve its development goals and attract a wider range of investors.
The initiative builds on Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in international financial institutions and its growing role as a provider of development assistance. In recent years, the Kingdom has significantly increased its contributions to organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This conference can be viewed as a continuation of that trend, signaling a commitment to broader global development efforts.
The involvement of over 120 countries demonstrates the widespread interest in the topics to be discussed. It also offers a valuable opportunity for cross-border collaboration and the sharing of best practices. The 30 exhibitors expected to attend will showcase innovative technologies and financing solutions that can contribute to sustainable development.
While specifics regarding outcomes and concrete agreements remain to be seen, the NDF aims to produce a set of actionable recommendations from the conference. These recommendations are anticipated to guide future investment strategies and shape the development finance landscape within Saudi Arabia and potentially beyond. The next step involves finalising the speaker list and detailed agenda, expected by Spring 2025. Monitoring the participation of key international organisations and the level of private sector engagement will also be crucial indicators of the conference’s ultimate impact.
The success of MOMENTUM 2025 and the DFC will be evaluated by several metrics, including the volume of investment commitments generated, the number of strategic partnerships forged, and the extent to which the conference’s recommendations are incorporated into national and international development policies. The long-term consequences of this development push remain to be seen, but its potential to accelerate economic growth and improve livelihoods is substantial.
