RIYADH – The inaugural Development Finance Conference, dubbed MOMENTUM 2025, convened in Riyadh this week, signaling Saudi Arabia’s escalating commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth. Officially launched Tuesday by Riyadh Emir Prince Faisal bin Bandar, the three-day event draws together global finance leaders, policymakers, and economists to explore strategies for accelerating development initiatives. The conference, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, operates under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The conference aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a central hub for development finance and underscores its progress toward realizing the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. MOMENTUM 2025 brings together over 120 local and international entities, including representatives from key development funds, banks, and private sector organizations. This signifies a concerted effort to foster collaboration and attract investment into strategically important sectors.
Saudi Arabia Drives Development Transformation with MOMENTUM 2025
The launch of MOMENTUM 2025 comes as Saudi Arabia actively pursues economic reforms designed to reduce its reliance on oil revenues. The Kingdom has been investing heavily in infrastructure, technology, and tourism, all of which require substantial financial resources. Experts suggest this strategic conference aims to unlock those resources and create a more robust and diversified economy.
According to Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Development Fund (NDF), the conference represents a “new pathway for comprehensive and sustainable development.” He emphasized the intention to maximize the impact of funding across social and environmental initiatives, fostering a sustainable economic landscape. The NDF plays a crucial role in channeling governmental and private investment into key projects.
Strategic Goals and Sector Focus
A central focus of MOMENTUM 2025 is to enhance the efficiency of the Kingdom’s development ecosystem. Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the conference’s commitment to aligning objectives and strengthening coordination among the NDF and its affiliated institutions. This includes development funds and banks, ensuring a more streamlined and effective allocation of capital.
The event also acknowledges the critical importance of the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as drivers of economic growth. Supporting SMEs aligns directly with Vision 2030’s objectives of job creation and increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national GDP. Increased investment in these areas is expected to be a key discussion point throughout the conference.
More than 100 speakers are scheduled to present at the conference, sharing insights on a range of topics relating to economic development, including innovative financing models, risk mitigation strategies, and the role of technology. The diverse representation aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and forge new partnerships.
Participants are expected to address challenges and explore opportunities related to financing projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global sustainability initiatives. This contributes to framing the country not only as a regional economic power but also as a responsible global actor.
Fostering Partnerships and Optimizing Resources
MOMENTUM 2025 isn’t solely focused on domestic initiatives; a significant portion of the agenda is dedicated to strengthening ties with international financial institutions. Establishing stronger collaborations with these organizations is vital to attracting foreign investment and accessing global best practices.
The conference facilitates dialogue between public-sector entities, private companies, and international organizations. These discussions are intended to lead to the creation of collaborative partnerships and the development of innovative financing solutions. Efficient resource allocation is paramount to success.
The NDF’s role in bolstering development transformation and promoting integration among national development funds and banks is a central theme. By operating as a coordinating body, the NDF aims to avoid duplication of effort and maximize the impact of available resources.
Looking ahead, the success of MOMENTUM 2025 will be measured by the concrete agreements and partnerships established during the event. The NDF is expected to publish a summary report detailing key outcomes and action items in the coming months. Further observation will be required to assess the tangible impact of these initiatives on Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and sustainable development progress, especially as the nation approaches its 2030 targets.