OPEC Fund celebrates Golden Jubilee at Development Forum 2026 (PHOTO/VIDEO)

OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) celebrated its 50th anniversary with the successful convening of the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 at the historic Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, CE Report correspondent Aytan Aliyeva reports from Vienna.

Bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of multilateral development banks, international organizations, private-sector executives, academics and development practitioners, the Forum served as a high-level platform for dialogue on sustainable development, economic resilience, infrastructure investment, digital transformation and international cooperation.

About the OPEC Fund

Established in 1976 by the member countries of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the OPEC Fund for International Development is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to promoting social and economic progress in developing countries worldwide. The OPEC Fund works with governments, development institutions, the private sector and international partners to finance projects and programs that improve living conditions, reduce poverty and support sustainable growth. Over the past five decades, the OPEC Fund has provided billions of dollars in development financing across more than 125 partner countries. Its operations span key sectors including energy, transportation, water and sanitation, agriculture, healthcare, education, telecommunications and private-sector development. The institution has become a leading advocate of South-South cooperation, fostering partnerships that enable developing countries to share knowledge, resources and innovative solutions to common challenges. Throughout its fifty-year history, the OPEC Fund has remained committed to empowering communities, strengthening institutions and creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.

The OPEC Fund Development Forum: A platform for global dialogue and action

The OPEC Fund Development Forum has evolved into one of the institution’s flagship international events, providing a unique platform where political leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, development experts and business leaders come together to exchange ideas and shape solutions to pressing global challenges. The Forum promotes dialogue on development priorities, mobilizes partnerships and encourages innovative approaches to financing sustainable growth.

Over the years, discussions held during the Forum have contributed to strengthening cooperation among countries and institutions while generating practical recommendations for addressing issues such as climate change, food security, energy access, infrastructure development, economic diversification and digital transformation. Beyond serving as a venue for discussion, the Forum has also facilitated strategic partnerships, financing agreements and collaborative initiatives that translate ideas into tangible development outcomes. The 2026 edition carried special significance as it not only addressed current global challenges but also celebrated the OPEC Fund’s remarkable fifty-year legacy of development impact.

OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 held under the theme “A Transition that Empowers Our Tomorrow,” reflected on the achievements of the past while exploring pathways toward a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The Forum attracted distinguished participants from across the world, including heads of state, ministers, representatives of international organizations, development finance institutions, private-sector leaders and members of civil society. Discussions focused on strengthening resilience in vulnerable societies, advancing infrastructure and connectivity, promoting industrial development, supporting urban transformation and harnessing digital innovation to accelerate development outcomes.

In his keynote address, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund, welcomed participants and reflected on the institution’s extraordinary journey over the past five decades. He emphasized that the OPEC Fund was founded on the principles of solidarity, partnership and shared prosperity and that these values remain central to its mission today. Highlighting the Fund’s achievements since 1976, he noted that development cooperation has become more important than ever in a world facing increasingly complex challenges, including climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility and growing inequalities. He reaffirmed the OPEC Fund’s commitment to supporting partner countries through innovative financing, strategic partnerships and sustainable investment. Mr. Alkhalifa also underscored the importance of building resilient economies and societies capable of adapting to future challenges. He called for stronger international cooperation and collective action to ensure that development gains are protected and expanded for future generations. Looking ahead, he emphasized that the OPEC Fund would continue to play a leading role in mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships that create lasting positive impact.

Mohammed A. Aljadaan, Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Member of the OPEC Fund Ministerial Council, delivered an important address highlighting the significance of multilateral cooperation in promoting sustainable development. He praised the OPEC Fund’s contributions over the past fifty years and emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, human capital and economic diversification to support long-term prosperity. He also stressed the need for development institutions to remain agile and responsive to evolving global challenges while continuing to support vulnerable countries and communities.

Participants additionally received a special video message from Alexander Van der Bellen, President of the Republic of Austria. President Van der Bellen congratulated the OPEC Fund on its Golden Jubilee and welcomed delegates to Vienna. He highlighted Austria’s longstanding commitment to international dialogue and cooperation and praised the OPEC Fund for its role in advancing sustainable development worldwide. He further emphasized that global challenges such as climate change, poverty and economic instability require collective solutions built on partnership and shared responsibility.

The Forum’s first major discussion was the high-level plenary entitled “Strengthening Resilience in Vulnerable Societies.” The session explored how countries can better withstand economic shocks, climate-related disasters and other external pressures while protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential services.

The plenary opened with remarks by Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, who discussed the challenges faced by small island developing states and emphasized the importance of international support for resilience-building initiatives. He highlighted the urgent need for climate adaptation measures, sustainable financing and stronger partnerships to help vulnerable nations confront increasingly complex risks.

A fireside conversation followed between Mia Amor Mottley and senior broadcaster Nour Amache. Prime Minister Mottley addressed the need for reforming international financial systems to better support developing countries, particularly those disproportionately affected by climate change. She emphasized that resilience is not only about responding to crises but also about creating systems that enable societies to thrive in the face of uncertainty. The discussion focused on innovative financing mechanisms, climate justice and the importance of ensuring that vulnerable nations have access to the resources needed for sustainable development.

Parallel Sessions: regional perspectives on development

The Forum then moved into specialized regional sessions examining development priorities across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia. The session “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth” explored how African economies can move beyond the export of raw materials by investing in industrialization, value addition and regional integration. Speakers discussed the importance of energy infrastructure, transportation networks, logistics systems and trade finance in supporting economic diversification and creating higher-value economic opportunities.

At the same time, the session “Cities of Opportunity: Unlocking Human Potential” focused on urban development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Discussions examined how investments in education, healthcare, transportation and entrepreneurship can create more inclusive and productive cities while expanding opportunities for women and youth.

The program featured discussions on infrastructure and resource management. The session “Powering Progress: Advancing Integrated Energy and Water Systems for Shared Gains” examined the growing challenges facing energy and water systems across the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia. Participants discussed how integrated planning, policy reform and institutional strengthening can improve service delivery and enhance resilience in the face of climate and demographic pressures.

Meanwhile, “Connecting Communities: Financing Next-Generation Infrastructure” explored innovative financing mechanisms that can help bridge infrastructure gaps across Asia. Speakers highlighted the role of blended finance, risk-sharing arrangements and public-private partnerships in mobilizing capital for transportation, digital infrastructure and energy projects.

The Forum concluded with a forward-looking discussion titled “Transforming Development: Digital Innovation and Partnerships for Impact.” The session explored how digital technologies are reshaping development by improving service delivery, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening institutions. Speakers emphasized that digital transformation must be accompanied by investments in skills, connectivity and governance to ensure that technological advances benefit all segments of society. The discussion also highlighted the importance of partnerships among governments, development institutions and the private sector in translating innovation into measurable development outcomes.

As the OPEC Fund celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the Development Forum 2026 demonstrated both the achievements of the past fifty years and the opportunities that lie ahead. Throughout the day, speakers repeatedly emphasized that the challenges facing the global community, from climate change and economic instability to infrastructure deficits and technological disruption cannot be addressed by any single institution or country acting alone. As the OPEC Fund enters its next chapter, it remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development, strengthening resilience and creating opportunities that improve the lives of people around the world. The discussions, ideas and partnerships generated during the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 are expected to contribute significantly to shaping development priorities and advancing global cooperation in the years ahead.