The Fund was joined by experts and leading voices from around the world at the 2022 World Water Forum, where it spotlighted its contributions to enhancing the global water sector and underlined its commitment to empowering underserved communities to fulfil their potential.

The first gathering of its kind held in sub-Saharan Africa, the forum took place from March 21 to 26 in Dakar, Senegal. It brought the international water community together to discuss global water challenges, climate change and sustainability.

As part of its strategy to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SFD took part in the event to call attention to the importance of developing clean water projects around the world.

At the forum, SFD reiterated its commitment to financing these initiatives and programs to affect lasting change by offering disadvantaged people access to vital resources and improving their quality of life.

Ultimately, SFD aims to promote sustainable social and economic growth. To date, the organization has successfully launched and established water and energy sector projects in 38 countries across the world.

The Saudi Program for Well Drilling and Rural Development in Africa, for instance, has helped to reduce the effects of drought in 18 African countries. The program has served more than 5 million people, with over 8,800 water facilities being drilled and equipped — most of which rely on solar energy to pump water.

SFD was represented at the World Water Forum by Dr. Abdullah Alsakran — its Chief Strategy Officer — and Eid bin Saleh bin Eid, an SFD Economic Adviser.

Dr. Abdullah Alsakran was on-hand to lend his voice to affecting sustainable change at the forum, speaking to SFD’s vision, values, and goals. He participated in a panel discussion held to provide a platform for dialogue on financing.

He said: “SFD has long prided itself on joining forces with like-minded people and organizations across the world to affect lasting and positive change. The World Water Forum provides a unique and timely opportunity for us to do exactly that, bringing experts with a shared passion for innovation together to overcome today and tomorrow's challenges.”

Featured on panel of experts, Eid bin Saleh bin Eid took part in a session highlighting how innovative technologies and productive waters can be harnessed to empower rural communities.

He said: “SFD has contributed to the achievement of the UN’s SDGs by developing impactful clean water projects that bolster the economies of communities and countries around the world. These projects have been instrumental to raising the living standards of disadvantaged people, particularly in developing nations. Committed to changing people’s lives for the better, my colleagues and I at SFD relish taking part in events like the World Water Forum to share our experience, insights and expertise. We believe this goes a long way to building brighter futures for those in need.”

Since its establishment in 1975, SFD has financed 100 projects worth approximately USD 2.7 billion — 14.7% of the total loans granted by SFD.

SFD has played an important role in financing and implementing irrigation projects, as well as digging wells and dams. This has had a positive impact on agricultural activity and afforestation development, as well as the preservation of water reserves and the environment, desertification, and the conservation of energy.