Helping young leaders find development solutions

Tomorrow’s development outcomes will depend in large part on empowering today’s emerging leaders. As global challenges grow more complex and interconnected, the need for well-rounded public sector leaders has never been greater. 

This approach is at the heart of the OPEC Fund Young Leaders Initiative for young civil servants from the OPEC Fund member countries Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. 

Launched in June 2025, the inaugural edition gathered 17 delegates for a two-day program combining participation at the OPEC Fund Development Forum with institutional learning and a hands-on development finance workshop. The new program introduced participants to the language, logic and practice of development finance, deepening their understanding of how leadership, institutions and partnerships can shape development outcomes. The initiative reflects that sustainable development depends not only on financing today’s priorities, but also on preparing those who will help shape tomorrow’s responses. 

The inside track 

The initiative was launched at the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025, when young leaders joined the event and gained first-hand experience of development finance in a dynamic, real-world setting. In the company of policymakers, institutional leaders, development partners and private sector actors they witnessed conversations that shape today’s development agenda. This was an important starting point, allowing the young delegates to see that development finance is not only about resources, but also about dialogue, partnership and the ability to turn shared priorities into action by applying innovative solutions. 

The second day moved from high-level exposure to practical engagement. Across various sessions at the OPEC Fund’s Headquarters, participants learned more about the institution’s strategy and core areas of work, including its operations and commitment to development impact. The presentations and discussions showed how development priorities move from institutional goals to practical action and measurable results. 

This institutional familiarization was an important feature of the initiative, offering participants a deep understanding of the full cycle of development finance – from strategic orientation and project design to implementation, impact and learning. 

Once upon a time in Belvara… 

The centerpiece of the program was the Development Finance Workshop, built around a fictional lower-middle-income country called Belvara. Participants were invited to step into the role of a multilateral development bank team. Working in groups, they were challenged to design a multicomponent development finance initiative responding to Belvara’s key development needs, including youth unemployment, food insecurity, climate vulnerability and digital infrastructure gaps. Participants were encouraged to analyze the mix of financing, technical assistance and partnerships needed to shape responses that were both realistic and impactful. These activities gave participants practical insights into how development finance is discussed, designed and applied. 

Outcomes 

One of the initiative’s key outcomes was to offer participants a clearer and more practical understanding of how development finance works. Through exposure to high-level dialogue, institutional learning and the Belvara workshop, delegates were able to see how development challenges are rarely addressed through a single intervention – but rather through coordinated responses that bring together financing, partnerships and implementation support. 

The Young Leaders Initiative reinforced the value of local perspectives and realities, showing that effective solutions are strongest when informed by on-the-ground realities. It also created space for peer learning and exchange across member countries, reflecting the OPEC Fund’s broader commitment to South- South cooperation and knowledge-sharing. 

Looking ahead 

The 2026 edition of the Young Leaders Initiative will build on the successful experience of the first cohort, providing participants with practical exposure to development finance, institutional learning and peer exchange. Held alongside the OPEC Fund Development Forum on June 23, 2026, it will further strengthen the initiative as a platform for engaging future public sector leaders from OPEC Fund member countries.    
 

“Participating in the OPEC Fund’s Young Leaders Initiative was an invaluable opportunity to share spaces with the personalities who day after day lead joint efforts to promote sustainable development in the Global South.” 

- Jesús Colón, Ministry of People’s Power for Economy and Finance, Venezuela 

“I was very excited to have the opportunity to join this wonderful exercise and my expectations have been more than fulfilled.”

-Rayane Drada, Ministry of Finance, Algeria 

“It has clearly sharpened my understanding of development work. I will be eager to share with my colleagues at home.” 

-Hussain Saeed Ali Hussain Alshaali, Ministry of Finance, UAE 

“Being part of this program was one of the most meaningful experiences in my career. I learned more about the role and mission of the OPEC Fund and gained a lot of valuable knowledge and insights.” 

-Aplia Belina Siregar, Ministry of Finance, Indonesia