Driving Water Efficiency and Sustainable Finance in the Arab States - Dr Abdallah Al Dardari at Momentum in Riyadh
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At the Development Finance Conference (MOMENTUM 2025), hosted by the National Development Fund (NDF), inaugurated in Riyadh under the theme “Where Development Finance Meets Action,” UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Arab States, Dr Abdallah Al Dardari, joined partners and leaders to spotlight one of the region’s defining development challenges - water. Speaking to the urgency of action, he underscored a central dilemma for West Asia and North Africa (WANA), as the region is the most water scarce in the world.
In his remarks, Dr Dardari, stated “In our region, we face a unique and pressing water challenge. We are the most water-scarce area globally, yet 70% of our water resources go into agriculture while we remain heavily dependent on food imports. It’s a fundamental question of efficiency viz., can we rethink this model to better manage our precious water? Let’s engage in solutions for sustainable water use in the WANA region.” His message was clear and practical, improving outcomes starts with improving efficiency; and that requires rethinking how water is managed across food systems."
The engagement took place in the context of UNDP’s continued collaboration with the Saudi Fund for Development, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that can scale across the Arab States region, particularly in areas where water, food security and climate resilience intersect.
During his recent mission to Saudi Arabia, Dr Al Dardari also held a strategic dialogue in Riyadh to deepen cooperation on sustainable development financing. On 11 December, he met with H.E. Dr. Stephen Groff, Governor of the National Development Fund (NDF), to explore pathways for stronger collaboration in support of Saudi Arabia’s development ambitions, with regional and global relevance. Discussions focused on scaling sustainable financing in food and water systems, SDG investment mapping and de risking mechanisms, leveraging UNDP’s blended finance expertise and technical assistance, and identifying opportunities to broaden engagement beyond domestic priorities. UNDP also reaffirmed its long standing partnership with the Kingdom across sectors that include water, environment, urban transport, and economic development, and expressed strong support for NDF’s innovative development finance model.
As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable finance, this dialogue signals a shared ambition to turn financing into measurable impact, enabling systems that deliver inclusive growth nationally, regionally and globally.
Source - UNDP