Statement by Dr.Abdulhamid Alkhalifa - 112th Meeting of the Development Committee - October 16, 2025 - Washington, DC

Jul 19, 2026

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Statement by Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, to the 112th meeting of the Development Committee on October 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. The statement frames rapid technological change and global volatility as both a challenge and opportunity, emphasizing Growth and Jobs as a driver across SDGs. It outlines priorities for education and skills, infrastructure, digital inclusion, private-sector dynamism, entrepreneurship, policy reforms, and partner-country support, linking job creation to long-term resilience, shared prosperity, climate-smart growth, and debt sustainability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

Statement by

Dr.Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development

112th Meeting of the Development Committee

October 16, 2025 - Washington, DC

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Joint Ministerial Committeeof the Boards of Governors of the Bank and the Fundon theTransfer of Real Resources to Developing Countries) ## ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH MEETINGWASHINGTON,DC-OCTOBER 16,2025 Statement by Dr.Abdulhamid AlkhalifaPresident of theOPEC Fund for International Development DC/S/2025-0042 October 16,2025 # Statement by ## Dr.Abdulhamid AlkhalifaPresident of the OPEC Fund for International Development # 112hMeeting of the Development Committee ## October 16,2025 # Washington,DC We live in a time of rapid and fundamental change.Technological innovation is reshaping the workplace:Digitalization,artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing how jobs are being done and by whom.It is a moment of high volatility,but also one that brings huge opportunities. Our task as development institutions is to lead from the front.Growth and jobs are at the heart of ourmissions and mandates,as we double our efforts to deliver sustainable development for all as is the visionof the OPEC Fund for International Development. Sustainable Development Goal 8's"Decent Work and Economic Growth”translates economic growth intoconcrete improvements in people's lives by creating jobs and raising incomes,while boosting access tofinance and lifelong learning.But in effect,this theme of“growth and jobs”runs through all other SDGs.It shows that our actions must be placed in the wider framework of developing human capital to ensureworthwhile and sustainable livelihoods. The "Foundations for Growth and Jobs"underscores our renewed commitment to inclusive,resilient andsustainable development amid increasing global uncertainty.There is an urgent need to address thestructural challenges,while strengthening the foundational pillars,that drive economic growth and jobcreation across developing economies.With the global economy continuing to face uneven recovery fromrecent shocks including the COVID-19 pandemic,climate disruptions and geopolitical tensions the OPECFund is focused on lending efforts that prioritize productivity,human capital and private sector dynamism. Central to the discussion on job creation is the role of education,infrastructure,digital transformation,private sector engagement and policy reforms that foster innovation and entrepreneurship in unlockinglong-term growth.We continue to emphasize the importance of investing in quality education and skillstraining,sustainable infrastructure,digital inclusion and business-friendly policies as key levers forexpanding employment opportunities,especially for youth and marginalized populations.We see theseelements as key to building economies that are not only competitive but also gender equitable and climateresilient helping to unlock new job sectors. In addition,we continue to support our partner countries as they seek to enhance policy frameworks thatenable entrepreneurship,attract investment,improve regulatory environments,boost financial inclusion andleverage technology to build resilient economies.By fostering environments where small-and medium-sized enterprises can thrive and where workers can adapt to changing demands,we aim to support ourpartner countries in catalyzing job-rich growth.Our overarching goal is to ensure that economic progresstranslates into tangible improvements in livelihoods,particularly in low-and middle-income countries thatremain vulnerable to external shocks of all kinds. We cannot do this alone indeed,we are gathered here today to collectively reaffirm our global cooperationand multilateral support for enabling countries to navigate structural transitions.Climate-smart growth,debtsustainability and inclusive financial systems are cross-cutting themes that will continue to shape the qualityof economic progress in helping to deliver tangible improvements in job prospects and ultimatelylivelihoods,with a focus on long-term resilience an

FAQs

What central theme does Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa highlight for development action?

He emphasizes “growth and jobs” and links economic growth to concrete improvements in people’s lives through employment, incomes, access to finance, and lifelong learning.

Which priorities does the statement identify for job creation?

It focuses on education and skills training, sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation and digital inclusion, private-sector engagement, and policy reforms that support innovation and entrepreneurship.

How does the OPEC Fund propose to support partner countries to catalyze job-rich growth?

By strengthening policy frameworks for entrepreneurship and investment, improving regulatory environments, boosting financial inclusion, leveraging technology, and enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises to thrive and adapt to changing demands.

Jul 19, 2026

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