New York | July 2025
In a world increasingly defined by intersecting crises—health emergencies, climate disruptions, and deepening inequality—Saudi Arabia stepped into the spotlight at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), signaling not only presence, but leadership. In a landmark event organized by UNDP titled “Recovering Health and Building the Future: Innovations for Crisis-Affected Communities”, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sakran, Executive Director of Strategy and Development at the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), delivered a vision for global health resilience shaped by strategic financing and long-term commitment.

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead development agency, mandated to support countries in alleviating poverty and advancing sustainable, inclusive human development in alignment with their national priorities. The event was opened by Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator, who framed the dialogue with a powerful call for development solutions—from clean energy to digital innovation—that restore health, dignity, and resilience for people living through crisis.

Facilitated by UNDP Saudi Arabia, the participation of Dr. Al-Sakran was more than symbolic—it was substantive. In his intervention, he articulated how SFD’s integrated financing model responds to the real needs of developing countries. At its core lies a multichannel strategy: direct development loans that support the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers in underserved regions; co-financing frameworks that align with international donors and regional development banks to pool resources and scale impact; and indirect financing through contributions to major global health institutions, such as WHO, GAVI, the Global Fund, the Carter Center, and the Gates Foundation.

Dr. Al-Sakran emphasized that development is not just about disbursing funds—it’s about empowering national ownership, aligning with local strategies, and ensuring sustainability. He underscored how SFD leverages South-South and Triangular Cooperation mechanisms to share knowledge and technical expertise, while also deploying the Kingdom’s own health sector capabilities to support local capacity-building in fragile contexts.

This philosophy of smart, responsive financing is guided by a clear objective: helping countries expand their national health systems, localize health solutions, and build resilience into the very fabric of their service delivery. Whether by strengthening maternal health clinics in sub-Saharan Africa, or supporting vaccine delivery infrastructure in post-conflict areas, the Fund’s mission remains rooted in human dignity and equitable development.

Throughout the session, Dr. Al-Sakran’s insights complemented a dynamic panel that brought together global leaders from the International Rescue Committee, WHO, UNFPA, the Global Fund, and representatives from Sudan, Qatar, and the Dominican Republic. The conversation explored how innovation, justice, and adaptability are critical to health systems that can withstand both present shocks and future uncertainties.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Al-Sakran expressed gratitude to UNDP and co-organizers for the platform, noting that meaningful progress requires not only funding, but strategic vision and collaboration. As the Kingdom continues to scale its contributions to global development, its message is clear: resilience begins long before the next crisis. Through partnerships, innovation, and solidarity, Saudi Arabia is investing not just in recovery—but in a healthier, more just future for all.