As Abu Dhabi Fund for Development celebrates 50 years since its founding and a decade of partnership with the World Government Summit, a clear similarity stands out—their shared determination and passion from the start to drive government excellence and improve communities worldwide. This vision was deeply rooted in the beliefs of Sheikh Zayed, the founder who, in July 1971, foresaw the need for institutions that extend beyond their local reach, offering support to others and harnessing resources to improve the quality of life for individuals facing hardship in countries with limited opportunities and scarce resources.

Guided by this vision, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has spent over 50 years supporting communities to create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and well-being. Over the past decade, through its partnership with WGS, the Fund has shared its expertise and knowledge in development, elevating efforts to the governmental level. This approach has led to integration of efforts, maximized benefits, and empowered people.

The Fund’s work is an essential part of the UAE’s broader vision and strategy, operating within an integrated system established and continuously developed by the country’s leadership. Since its inception, the Fund has worked alongside various institutions, supported by legislation and policies designed to enhance its impact. This commitment led to the establishment of the Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid (OCFA) in 2013 and the launch of the UAE’s Foreign Aid Policy in 2017. Today, we stand on the foundation of historic achievements that have reshaped the approach and impact of development efforts.

With more than 35 countries benefiting from the UAE Government Experience Exchange Program, the UAE has successfully trained over 3.2 million people through 3,500 workshops and more than 400 training initiatives. The country also established the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), the first of its kind, with US$ 200 million in funding to support developing and low-income countries. These initiatives, along with many others, reflect the UAE’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian efforts and comprehensive development since its founding.

Following this clear and historically rooted Emirati approach, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has demonstrated leadership in promoting and leveraging partnerships for sustainable development. It has played a key role in turning the Sustainable Development Goals into tangible realities through a structured approach that includes comprehensive and analytical feasibility studies. This ensures that projects align with development objectives and have a lasting positive impact on people’s lives.

Today, the UAE takes pride in this globally impactful development institution. Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has allocated AED 229 billion in development and investment funding across 107 countries, covering a diverse range of development priorities. These outstanding efforts have gained international recognition, with the Fund receiving global acclaim for its role in driving sustainable progress. Recently, the Fund was honored with the United Nations Partnership Award for Small Island Developing States in the economic category for 2024. Awarded for its initiatives supporting renewable energy projects in the Pacific and Caribbean islands, this recognition marks a historic achievement as the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa to receive this award. It stands as a testament to the Fund’s exceptional role in global development. By continuously evolving its strategies in response to global changes and emerging challenges, the Fund remains committed to combining ambitious vision with exceptional capabilities to create real, positive, and lasting impact, improving lives and strengthening communities worldwide.