Opinion: The power of partnerships in sustainable development

The world stands at a critical juncture. The challenges we face — climate change, water scarcity, food security, and socioeconomic inequality — are complex and deeply intertwined. The way forward lies in collaboration, recognizing that our collective strength surpasses the sum of our individual efforts.

Since 1975, the Saudi Fund for Development, or SFD, has been at the forefront of these collaborative efforts, driven by its mission to promote global sustainable development across key sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and industry. Over the years, SFD has funded more than 800 development projects across more than 100 countries, with a total funding exceeding $20 billion. These initiatives reflect our belief that development is about the transformative impact of these resources on individuals, communities, and entire economies.

At SFD, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of partnerships in promoting sustainable development. Development, as we see it, is about giving countries the tools and resources they need to build a brighter future for their people.

But we can't do this alone. This requires a global network of partners working together toward a common goal of economic prosperity and social progress in the developing world.

The power of partnerships

Take our work in the water sector, for example. Access to clean water and sanitation is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development. It is crucial for the health, dignity, and prosperity of people, particularly in the global south countries. According to a report published by UNESCO in 2024, on behalf of UN-Water, 2.2 billion people still live without access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.5 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation. Recognizing this critical need, SFD has been a key player in supporting projects that provide access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. This commitment by SFD has led to the financing of 129 development projects in the water, sanitation, and water-related sectors, representing a cumulative funding of $3.97 billion. A notable example is the Saudi Program for Digging Wells and Rural Development in Africa, which has been instrumental in this regard. Since its inception in 1981, this multiphased program has drilled 8,800 wells, many equipped with solar pumps, in 19 African countries, benefiting over 5 million people.

Over the past 50 years, SFD has partnered with governments, international organizations, and local communities to finance and implement water projects that tangibly improve people's lives. The strength of these partnerships underscores a broader commitment to collaboration, particularly through global south-south and triangular cooperation, where high-income countries pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to tackle common challenges. Global south-south cooperation allows nations in similar developmental stages to share best practices, innovate solutions, and leverage their unique experiences to achieve mutual growth and development. Triangular cooperation adds another layer, involving support from high-income countries or multilateral organizations, which provide additional resources, technical expertise, and funding.

A powerful example of this is SFD’s collaboration with the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Pakistani Government, and the United Nations Office for Project Services. This partnership, rooted in south-south and triangular cooperation, exemplifies SFD’s dedication to advancing education through strategic collaborations. The collaboration provides renewable electricity and clean energy to over 1,200 schools in Pakistan, benefiting 150,000 students, creating jobs, and addressing both energy and education needs.

Similarly, access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is vital for economic development. Our work within the framework of the Arab Coordination Group, which started in 1975, highlights how regional partnerships can amplify development efforts. A prime example is the Merowe and Roseires dams in Sudan. The Merowe dam is the largest contemporary hydropower project in Africa and is expected to yield more than 6,500 gigawatt hours of energy annually, increasing electrification levels in rural areas and villages. Rural electrification is key to the socioeconomic advancement of countries in the global south. Electricity allows for the enhanced provision of health care services in addition to providing industrial and agricultural opportunities.

Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and our commitment to enhancing it extends beyond geographical boundaries. Our support for the University of the West Indies' Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda exemplifies our commitment to upgrading higher education and promoting scientific innovation across the Caribbean region. This project aims to foster human capital development and regional cooperation, benefiting not only Antigua and Barbuda but the entire Caribbean. By partnering with the university and the government, we are contributing to the creation of a knowledge-based economy that can drive sustainable growth and development throughout the region.

Building on our commitment to education, our project to construct secondary boarding schools for girls in Niger is a testament to our recognition of the critical role of women in development. When women have access to education, health care, and economic opportunities, their families, communities, and countries thrive. Our efforts, such as these schools in Niger, specifically target the needs of women and girls to help them reach their full potential. Gender equality is essential for sustainable development, and by empowering women, we unlock the full potential of half the world’s population, leading to more resilient and prosperous societies. SFD plays a vital role in fostering inclusive growth and creating a world where everyone can thrive.

Looking ahead

Over the next year or two, we anticipate several key trends driving global development and collaboration. Climate resilience will become more critical, with an emphasis on integrating sustainable practices into infrastructure. The adoption of digital technologies will accelerate, particularly in sectors like education and health care, enhancing access and efficiency. Additionally, there will be a growing shift toward community-led development, empowering local populations to play a more active role in shaping their futures. These trends highlight the need for adaptive strategies and innovative partnerships to address the complexities of sustainable development effectively.

As we forge ahead into the next 50 years of impact and development, we invite you to join us in our mission. Your engagement, whether through partnership, collaboration, or innovation, is vital in crafting integrated solutions that address the complexities of our world. Together, we can build a future where sustainable development is not just a goal, but a reality for all. Let's work hand in hand to ensure that no one is left behind, and that every community has the opportunity to thrive.