Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF) has unveiled its strategic partners for the Development Finance Conference MOMENTUM 2025, highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts to build an integrated development-finance ecosystem. This conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions in economic transformation and mega-event hosting, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, but also raises critical questions about compliance with global sports-governance standards.
Saudi Arabia’s Development Finance Conference MOMENTUM 2025
The Development Finance Conference MOMENTUM 2025, organised by Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF), will take place from December 9–11 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event aims to bring together policymakers, lenders, and global development institutions to expand financing channels for key sectors and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The conference is themed “Leading Development Transformation,” reflecting Saudi Arabia’s focus on sustainable growth and strategic sector empowerment.
Strategic Partners and Public-Private Collaboration
The NDF has announced a robust lineup of strategic partners for the conference, including Saudi National Bank and Arab National Bank as Main Partners, Riyad Bank as Banking Partner, and Bank AlJazira and Saudi Awwal Bank as Enabling Partners. Public-sector participants include Invest Saudi, the Made in Saudi Program, and the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority. Riyadh Municipality is the host city partner, and Saudi Post is the logistics partner. These partnerships are designed to foster collaboration between public and private sectors, aligning efforts to amplify impact and enhance coordination in national development initiatives.
Vision 2030 and Mega-Event Hosting
The conference’s emphasis on integrated development finance and strategic partnerships mirrors Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in hosting mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Kingdom’s bid for the World Cup, which received the highest score in FIFA bidding history, is deeply tied to Vision 2030 and the Crown Prince’s vision for national transformation. The World Cup bid proposes matches across 15 stadiums in five host cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to delivering a transformative event experience.
Governance, Human Rights, and Transparency Concerns
Despite Saudi Arabia’s high score in the FIFA bidding process, concerns persist about compliance with FIFA’s human rights, transparency, and labour standards for mega-event hosts. Human rights organisations have criticised the Kingdom’s record on migrant workers’ rights, press freedom, and accountability, warning that hosting the World Cup could serve as a form of sportswashing unless substantial reforms are implemented. These concerns highlight the need for enforceable safeguards and transparent oversight to ensure that the World Cup’s legacy benefits outweigh its risks.
Broader Global Debates on Accountability and Ethical Hosting
The global debate over mega-event hosting increasingly centres on accountability and ethical standards. Saudi Arabia’s hosting ambitions have drawn scrutiny from civil society and international stakeholders, who demand greater transparency and adherence to global governance norms. The legitimacy of the Kingdom’s hosting credentials will depend on its ability to address ongoing human rights and governance concerns, ensuring that the World Cup 2034 leaves a positive, sustainable legacy for all stakeholders.
Impact on Stakeholders and Civil Society
The MOMENTUM 2025 conference and Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid underscore the Kingdom’s strategic focus on economic growth, job creation, and sectoral competitiveness. However, these ambitions must be balanced with robust protections for human rights and labour rights, as well as meaningful engagement with civil society and international organisations. The success of these initiatives will be measured not only by economic outcomes but also by their contribution to global standards of accountability and ethical hosting.