VOICES OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH
HELPING YOUNG LEADERS FIND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS The OPEC Fund Young Leaders Initiative provides civil servants from member countries with direct exposure to development finance in practice By Luiz Loures, Senior Strategy Specialist, OPEC Fund
T omorrow’s development outcomes will depend in large part on empowering today’s emerging leaders. As global challenges grow more complex and interconnected, the need for well- rounded public sector leaders has never been greater. This approach is at the heart of the OPEC Fund Young Leaders Initiative for young civil servants from the OPEC Fund member countries Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Launched in June 2025, the inaugural edition gathered 17 delegates for a two- day program combining participation at the OPEC Fund Development Forum with institutional learning and a hands- on development finance workshop. The new program introduced participants to the language, logic and practice of development finance, deepening their understanding of how leadership, institutions and partnerships can shape development outcomes. The initiative reflects that sustainable development depends not only on financing today’s priorities, but also on preparing those who will help shape tomorrow’s responses.
The inside track The initiative was launched at the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025, when young leaders joined the event and gained first-hand experience of development finance in a dynamic, real-world setting. In the company of policymakers, institutional leaders, development partners and private sector actors they witnessed conversations that shape today’s development agenda. This was an important starting point, allowing the young delegates to see that development finance is not only about resources, but also about dialogue, partnership and the ability to turn shared priorities into action by applying innovative solutions. The second day moved from high-level exposure to practical engagement. Across various sessions at the OPEC Fund’s Headquarters, participants learned more about the institution’s strategy and core areas of work, including its operations and commitment to development impact. The presentations and discussions showed how development priorities move from institutional goals to practical action and measurable results. This institutional familiarization was an important feature of the initiative, offering
Participating in the OPEC Fund’s Young Leaders Initiative was an invaluable opportunity to share spaces with the personalities who day after day lead joint efforts to promote sustainable development in the Global South.
Jesús Colón, Ministry of People’s Power
for Economy and Finance, Venezuela
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