Saudi Fund for Development joins IATI for workshop on transparency and development data
Last week, the IATI Secretariat welcomed representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to UNDP Headquarters in New York for a joint workshop to strengthen collaboration on transparency, development data and digital innovation.
From left to right: Jaimie Grant (Engagement Specialist, IATI), Mr. Bander Bin Abdullah Albazai (Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Development and General Director for Development Affairs, SFD), Yemesrach Workie (Executive Director, IATI), Mr. Rabie Al-Saadoun (Director of Corporate Communications, SFD), and Mr. Abdullah Al-Bazai (Director of Development Programs and Initiatives, SFD).
The workshop was opened by IATI Executive Director Yemesrach Workie, who welcomed Mr. Bander Albazai, Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Development and General Director for Development Affairs, Mr. Abdullah AlBazai, Director of Development Programs and Initiatives, and Mr. Rabi Al-Saadon, Director of Corporate Communications.
The discussions explored how transparent, interoperable development finance data can support more effective development cooperation while advancing SFD's engagement with IATI.
Introducing the IATI Standard
The IATI Secretariat introduced the IATI Standard, the IATI publishing journey and the opportunities available through IATI membership, while providing practical guidance on publishing development cooperation data and strengthening interoperability across data systems.
Yemesrach Workie highlighted how IATI provides organisations with a common standard for publishing structured development cooperation data, enabling timely information to support better planning, coordination and decision-making.
Mr. Bander Bin Abdullah Albazai presented the Saudi Fund for Development's work across more than 100 countries, highlighting over five decades of development cooperation and SFD's commitment to transparency, digital transformation and innovation under Saudi Vision 2030. Over the past 50 years, SFD has committed more than USD 22 billion to support sustainable development across partner countries.
Demonstrating the value of development data
Building on these discussions, the workshop explored how IATI data from more than 2,000 organisations is being used to support financial planning, public information portals, reporting and development coordination.
The IATI Secretariat shared practical examples of how governments, development finance institutions and development partners are using structured, interoperable data to strengthen decision-making and improve development effectiveness. Participants also explored IATI's data tools and platforms, demonstrating how openly published data can be transformed into accessible information for policymakers, practitioners and the wider development community.
Exploring AI and digital transformation
The workshop also explored the growing opportunities presented by AI and digital transformation, demonstrating how structured IATI data can support AI-enabled analysis and new applications across the development community.
Participants exchanged views on SFD's digital transformation priorities and discussed opportunities for future collaboration on digitalisation, innovation and the use of AI in development finance.
Mr. Bander Bin Abdullah Albazai welcomed the opportunity to exchange knowledge with the global IATI community and reaffirmed SFD's commitment to advancing transparency, digital transformation and innovation under Saudi Vision 2030.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on the discussions, Yemesrach Workie highlighted the strong alignment between the Saudi Fund for Development's digital transformation agenda and IATI's Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration on transparency, interoperability, digital transformation and the use of development data to support more effective development cooperation.