RIYADH: Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Saudi Arabia’s finance minister, stated that energy security is “a fundamental pillar for achieving development and inclusive growth” rather than a luxury. Al-Jadaan cautioned during his opening remarks at the OPEC Fund for International Development Forum 2025 in Vienna that the lack of dependable energy access jeopardises vital industries including productivity, healthcare, education, and food and water systems.
Achieving a more secure and diversified energy landscape has never been more urgent due to rising geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and rising global energy demand,” Al-Jadaan stated. Al-Jadaan provided four policy proposals to multilateral development banks to increase global energy resilience. He warned against emissions regulations that exclude significant energy producers and emphasised the importance of impartially supporting all energy sources.
He said that such policies disproportionately affect poor populations and emerging countries, and they risk destabilising markets. His second suggestion was to increase the amount of concessional funding available to underprivileged areas. The minister praised the achievements of the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund and commended the World Bank’s “Mission 300” project, which seeks to give 300 million Africans access to electricity.
Also Read:
Should NRIs in the UAE Wait to Send Money When the Indian Rupee falls to an Eight-Week Low?
A Pilgrim in Madinah is Saved by Prompt Medical Attention
