08:30 – 09:30
Arrivals, Registration and Breakfast
09:30 – 10:00
Opening Session
Emcee
Ms. Lerato Natasha Mbele
Broadcaster and Journalist
Ms. Lerato Mbele is a global moderator, broadcaster, and strategist who has used local radio and international television to advocate for African development and investment. She presented the BBC World News “Africa Business Report” for nine years and hosted shows including “Talking Business Africa,” building a brand synonymous with business opportunity and poverty alleviation across the continent.
Speakers
Mr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa
President, OPEC Fund
Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, a Saudi Arabian national, was first elected as head of the OPEC Fund for International Development at the institution's June 2018 Ministerial Council meeting. Dr. Alkhalifa officially assumed his post on November 1, 2018. On June 21, 2023 the OPEC Fund's Ministerial Council unanimously re-elected Dr. Alkhalifa for a second five year term to commence on November 1, 2023. Prior to his appointment at the OPEC Fund, Dr. Alkhalifa was Deputy Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) from 2014 to 2018 and advisor to the Secretary General from 2010 to 2014.
HE Mohammed A. Aljadaan
Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the OPEC Fund Ministerial Council
HE Mr. Mohammed Aljadaan has been serving as the Saudi Minister of Finance since 2016. In this role, he leads the development of the Kingdom’s fiscal policies, and works to enhance fiscal sustainability, improve the efficiency of public resource management, and support economic growth. Minister Aljadaan represents the Kingdom in a number of international economic and financial forums and institutions, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank Group.
Video Address
HE Alexander Van der Bellen
President, Republic of Austria
Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen has been serving as Federal President of the Republic of Austria since January 2017. His prior political career includes membership in the Austian National Council, the Vienna State Parliament, Vienna City Council and the federal spokesperson for the Austrian Greens. He has also served as a full professor of economics at the University of Vienna.
10:00 – 11:00
High-Level Plenary
HE Carlos Manuel Vila Nova
President of São Tomé and Príncipe
HE Carlos Manuel Vila Nova has been serving as São Tomé and Príncipe’s fifth President since October 2021. Prior to that he was elected to the National Assembly in 2018 and had previously served as Minister of Public Works and Natural Resources and Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment.
HE Mia Amor Mottley
Prime Minister, Barbados
Hon. Mia Amor Mottley is the 8th Prime Minister of Barbados and leader of the Barbados Labour Party. She was sworn in as Prime Minister in January 2022, after leading her party to a second consecutive election victory, and has represented St Michael North East in Parliament since 1994. A distinguished attorney and Queen’s Counsel, she has achieved several historic firsts, including becoming Barbados’ first female Prime Minister and leading the country’s transition to a parliamentary republic in 2021.
Ms. Nour Amache
Senior Anchor, Asharq Business with Bloomberg
Ms. Nour Amache is a renowned business news professional and economist, currently anchoring “Radar Al-Aswaq” (Markets' Radar) at Asharq Business with Bloomberg. Her expertise lies in delivering incisive analyses of GCC, MENA and global markets, with a keen focus on markets action and economic and geopolitical developments.
Festsaal
Strengthening Resilience in Vulnerable Societies
The high-level plenary will explore how countries are strengthening resilience in the face of climate pressures, economic uncertainty and fragility. Speakers will highlight strategies that protect livelihoods, sustain essential services and reinforce national systems capable of withstanding shocks.
Remarks
HE Carlos Manuel Vila Nova
President of São Tomé and Príncipe
HE Carlos Manuel Vila Nova has been serving as São Tomé and Príncipe’s fifth President since October 2021. Prior to that he was elected to the National Assembly in 2018 and had previously served as Minister of Public Works and Natural Resources and Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment.
Fireside Chat
HE Mia Amor Mottley
Prime Minister, Barbados
Hon. Mia Amor Mottley is the 8th Prime Minister of Barbados and leader of the Barbados Labour Party. She was sworn in as Prime Minister in January 2022, after leading her party to a second consecutive election victory, and has represented St Michael North East in Parliament since 1994. A distinguished attorney and Queen’s Counsel, she has achieved several historic firsts, including becoming Barbados’ first female Prime Minister and leading the country’s transition to a parliamentary republic in 2021.
Ms. Nour Amache
Senior Anchor, Asharq Business with Bloomberg
Ms. Nour Amache is a renowned business news professional and economist, currently anchoring “Radar Al-Aswaq” (Markets' Radar) at Asharq Business with Bloomberg. Her expertise lies in delivering incisive analyses of GCC, MENA and global markets, with a keen focus on markets action and economic and geopolitical developments.
11:00 – 11:30
Coffee and Tea Break
11:30 – 12:30
Parallel Sessions
Session 1
Prof. Dr. Andreas Klasen
Director, lill Institute for Public Value, Germany
Professor Andreas Klasen is Director of the IiII Institute for Public Value and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Oxford, working at the intersection of scholarly research and consultancy on public policy, economic competitiveness, and international public finance. He advises governments and public financial institutions including Afreximbank, the European Commission, and the World Bank Group, and speaks regularly at the G7, G20, and OECD.
HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe
Vice President, Minister of Finance, Republic of Botswana
HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe is the Vice President and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Botswana, and Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington-South. An economist recognized for his analytical and diplomatic skills, his expertise spans macroeconomic and monetary policy, financial structuring, and institutional restructuring, with experience across think tanks, governments, and investment banks.
HE Sidi Ould Tah
President, African Development Bank Group
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group in May 2025. He brings a career of more than 40 years spanning banking, economics, and ministerial roles across Africa and the global south. Prior to this election, Dr. Ould Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025. During this period, he led a broad transformation of the institution, repositioning it from an unrated regional player into one of Africa’s highest-rated multilateral development banks.
HE Neal Rijkenberg
Minister of Finance, Eswatini
Hon. Neal Herman Rijkenberg (MP), joined the Eleventh Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a royal appointee from the private sector in 2018, where he made bold moves to stabilize the economy, reduce the fiscal deficit and support local enterprise. He was again appointed into Parliament and consequently as Cabinet Minister for Finance, for a second term in 2023, where he continues to champion economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.
HE Issifu Seidu
Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Ghana
As Ghana’s first Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability Hon. Seidu is committed to advancing climate action, building resilience, and enhancing adaptation efforts both locally and internationally. He is a former Member of Parliament for the Nalerigu-Gambaga Constituency in the North East Region. With a background in Economics and Management, Hon. Seidu Issifu has contributed extensively to entrepreneurial initiatives that provide sustainable business solutions to solve unemployment and enhance Ghana’s socio-economic development through youth employment.
HE Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi
Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC)
HE Selma Malika Haddadi is career diplomat, legal expert and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). She is the former Ambassador of Algeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa where she served from 2024. Prior to that, she served as Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, as well as the plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to Kenya.
Mr. Admassu Tadesse
President & Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank Group
Mr. Admassu Tadesse has been serving as Trade and Development Bank Group President and Managing Director since 2022. Under his leadership the Group has expanded into new and underserved markets and established new strategic business units and subsidiaries. Prior to that, he led PTA Bank, and its evolution into TDB, and previously served as Executive Vice President for International Finance and Corporate Strategy with the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Mr. Alvaro Lario
President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Mr. Alvaro Lario has been serving as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development since 2018. A seasoned international development finance leader, he has more than 20 years of experience across academia, private sector asset management, World Bank Group and the United Nations. Prior to joining IFAD, he was the Treasury Capital Markets Lead and Principal Portfolio Officer at the International Finance Corporation where he focused on local capital markets development and emerging markets investments.
Zeremoniensaal
Upgrading Local Value Chains
Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth
African economies are increasingly prioritizing value addition and industrial development to capture greater benefits from natural resources and productive sectors. This session will explore how investments in energy, transport, logistics and digital infrastructure—alongside trade and commodity finance—can enable domestic processing, strengthen regional integration and drive diversified, inclusive growth.
Moderator
Prof. Dr. Andreas Klasen
Director, lill Institute for Public Value, Germany
Professor Andreas Klasen is Director of the IiII Institute for Public Value and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Oxford, working at the intersection of scholarly research and consultancy on public policy, economic competitiveness, and international public finance. He advises governments and public financial institutions including Afreximbank, the European Commission, and the World Bank Group, and speaks regularly at the G7, G20, and OECD.
Fireside Chat
HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe
Vice President, Minister of Finance, Republic of Botswana
HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe is the Vice President and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Botswana, and Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington-South. An economist recognized for his analytical and diplomatic skills, his expertise spans macroeconomic and monetary policy, financial structuring, and institutional restructuring, with experience across think tanks, governments, and investment banks.
HE Sidi Ould Tah
President, African Development Bank Group
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group in May 2025. He brings a career of more than 40 years spanning banking, economics, and ministerial roles across Africa and the global south. Prior to this election, Dr. Ould Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025. During this period, he led a broad transformation of the institution, repositioning it from an unrated regional player into one of Africa’s highest-rated multilateral development banks.
Panelists
HE Neal Rijkenberg
Minister of Finance, Eswatini
Hon. Neal Herman Rijkenberg (MP), joined the Eleventh Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a royal appointee from the private sector in 2018, where he made bold moves to stabilize the economy, reduce the fiscal deficit and support local enterprise. He was again appointed into Parliament and consequently as Cabinet Minister for Finance, for a second term in 2023, where he continues to champion economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.
HE Issifu Seidu
Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Ghana
As Ghana’s first Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability Hon. Seidu is committed to advancing climate action, building resilience, and enhancing adaptation efforts both locally and internationally. He is a former Member of Parliament for the Nalerigu-Gambaga Constituency in the North East Region. With a background in Economics and Management, Hon. Seidu Issifu has contributed extensively to entrepreneurial initiatives that provide sustainable business solutions to solve unemployment and enhance Ghana’s socio-economic development through youth employment.
HE Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi
Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC)
HE Selma Malika Haddadi is career diplomat, legal expert and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). She is the former Ambassador of Algeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa where she served from 2024. Prior to that, she served as Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, as well as the plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to Kenya.
Mr. Admassu Tadesse
President & Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank Group
Mr. Admassu Tadesse has been serving as Trade and Development Bank Group President and Managing Director since 2022. Under his leadership the Group has expanded into new and underserved markets and established new strategic business units and subsidiaries. Prior to that, he led PTA Bank, and its evolution into TDB, and previously served as Executive Vice President for International Finance and Corporate Strategy with the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Alvaro Lario
President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Mr. Alvaro Lario has been serving as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development since 2018. A seasoned international development finance leader, he has more than 20 years of experience across academia, private sector asset management, World Bank Group and the United Nations. Prior to joining IFAD, he was the Treasury Capital Markets Lead and Principal Portfolio Officer at the International Finance Corporation where he focused on local capital markets development and emerging markets investments.
Session 2
Dr. Melinda Crane
Independent TV Journalist
Ms. Melinda Crane is an experienced TV anchor, whose appearances include chief political correspondent at Deutsche Welle TV as well as hosts the DW talk show “Quadriga”. Dr. Crane studied history and political science at Brown University and law at Harvard. She received her PhD in political economy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Her journalistic experience includes work for the New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, as well as German newspapers and magazines.
Mr. Ilan Goldfajn
President, Inter-American Development Bank
Mr. Ilan Goldfajn is President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, elected in November 2022 after serving as Director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund. He previously governed the Banco Central do Brasil from 2016 to 2019, leading modernization reforms including Brazil’s instant payment system, and was named Central Banker of the Year by the financial publication The Banker in 2017. Fluent in four languages, he holds a doctorate in economics from MIT.
HE Adelien Wijnerman
Minister of Finance and Planning, Suriname
HE Adelien Wijnerman is a Surinamese economist and senior public servant who has been serving as Minister of Finance and Planning since 2025. Wijnerman first served as Minister of Finance from 2011 to 2013, and has also held key national financial leadership roles, including head of treasury inspection and head of the tax directorate's planning finance and control department
Ms. Viviane Vecchi Mendes Muller
Deputy Secretary of International Affairs and Development, Ministry of Planning and Budget, Brazil
Ms. Viviane Vecchi Mendes Muller is the Secretary for International Affairs and Development at Brazil’s Ministry of Planning and Budget, where she oversees the country’s engagement with multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. With more than 15 years of experience in international economic affairs, development finance, and trade policy, she has held senior positions across Brazil’s federal administration.
Mr. Daniel Best
President, Caribbean Development Bank
Mr. Daniel Best is the seventh President of the Caribbean Development Bank, the region’s sole indigenous multilateral development finance institution, based in Barbados. A civil engineer and project management professional with over 30 years of experience, he previously served as director of the bank’s Projects Department and as Senior Infrastructure and Development Advisor to Barbados’ Prime Minister.
Mr. Sebastien Lahaie
Vice Chairman of the Board, Sudameris Bank
Mr. Sebastien Lahaie has been a Director at Sudameris Bank since 2007 and Managing Director at Abbeyfield Group since 2006. His career in finance and investment banking spans institutions including HSBC Investment Bank and ABN AMRO Bank. He began at Clinvest–Crédit Lyonnais in Paris and London before a senior role in Ernst & Young’s Corporate Finance Valuations Group. He holds an MSc in Finance, Capital Markets and Corporate Finance from ESCP-EAP (École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris).
Hofburg Galerie
Cities of Opportunity
Unlocking Human Potential
Urban areas across Latin America and the Caribbean are central to growth and social mobility, but rising demographic pressures are testing the effectiveness of health, education, transport and local economic systems. This session will explore how investments in social infrastructure, public services and SME development can boost productivity and expand opportunities—particularly for women and youth—through practical, city-level approaches that link mobility, access and entrepreneurship.
Moderator
Dr. Melinda Crane
Independent TV Journalist
Ms. Melinda Crane is an experienced TV anchor, whose appearances include chief political correspondent at Deutsche Welle TV as well as hosts the DW talk show “Quadriga”. Dr. Crane studied history and political science at Brown University and law at Harvard. She received her PhD in political economy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Her journalistic experience includes work for the New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, as well as German newspapers and magazines.
Opening Remarks
Mr. Ilan Goldfajn
President, Inter-American Development Bank
Mr. Ilan Goldfajn is President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, elected in November 2022 after serving as Director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund. He previously governed the Banco Central do Brasil from 2016 to 2019, leading modernization reforms including Brazil’s instant payment system, and was named Central Banker of the Year by the financial publication The Banker in 2017. Fluent in four languages, he holds a doctorate in economics from MIT.
Panelists
HE Adelien Wijnerman
Minister of Finance and Planning, Suriname
HE Adelien Wijnerman is a Surinamese economist and senior public servant who has been serving as Minister of Finance and Planning since 2025. Wijnerman first served as Minister of Finance from 2011 to 2013, and has also held key national financial leadership roles, including head of treasury inspection and head of the tax directorate's planning finance and control department
Ms. Viviane Vecchi Mendes Muller
Deputy Secretary of International Affairs and Development, Ministry of Planning and Budget, Brazil
Ms. Viviane Vecchi Mendes Muller is the Secretary for International Affairs and Development at Brazil’s Ministry of Planning and Budget, where she oversees the country’s engagement with multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. With more than 15 years of experience in international economic affairs, development finance, and trade policy, she has held senior positions across Brazil’s federal administration.
Mr. Daniel Best
President, Caribbean Development Bank
Mr. Daniel Best is the seventh President of the Caribbean Development Bank, the region’s sole indigenous multilateral development finance institution, based in Barbados. A civil engineer and project management professional with over 30 years of experience, he previously served as director of the bank’s Projects Department and as Senior Infrastructure and Development Advisor to Barbados’ Prime Minister.
Mr. Sebastien Lahaie
Vice Chairman of the Board, Sudameris Bank
Mr. Sebastien Lahaie has been a Director at Sudameris Bank since 2007 and Managing Director at Abbeyfield Group since 2006. His career in finance and investment banking spans institutions including HSBC Investment Bank and ABN AMRO Bank. He began at Clinvest–Crédit Lyonnais in Paris and London before a senior role in Ernst & Young’s Corporate Finance Valuations Group. He holds an MSc in Finance, Capital Markets and Corporate Finance from ESCP-EAP (École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris).
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Parallel Sessions
Session 3
Prof. Dr. Andreas Klasen
Director, lill Institute for Public Value, Germany
Professor Andreas Klasen is Director of the IiII Institute for Public Value and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Oxford, working at the intersection of scholarly research and consultancy on public policy, economic competitiveness, and international public finance. He advises governments and public financial institutions including Afreximbank, the European Commission, and the World Bank Group, and speaks regularly at the G7, G20, and OECD.
Ms. Anna Bjerde
Managing Director of Operations, World Bank Group
Ms. Anna Bjerde is the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, where she spearheads the bank’s work on the most pressing development challenges, overseeing an active portfolio worth $340 billion in programs across client countries. She previously served as Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, steering the region through a series of overlapping shocks and mobilizing record support for Ukraine.
HE Zeina Zeid Toukan
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Jordan
HE Zeina Zeid Toukan has been serving as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation since 2022. Her previous roles include Advisor for Economic Affairs at the Royal Hashemite Court, Director of Economic Policies Directorate at His Majesty King Abdullah II Office and Secretary General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies from the University of London.
HE Daler Juma
Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Republic of Tajikistan
HE Daler Juma has served as Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan since November 2020, advancing clean energy technologies and the country’s vision of an equitable clean energy future. He has overseen major reforms, including unbundling the national utility, scaling up smart meters and restructuring the energy sector’s finances. Prior to his current role, he was Regional CEO for the Aga Khan Fund’s IPS Asia energy portfolio and, for 13 years, Director General of Pamir Energy.
HE Rania Al-Mashat
Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
HE Rania Al-Mashat has been serving as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia since April 2026. An Egyptian national, she served for eight consecutive years as Minister across three key portfolios: Tourism, International Cooperation, and Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation.
Ms. Shaimaa Al-Sheiby
Vice President of Public Sector, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Ms. Shaimaa Al-Sheiby has more than 20 years of development finance experience. Among her earlier roles, she served as the OPEC Fund’s Director of Public Sector Operations, MENA, Central Asia and Eastern Europe Region, and thereafter Vice President Strategy. She holds Engineering degrees from The American University in Cairo and leadership programs at The Wharton School and Cornell University.
Zeremoniensaal
Powering Progress
Advancing Integrated Energy and Water Systems for Shared Gains
Energy and water systems across the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia face growing pressure from rising demand and mounting climate, demographic and fiscal challenges. This session will explore how investment, policy reform and stronger institutions—supported by integrated approaches and strategic partnerships—can enhance resilience, improve efficiency and sustain reliable service delivery.
Moderator
Prof. Dr. Andreas Klasen
Director, lill Institute for Public Value, Germany
Professor Andreas Klasen is Director of the IiII Institute for Public Value and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Oxford, working at the intersection of scholarly research and consultancy on public policy, economic competitiveness, and international public finance. He advises governments and public financial institutions including Afreximbank, the European Commission, and the World Bank Group, and speaks regularly at the G7, G20, and OECD.
Opening Remarks
Ms. Anna Bjerde
Managing Director of Operations, World Bank Group
Ms. Anna Bjerde is the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, where she spearheads the bank’s work on the most pressing development challenges, overseeing an active portfolio worth $340 billion in programs across client countries. She previously served as Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, steering the region through a series of overlapping shocks and mobilizing record support for Ukraine.
Panelists
HE Zeina Zeid Toukan
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Jordan
HE Zeina Zeid Toukan has been serving as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation since 2022. Her previous roles include Advisor for Economic Affairs at the Royal Hashemite Court, Director of Economic Policies Directorate at His Majesty King Abdullah II Office and Secretary General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies from the University of London.
HE Daler Juma
Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Republic of Tajikistan
HE Daler Juma has served as Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan since November 2020, advancing clean energy technologies and the country’s vision of an equitable clean energy future. He has overseen major reforms, including unbundling the national utility, scaling up smart meters and restructuring the energy sector’s finances. Prior to his current role, he was Regional CEO for the Aga Khan Fund’s IPS Asia energy portfolio and, for 13 years, Director General of Pamir Energy.
HE Rania Al-Mashat
Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
HE Rania Al-Mashat has been serving as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia since April 2026. An Egyptian national, she served for eight consecutive years as Minister across three key portfolios: Tourism, International Cooperation, and Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation.
Ms. Shaimaa Al-Sheiby
Vice President of Public Sector, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Ms. Shaimaa Al-Sheiby has more than 20 years of development finance experience. Among her earlier roles, she served as the OPEC Fund’s Director of Public Sector Operations, MENA, Central Asia and Eastern Europe Region, and thereafter Vice President Strategy. She holds Engineering degrees from The American University in Cairo and leadership programs at The Wharton School and Cornell University.
Session 4
Dr. Melinda Crane
Independent TV Journalist
Ms. Melinda Crane is an experienced TV anchor, whose appearances include chief political correspondent at Deutsche Welle TV as well as hosts the DW talk show “Quadriga”. Dr. Crane studied history and political science at Brown University and law at Harvard. She received her PhD in political economy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Her journalistic experience includes work for the New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, as well as German newspapers and magazines.
HE Lyonpo Lekey Dorji
Minister of Finance, Bhutan
HE Lyonpo Lekey Dorji has ben serving as Bhutan’s Minister of Finance since 2024. Prior to that, he served as a Member of Parliament and as Minister of Economic Affairs. He has international development experience having worked as a consultant to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other international organizations.
Ms. Sabina Qureshi
Additional Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs, Pakistan
Ms. Sabina Qureshi is a senior Pakistani civil servant who serves as Additional Secretary in the Economic Affairs Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this capacity, she is involved in managing Pakistan’s external economic relations, including engagement with international financial institutions and development partners, and has represented the Government of Pakistan in major agreements, such as financing arrangements with the Asian Development Bank.
Mr. Khalid Khadduri
Vice President of Private Sector, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Mr. Khalid Khadduri has been serving as Vice President, Private Sector since February 2026, bringing 20 years of experience in private sector development and international banking. Since joining the OPEC Fund in 2014, he has played a key role in expanding private sector operations and strengthening partnerships with global institutions.
Ms. Jeanne Soh
Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance Department, Asia Pacific, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
Ms. Jeanne Soh is Managing Director and Co-Head of the Structured Finance Department for Asia Pacific at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and has over 25 years of experience in financial structuring, arranging, and sector coverage across Asia. Her background spans power, renewable energy, infrastructure and export credit agency financing, with deep skills in financial advisory and debt arrangement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mathematics from the National University of Singapore.
Hofburg Galerie
Connecting Communities
Financing Next-Generation Infrastructure
Infrastructure demand across Asia continues to grow as economies expand and connectivity becomes central to development. This session will explore how development institutions and private partners are using innovative financing—such as risk-sharing, blended finance and capital market instruments—alongside investments in digital, transport and energy corridors to mobilize capital, strengthen integration and boost productivity.
Moderator
Dr. Melinda Crane
Independent TV Journalist
Ms. Melinda Crane is an experienced TV anchor, whose appearances include chief political correspondent at Deutsche Welle TV as well as hosts the DW talk show “Quadriga”. Dr. Crane studied history and political science at Brown University and law at Harvard. She received her PhD in political economy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Her journalistic experience includes work for the New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, as well as German newspapers and magazines.
Panelists
HE Lyonpo Lekey Dorji
Minister of Finance, Bhutan
HE Lyonpo Lekey Dorji has ben serving as Bhutan’s Minister of Finance since 2024. Prior to that, he served as a Member of Parliament and as Minister of Economic Affairs. He has international development experience having worked as a consultant to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other international organizations.
Ms. Sabina Qureshi
Additional Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs, Pakistan
Ms. Sabina Qureshi is a senior Pakistani civil servant who serves as Additional Secretary in the Economic Affairs Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this capacity, she is involved in managing Pakistan’s external economic relations, including engagement with international financial institutions and development partners, and has represented the Government of Pakistan in major agreements, such as financing arrangements with the Asian Development Bank.
Mr. Khalid Khadduri
Vice President of Private Sector, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Mr. Khalid Khadduri has been serving as Vice President, Private Sector since February 2026, bringing 20 years of experience in private sector development and international banking. Since joining the OPEC Fund in 2014, he has played a key role in expanding private sector operations and strengthening partnerships with global institutions.
Ms. Jeanne Soh
Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance Department, Asia Pacific, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
Ms. Jeanne Soh is Managing Director and Co-Head of the Structured Finance Department for Asia Pacific at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and has over 25 years of experience in financial structuring, arranging, and sector coverage across Asia. Her background spans power, renewable energy, infrastructure and export credit agency financing, with deep skills in financial advisory and debt arrangement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mathematics from the National University of Singapore.
14:30 – 15:15
Closing Session
Ms. Paula Naoufal
Journalist, CNN Business Arabic
Ms. Paula Naoufal is an award-winning journalist and senior reporter and presenter at CNN Business Arabic with over a decade of experience in media and communications. She has interviewed heads of state, prime ministers, and global business leaders — including the President of Iraq, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Scotland, the CEO of Aramco, GCC ministers and Royal Highnesses.
Alicia Montalvo
Vice President of Cooperation, Alliances and Mobilization, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America
Alicia Montalvo is the Vice President of Cooperation, Alliances and Mobilization of CAF. She is a member of the Higher Body of Commercial Technicians and State Economists of the Government of Spain. Before joining CAF in June 2022, she developed her professional career in different positions related to climate financing, economic policy and trade. She has also previously served as Chief Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Spanish Embassy in Colombia.
HE Deemah AlYahya
Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization
HE Deemah AlYahya is a Saudi tech diplomat and digital economy expert serving as the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). She previously orchestrated Saudi Arabia’s national digital transformation, drove skills programs while a Microsoft regional executive and pioneered first-of-their-kind leadership roles for women in Saudi government and industry.
HE Dr. Margarete Schramböck
Former Minister of Economy & Digital Affairs, Austria
HE Dr. Margarete Schramböck has extensive experience in both government and business sectors, having served as Austria’s Minister of Economy and Digital Affairs, where she played a key role in shaping national economic policies and promoting digital transformation across the country. Currently, she is Advisor to the Minister of Investment and a Board Member at Aramco Digital. She brings her extensive experience in digitalization and economic strategy to one of the leading digital innovation arms in the energy sector.
Mr. Omar N. Al-Midani
President and CEO, Vision Invest
Mr. Omar N. Al-Midani is President, CEO and a board member of Vision International Investment Company, a leading Saudi infrastructure investment and development firm headquartered in Riyadh. Under his leadership, Vision Invest’s portfolio spans four continents with more than US$95 billion in assets under management across energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport and more. He sits on several boards including ACWA Power and DataVolt, and previously led the Vision Invest subsidiary Beatona.
Mr. Musab Alomar
Vice President of Strategy, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Mr. Musab Alomar is Vice President, Strategy, where he leads the institution’s work in strategy, sustainable development and partnerships. Previously he had served in the OPEC Fund’s Public Sector Operations Department as Director of the MENA, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Region. Mr. Alomar joined the OPEC Fund in 2015 as a Public Sector Country Officer in the Asia Region.
Zeremoniensaal
Transforming Development
Digital Innovation and Partnerships for Impact
Digital technologies are transforming service delivery, business growth and the design of development solutions, creating new opportunities to expand access, strengthen systems and improve lives. This closing session will explore how countries and partners can harness these advances—through strategic investment and collaboration—to scale impact, build resilience and translate innovation into tangible gains for people and communities.
Moderator
Ms. Paula Naoufal
Journalist, CNN Business Arabic
Ms. Paula Naoufal is an award-winning journalist and senior reporter and presenter at CNN Business Arabic with over a decade of experience in media and communications. She has interviewed heads of state, prime ministers, and global business leaders — including the President of Iraq, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Scotland, the CEO of Aramco, GCC ministers and Royal Highnesses.
Speakers
Alicia Montalvo
Vice President of Cooperation, Alliances and Mobilization, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America
Alicia Montalvo is the Vice President of Cooperation, Alliances and Mobilization of CAF. She is a member of the Higher Body of Commercial Technicians and State Economists of the Government of Spain. Before joining CAF in June 2022, she developed her professional career in different positions related to climate financing, economic policy and trade. She has also previously served as Chief Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Spanish Embassy in Colombia.
HE Deemah AlYahya
Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization
HE Deemah AlYahya is a Saudi tech diplomat and digital economy expert serving as the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). She previously orchestrated Saudi Arabia’s national digital transformation, drove skills programs while a Microsoft regional executive and pioneered first-of-their-kind leadership roles for women in Saudi government and industry.
HE Dr. Margarete Schramböck
Former Minister of Economy & Digital Affairs, Austria
HE Dr. Margarete Schramböck has extensive experience in both government and business sectors, having served as Austria’s Minister of Economy and Digital Affairs, where she played a key role in shaping national economic policies and promoting digital transformation across the country. Currently, she is Advisor to the Minister of Investment and a Board Member at Aramco Digital. She brings her extensive experience in digitalization and economic strategy to one of the leading digital innovation arms in the energy sector.
Mr. Omar N. Al-Midani
President and CEO, Vision Invest
Mr. Omar N. Al-Midani is President, CEO and a board member of Vision International Investment Company, a leading Saudi infrastructure investment and development firm headquartered in Riyadh. Under his leadership, Vision Invest’s portfolio spans four continents with more than US$95 billion in assets under management across energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport and more. He sits on several boards including ACWA Power and DataVolt, and previously led the Vision Invest subsidiary Beatona.
Mr. Musab Alomar
Vice President of Strategy, The OPEC Fund for International Development
Mr. Musab Alomar is Vice President, Strategy, where he leads the institution’s work in strategy, sustainable development and partnerships. Previously he had served in the OPEC Fund’s Public Sector Operations Department as Director of the MENA, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Region. Mr. Alomar joined the OPEC Fund in 2015 as a Public Sector Country Officer in the Asia Region.
18:00 – 21:30
Evening
Gala Dinner – Annual Development Awards
Festsaal
