The OPEC Fund for International Development

Making development visible matters. As part of our 50th anniversary campaign, our “Our Voices” series continues with perspectives from across the OPEC Fund, highlighting the people behind our work. In this edition, Iris Vittini Encarnacion, Design Associate, shares how communications help bring the OPEC Fund’s mission to life, from showcasing development impact to strengthening our connection with our host country, Austria. Hear her perspective in the latest video.

Strengthening partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean. An OPEC Fund delegation joined partners and government counterparts at @the_IDB Annual Meetings in Paraguay, holding a series of bilateral discussions to deepen cooperation across the region. Over several days in Asunción, the delegation met with representatives from partner countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Paraguay’s @MEF_Paraguay and @ANDEOficial, exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration. The mission also included exchanges with development finance partners including IDB, @AgendaCAF, @CABEI_Org / @BCIE_Org, @Fonplata and other institutions, reinforcing joint efforts in support of sustainable development across the region. We look forward to building on these discussions and continuing our work with partners across Latin America and the Caribbean to advance shared development priorities.

Making a real difference in development? Your work deserves recognition. The OPEC Fund’s Annual Award for Development is now open for nominations. In our 50th Anniversary Year, our flagship award has been revamped to reflect today’s challenges and opportunities, recognizing initiatives that deliver tangible, scalable and lasting solutions for sustainable development. Three categories. One goal: real development impact. Transformational Impact | US$450,000 Innovation for Development | US$250,000 Youth Entrepreneurship | US$100,000 Submit your nomination by March 23, 2026. Learn more about the awards, evaluation criteria and how to nominate: opecfund.org/AAD

Do you want to help drive development impact? The OPEC Fund Young Professional Development Program is now open for applications from member country nationals until April 11. Learn more and apply now: bit.ly/2BrLSfL

500 مليون دولار لتمويل SmartEd لدعم أنظمة تعليم مرنة في 37 دولة. المعرفة قوة! اقرأ المزيد ➤ theacg.org/wp-content/upl… #التعليم_للجميع #SmartEd #شراكات_عالمية

USD 500 million SmartEd Financing strengthens resilient education systems in 37 countries. Knowledge is power! Read more ➤ theacg.org/wp-content/upl… #EducationForAll #SmartEd #GlobalPartnerships

Advancing development through partnerships in East Africa. For more than two decades, the OPEC Fund and the East African Development Bank (EADB) have worked together to mobilize financing in support of sustainable development across the region. In this video interview, Benard Paul Mono, Acting Director General of @EADB_Official, reflects on this long-standing cooperation and the opportunities ahead, from the transition to clean energy and smart agriculture to tackling challenges such as SMEs development and youth unemployment.

Impact deserves recognition. Submit your nomination for the OPEC Fund’s Annual Award for Development! In our 50th Anniversary Year, our flagship award has been revamped to reflect today’s challenges and opportunities, recognizing initiatives that deliver tangible, scalable and lasting solutions for sustainable development. Three categories. One goal: real development impact. Transformational Impact | US$450,000 Innovation for Development | US$250,000 Youth Entrepreneurship | US$100,000 Deadline: March 23, 2026 Learn more about the awards, evaluation criteria and how to nominate: opecfund.org/AAD

Looking to gain hands-on experience at an international organization and contribute to global development? The OPEC Fund Internship Program is now open for applications. Join our team in Vienna and help drive development, strengthen communities and empower people across the globe. Applications are open until April 12. Apply now: bit.ly/opecfundintern

Interested in working at the OPEC Fund? Our Young Professional Development Program is now accepting applications from member country nationals until April 11! Apply now to join our team in Vienna and help drive development, strengthen communities and empower people across the globe: bit.ly/2BrLSfL

From financial processes to real-world impact. As part of our 50th anniversary campaign, our “Our Voices” series continues with perspectives from across the OPEC Fund, highlighting the people behind our work. In this edition, Hisham Houdali, Loan Management Officer, reflects on the launch of the first OPEC Fund-led syndication, bringing member country commercial banks into new markets and encouraging private investment in SMEs and green energy projects across Paraguay. Hear his perspective in the latest video.

When we give, we gain. This year’s International Women’s Day theme Give To Gain highlighted a simple reality: progress advances when we invest in others. Inclusive development finance plays a key role in that progress. Expanding access to capital and essential services for women and girls helps unlock economic potential, strengthen institutions and build more resilient economies. At the OPEC Fund, advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women remains central to our work. Because when we give, we gain.

Gender equality is not a solo effort. It requires active engagement from everyone. Inclusive environments are built on respect, support and shared accountability. The OPEC Fund's Young Professional, Lyn Jehani, shares her perspective on the role we all play in advancing gender equality.

What does it take to build stronger and fairer communities? It starts with deliberate and inclusive choices. The choices we make today shape resilience, fairness and opportunity tomorrow. Mohammed Alahmed, Head of People & Culture, highlights the importance of investing in women to help build stronger communities for the future.

The most lasting impact in any career is the impact we have on others. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give To Gain, reflects a simple reality: progress advances when we invest in people. Growth does not happen in isolation. Strong institutions are built when people challenge, support and invest in potential, and when that commitment continues to open opportunities for others. The OPEC Fund's Chief Communications Officer, Nadia Benamara, reflects on the importance of continuing the cycle of investment.

Where does gender equality begin? It begins in everyday choices and extends to international commitments, including progress toward the UN’s gender goals. Advancing equality requires it to be integrated at every level. Senior Transport Specialist Juan Gonzalez speaks to the importance of embedding gender equality in both daily life and global development priorities.

Making a real difference in development? Your work deserves recognition. The OPEC Fund’s Annual Award for Development is now open for nominations. In our 50th Anniversary Year, our flagship award has been revamped to reflect today’s challenges and opportunities, recognizing initiatives that deliver tangible, scalable and lasting solutions for sustainable development. Three categories. One goal: real development impact. Transformational Impact | US$450,000 Innovation for Development | US$250,000 Youth Entrepreneurship | US$100,000 Submit your nomination by March 23, 2026. Learn more about the awards, evaluation criteria and how to nominate: opecfund.org/AAD

Access to opportunity plays a critical role in helping women reach their potential. When people are given the space to grow, contribute and reach their potential, the impact can extend far beyond the individual. Expanding those opportunities for others helps create lasting progress. Reflecting on her experience, Nafisa Adama, Counsel, highlights how creating opportunities for young women through education and mentorship continues to matter.

Investing in women drives lasting development gains. Inclusive development finance strengthens communities and supports more resilient and sustainable economies. Expanding access to opportunities, capital and essential services for women and girls helps unlock economic potential and reinforce long-term stability. Sasha Ramirez-Hughes, Senior Communications Officer, reflects on the importance of investing in women and girls for sustainable development.

This week the OPEC Fund HQ was filled with colleagues, friends and family as we came together to celebrate Ramadan Iftar. Reflecting the diversity of our workplace, colleagues from across cultures and backgrounds gathered to share a meal and mark this special time together. As the Holy Month of Ramadan continues, we take this moment to wish you and those you are close to peace, health and prosperity.