At the Fourth Financing for the Development Dialogues (FFD4), discussions focused on how development financing can be reshaped to better respond to today’s complex global challenges. Among the key voices was Mohamed El Zarkani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Saudi Arabia, who emphasized the evolving role of the UN in high-income countries and highlighted the transformative potential of the Joint SDG Fund.
Traditionally associated with developing nations, the UN’s work in Saudi Arabia demonstrates how it can contribute meaningfully across all income levels. Under Mohamed’s leadership, the UN country team is aligning closely with the government’s Vision 2030 agenda by applying innovation, knowledge sharing, and systems-level approaches to maximize national impact.
In high-income settings, innovation does not focus on bridging financial gaps but rather on ensuring resources are used more effectively. By employing behavioral science tools, data-driven analysis, and cost-benefit comparisons, the UN is helping design low-cost, high-impact solutions tailored to local priorities. These efforts are centered on building strategic partnerships that draw on global expertise to strengthen national systems rather than relying on traditional aid models.
Mohamed’s work extends beyond Saudi Arabia, linking the country’s development institutions with counterparts worldwide. Through collaboration with other Resident Coordinators, he has been instrumental in connecting Saudi institutions with governments in need of targeted, impactful investment. This approach is driving the creation of large-scale, investment-ready development initiatives that go beyond isolated projects.
The Joint SDG Fund plays a critical role in enabling this shift. More than just a financing mechanism, it provides catalytic capital and technical expertise to design scalable and investable solutions. It represents a mindset change within the UN system, encouraging a move away from grants and traditional programming toward innovative investment models that can transform entire systems.
As global financing landscapes evolve, the UN is also adapting its approach. The Resident Coordinator system, particularly in middle- and high-income countries, is becoming central to building partnerships, mobilizing both public and private capital, and redefining sustainable development pathways.
Through innovation and instruments like the Joint SDG Fund, the UN is demonstrating its continued relevance and essential role in driving progress, regardless of a country’s income level.
