WFDP convened a high-level strategic meeting with a senior delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) led by Hon. Prof. Bahati Lukwebo Modeste, Vice President of the Senate, joined by Hon. Serge Bahati (Member of Parliament) and H.E. Mr. Christian Katoto (Ambassador of the DRC to Namibia), alongside their delegation.
The WFDP delegation was headed by H.E. Amb. Ekramy El Zaghat, President of WFDP, accompanied by Mr. Rajiv Kapoor (Financial Advisor), Mr. Vinay Aggarwal (Secretary General – WFDP India), Mr. Nader Said (Commercial Attaché), and the President’s Office team.
Discussions advanced opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, environmental sustainability and carbon credits, mining, and the digitalization of government systems, with strong commitment to long-term collaboration.

WFDP participated in the W50 Global Summit in New Delhi, where Dr.Dinesh Sabnis , Addl. Representative to UNOG of WFDP, delivered a keynote address on “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony.” The summit provided a platform for high-level dialogue on the role of youth in promoting peace, international cooperation, and sustainable development. During the event, Dr.Dinesh Sabnis was presented with the Nobel Icon Award for Leadership in Youth Diplomacy by H.E. Dr. Joseph Muscat, Former Prime Minister of Malta, and H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta, in recognition of his leadership in advancing youth-focused diplomatic engagement. On the sidelines of the summit, meetings were held with senior diplomats and international representatives, during which WFDP’s mandate, programs, and role in development diplomacy and youth empowerment were discussed. These exchanges reflected positive interest in strengthening future cooperation with WFDP.

The SONEA Organization, in partnership with the World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP) and the Federal Government of Somalia, proudly celebrated the graduation of 100 talented young Somali women from the SHE LEADS 2025 Programme , including participants from the Girls Code Initiatives. This milestone highlights a new generation of women leaders equipped with skills in leadership, innovation, and community service. Somali officials, SONEA leadership, women’s associations, and educators honored the graduates for their dedication and their role in shaping Somalia’s future. These young women are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the leaders of today. SONEA, WFDP, and our government partners extend heartfelt congratulations to all graduates. Together, we remain committed to empowering Somali youth and advancing opportunities for women across the nation.

A delegation of Indian students from the Ashoka Group of Schools, Nashik, India, proudly participated in Geneva Peace Week 2025 in collaboration with the World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP).
During their visit, the students had the opportunity to explore key international institutions, including the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, the Palais des Nations, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office.
The visit was successfully coordinated and organized by Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, Additional Representative to UNOG for WFDP, ensuring a valuable educational and diplomatic experience for the participating students.

His Excellency Ambassador Ekramy El Zaghat, President of the World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP), has announced a strategic decision to adopt digital currencies as a primary tool for financing development projects across the African continent, as well as for supporting the Fund’s social programs and activities worldwide.
Ambassador El Zaghat emphasized that this decision comes following a series of consultations with senior leaders and officials from several countries, some of which have expressed their readiness to recognize the Fund’s digital currency and accept it as an approved means of payment. He further revealed that in the coming days, the Fund will announce its first development project to be fully financed using the WFDP’s digital currency.
In addition, Ambassador El Zaghat declared that the WFDP will integrate artificial intelligence technologies into several of its service and educational activities. This initiative will be accompanied by comprehensive training and educational programs for the Fund’s human resources, aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to utilize these technologies effectively and to keep pace with global digital transformation.
The President of the WFDP affirmed that these steps are part of a broader strategy designed to strengthen sustainable financing mechanisms, enhance transparency and efficiency in project implementation, and maximize the positive impact of the Fund’s development and social initiatives on both regional and international levels.
Ambassador El Zaghat concluded by stating that this milestone represents a significant leap forward in the Fund’s journey, underscoring its firm commitment to innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions in the service of global development and planning.

Mr. Rajiv Kapoor, Financial Advisor to the President’s Office of the World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP), attended the 8th Financial Crime Symposium hosted by Deloitte Middle East in Dubai. The event brought together leading regulators, business leaders, and industry experts to address the rapidly evolving global financial crime landscape, with particular emphasis on the UAE.
During the conference, expert speakers and panellists underscored the pressing impact of financial crime on regulated entities, highlighting the growing risk landscape, regulatory compliance obligations, and broader societal consequences. Discussions also explored innovative approaches to strengthening the anti-financial crime ecosystem, including advanced technologies and strategic collaborations.
The symposium emphasized the importance of cooperation and knowledge-sharing across jurisdictions to safeguard economic growth and uphold integrity in global trade hubs, with the UAE positioned as a key focal point.
Key sessions delved into topics such as realigning control frameworks to confront emerging threats, the potential applications of generative AI in combating financial crime, and the increasing demands for robust due diligence, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening by banks, exchange houses, and regulators.
Speaking on behalf of the WFDP President’s Office, Mr. Kapoor noted the critical role of global partnerships and regulatory alignment in protecting financial systems and ensuring sustainable economic resilience.

World Fund for Development and Planning (WFDP) is pleased to announce its intention to invest in the Republic of Burkina Faso, focusing on mining, infrastructure, data center development, and digital transformation. This initiative reaffirms WFDP’s commitment to empowering nations with sustainable development tools and supporting their journey toward economic independence and resilience.
The decision follows an official invitation extended by the Office of the President of Burkina Faso to WFDP President, H.E. Ambassador Ekramy El Zaghat, to visit the country and explore direct cooperation opportunities. In response, President El Zaghat expressed deep appreciation for the invitation and confirmed WFDP’s readiness to act swiftly and decisively.
“We are honored by the trust shown by the Government of Burkina Faso. This is not only a strategic opportunity but also a moral responsibility to support a nation rich in resources and potential,” said Amb. Ekramy El Zaghat. “I have instructed all WFDP departments to coordinate with our partners and affiliated companies and investors to prepare a comprehensive and accelerated investment plan, with a minimum starting capital of 10 billion U.S. dollars.”
The WFDP President emphasized that the forthcoming delegation to Burkina Faso, which he will personally lead, must be fully prepared to begin implementation immediately upon arrival. The delegation will work hand-in-hand with national stakeholders to ensure investments generate tangible benefits for local communities and align with the country’s development goals.
WFDP’s strategic focus areas in Burkina Faso will include:
• Sustainable mining operations that add value locally and prioritize environmental responsibility;
• Infrastructure development, including roads, transport networks, and energy systems;
• Establishment of modern data centers to support digital innovation and e-governance;
• Accelerating digital transformation across industries and government institutions;
• Promoting local manufacturing to reduce import dependency and create employment opportunities.
These efforts will support Burkina Faso’s vision of independent decision-making and national self-reliance, while opening new avenues for regional integration and global competitiveness.

WFDP Family Wishing you and your families Happy New Islamic Year #2025

WFDP Family Wishing you and your families EID ADHA MUBARAK #2025

Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, the Additional Representative to UNOG for WFDP, recently engaged in a productive discussion with the Director of the UNESCO Geneva Office regarding various potential initiatives focused on education, youth development, and cultural diplomacy. The meeting proved to be fruitful, and WFDP is eager to explore collaborative opportunities with UNESCO across multiple areas