Ibrahima Cheikh Diong Appointed as Inaugural Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage

Kamal Hossain: The Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has announced the appointment of Ibrahima Cheikh Diong as its first Executive Director. Mr. Diong will begin his four-year term on November 1, 2024, marking a significant step forward in mobilizing finance for millions of people in developing countries on the frontlines of climate change.

A dual Senegalese and American national, Mr. Diong brings over three decades of global experience in climate change, finance, and development. He will provide strategic leadership for the Fund’s Secretariat and support the Board in delivering on its mandate to provide financial assistance to vulnerable countries hardest hit by climate impacts.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time when the climate crisis is proving to be an existential threat to lives and livelihoods, particularly of the most vulnerable communities in developing countries,” said Mr. Diong. “The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage will make a significant difference to those disproportionately affected, and I take this responsibility with humility and a full commitment to serve.”

Mr. Diong is currently the Special Representative of the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa on ESG. He has previously held prominent roles, including UN Assistant Secretary General and Director General of the African Union’s African Risk Capacity Group, Founder and Chair of ACT Afrique Group, Senior Africa Banker at BNP Paribas, and various high-level positions within the government of Senegal.

His extensive career also includes working with international organizations such as the World Bank and Booz, Allen & Hamilton. Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese, Mr. Diong’s diverse background reflects his deep commitment to addressing global challenges through a blend of strategic insight and on-the-ground experience.

FRLD Co-Chair Richard Sherman praised Mr. Diong’s selection, stating, “The appointment of Ibrahima, a leader from a developing country, underscores the Fund’s commitment to a bottom-up, country-driven approach to address loss and damage. I look forward to working with him to turn this vision into reality.”

Co-Chair Jean-Christophe Donnellier added, “With this appointment, the Fund is taking a critical step towards supporting countries most affected by climate change. I warmly congratulate Ibrahima and look forward to collaborating closely.”

Alongside Mr. Diong’s appointment, the FRLD Board has approved all necessary documentation for the World Bank to act as the interim trustee and host of the Fund’s Secretariat. This development signals a decisive move towards addressing the urgent needs of countries vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.