Ibrahima Cheikh Diong Appointed as First Executive Director of Loss and Damage Fund

The Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has announced the appointment of Ibrahima Cheikh Diong as its inaugural Executive Director. Diong, a dual Senegalese and American national with extensive experience in climate change, finance, and development, will assume his four-year term on November 1, 2024. This appointment marks a critical step in channeling financial support to developing countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Diong’s appointment is seen as a significant development in global efforts to address loss and damage, a key issue for nations on the frontlines of climate change. The FRLD aims to provide financial relief to countries disproportionately affected by climate crises, particularly low-income nations that are least equipped to cope with extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other consequences of climate disruption.

“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,” Diong said in a statement following his appointment. “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.”

Diong’s career spans over three decades, with leadership roles in international organizations, financial institutions, and governments. He currently serves as Special Representative of the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Previously, he was the UN Assistant Secretary General and Director General of the African Union’s African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, where he led efforts to provide climate risk solutions for African countries. His diverse background also includes senior roles at BNP Paribas, the World Bank, and the Senegalese government, where he served as a minister and special adviser to the President of Senegal.

Richard Sherman, Co-Chair of the FRLD, emphasized the significance of Diong’s appointment: “The selection of Ibrahima, a developing country leader, to drive the Fund’s bottom-up, country-driven approach reflects the seriousness of the multilateral resolve to address the urgent impacts of loss and damage in countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.”

The FRLD was established to provide financial resources to countries dealing with climate-induced losses, a pressing issue that has gained traction in international climate negotiations. Under Diong’s leadership, the Fund is expected to become a key player in addressing loss and damage, which has been a contentious subject, particularly for developing countries seeking compensation for climate change impacts caused by historical emissions from industrialized nations.

Jean-Christophe Donnellier, Co-Chair of the FRLD, said, “With this appointment, the Fund is taking a critical step towards helping countries most affected by climate change. I warmly congratulate Ibrahima and look forward to working closely with him.”

Diong’s selection followed a competitive, merit-based recruitment process overseen by the Fund’s Board. His fluency in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese underscores his global perspective and ability to navigate complex, multilingual negotiations and partnerships. As Executive Director, Diong will oversee the FRLD Secretariat and guide the Board in implementing its mandate.

Alongside the appointment, the FRLD Board also approved key documentation that enables the World Bank to serve as the interim trustee and host of the Fund’s Secretariat. This move solidifies the Fund’s operational foundation and sets the stage for the flow of resources to vulnerable countries.