Satu Santala appointed as Nordic Development Fund's Managing Director

IFAD's Associate Vice-President Satu Santala has been appointed as Nordic Development Fund's Managing Director.

Satu Santala starts her new position in March 2024. She moves to the role from the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), where she has served as Associate Vice-President since 2021.

"Today, climate action is more critical than ever — and climate finance is essential for sustainable solutions," says Satu Santala in NDF's press release.

The Nordic Development Fund (NDF), established in 1989 by Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, is an international financial institution based in Helsinki. NDF coordinates investments related to climate change in low-income countries.

"The Nordics have been trailblazing the way towards global climate goals, and NDF has a unique role as the Nordic climate and development fund. I'm looking forward to working with NDF member states, staff and partners to maximise the Fund’s catalytic impact in climate adaptation and mitigation in the countries that need it the most," Santala continues in the press release.

Santala moves to the Nordic Development Fund from the IFAD. Santala also has a long career in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Prior to her appointment to the IFAD leadership, she worked for five years as the Director General of the Development Policy Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.