Featured Post from University of Delaware

Understanding resource-backed financing: How countries leverage mineral wealth for economic growth

Professor of Energy and the Environment Saleem Ali talks about a possible Ukraine-U.S. mineral deal.

Feb 25, 2025

1 min

Saleem Ali

What exactly is resourced-backed financing and how does it relate to Ukraine-United States relations?


That is what Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment Saleem Ali has been investigating.  


Resource-backed financing has emerged as a significant strategy for countries rich in natural resources to bolster economic growth. This financial model allows nations to leverage their mineral wealth by using future revenues or production of resources as collateral for obtaining loans or investments today. Ali can put this practice into context of a potential deal that is currently being negotiated between Ukraine and the U.S. 


"The minerals deal could potentially be a win-win for Ukraine and the United States if the agreement is framed around a broader plan for reconstruction and infrastructure development," Ali recently said in an article for Forbes. 


A regular contributor to Forbes, Ali's expertise has also been featured in The Houston Chronicle, The Guardian and Bloomberg. He can be contacted to speak more on this topic by clicking on his profile. 

Connect with:
Saleem Ali

Saleem Ali

Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

Prof. Ali's research examines the causes and consequences of environmental conflicts.

Environmental HealthEnvironmental PolicyEnvironmental PlanningHealth and Safety
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

UD’s happiness expert appears on NPR's Hidden Brain to explain importance of a helping hand in a stressed-out America featured image

1 min

UD’s happiness expert appears on NPR's Hidden Brain to explain importance of a helping hand in a stressed-out America

Happiness isn’t just about chasing big, exciting moments. A lot of the science points to the smaller, everyday things that help people feel connected, calm and grounded. Simple habits like helping others when we see them struggling create a bigger impact than we often expect. University of Delaware's resident "happiness expert" Amit Kumar, a psychologist and assistant professor of marketing in UD's Lerner College of Business & Economics, appeared on NPR's Hidden Brain to discuss that very topic.  Kumar discusses why sometimes it feels like we can't help others and how we can surmount those fears to build strong connections and also feel a greater sense of happiness.  To speak with Kumar about this topic, click his profile. 

Concussions in soccer featured featured image

1 min

Concussions in soccer featured

University of Delaware professor Tom Kaminski leads FIFA’s research on header safety and avoiding concussions. NBC10 Delaware Bureau reporter Tim Furlong tells us more about his findings.

The Business of Youth Soccer and Youth Sports Participation featured image

1 min

The Business of Youth Soccer and Youth Sports Participation

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less starting this week, the University of Delaware's John Allgood is available to discuss the business of soccer, youth sports participation and the tournament's impact on communities and the economy. A former United Soccer League top executive and instructor of sport management, Allgood has firsthand experience in both the business and development sides of the sport. Through his experience as a USL franchise owner, Allgood can discuss the World Cup’s economic impact and why the sport is a unifying force. He can discuss how the World Cup will boost participation and fan interest in soccer, especially among youth players. Allgood can address the tiered structure of soccer in the U.S., including the pay-to-play system in youth soccer that is different from development models in other countries. To arrange an interview with Allgood, send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

View all posts
Powered by