AGFUND Advances Sustainable Development With Key Project Support

The Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) board of directors convened its semi-annual meeting today at AGFUND headquarters in Riyadh. Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the session. The meeting reviewed AGFUND's achievements through mid-2024, discussed financial and technical reports, and examined the projects that won the 2023 Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development on "Life on Land," aligning with the 15th UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Participants were updated on AGFUND's recent activities and followed up on the progress of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development. They also acknowledged the 25-year milestone since AGFUND's establishment and announced the topic for 2024, "Life Below Water," which corresponds to the 14th SDG.

The board praised AGFUND's initiative to organize a high-level workshop addressing climate change and desertification risks. The workshop focused on their impact on smallholder farmers' food security. The outcomes were considered a valuable addition to the work of COP16, which Saudi Arabia will host in December.

The board approved support and funding for 13 new projects based on executive management recommendations. These projects were screened for compliance with AGFUND's criteria and alignment with its five programs: women's empowerment, early childhood development, blended higher education, civil-society support, and financial inclusion.

The approved projects will be implemented in 47 countries. They aim to support actions related to women's empowerment, children's rights, agriculture, desertification, climate change, education and training, and youth empowerment.

AGFUND's Long-term Impact

Since its inception, AGFUND has approved 1,719 projects benefiting 133 countries. These initiatives have been carried out in collaboration with development partners from UN agencies, international and regional organizations, government institutions, and civil-society associations.

The meeting also addressed proposed development projects to be funded in the current cycle. Participants reviewed AGFUND’s activities during the latest period and followed up on the progress of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development.

The board commended AGFUND's efforts over the past years. They highlighted its significant contributions to various sectors including women's empowerment, children's rights, agriculture, desertification combatting measures, climate change mitigation strategies, education enhancement programs, and youth empowerment initiatives.

AGFUND continues to play a crucial role in supporting sustainable development goals globally through strategic partnerships and targeted project implementations.

With inputs from SPA