Saudi Arabia Launches Comprehensive Volunteer Strategy To Empower 500,000 Volunteers By 2025

Abdulrahman Alfadley, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, emphasised Saudi Arabia's dedication to sustainable development and environmental volunteerism. During International Volunteer Day celebrations in Riyadh, coinciding with COP16, he announced a new volunteer strategy launching in 2025. This initiative aims to empower 500,000 volunteers by enhancing environmental awareness and organising volunteer activities.

The Kingdom's National Volunteer Portal now boasts over 8,000 registered entities. It has recorded more than 59 million volunteer hours and provided over 400,000 opportunities for volunteers. The minister highlighted the non-profit sector's crucial role in fostering a cohesive society and achieving sustainable development goals.

Saudi Vision 2030 prioritises the non-profit sector as a key developmental focus. This has led to a comprehensive system of policies aimed at maximising its social and economic impact. The sector is seen as essential for addressing modern developmental challenges effectively.

In 2024, initiatives under the ministry's system saw participation from over 133,000 volunteers. These efforts generated an economic return exceeding SAR65 million. The ministry has also standardised volunteer practices across its branches and organisations according to the Saudi National Volunteering Standards.

More than 400 non-profit organisations operate under the ministry's umbrella. These organisations contribute to various developmental and social fields, achieving growth that surpasses Vision 2030 targets. Their efforts are vital in building a cohesive society through volunteerism.

The new strategy focuses on providing tools and opportunities for volunteers while fostering a sustainable culture of volunteering to protect the environment. It aims to organise volunteer efforts effectively across different sectors.

The minister acknowledged that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to enhance the ability of the non-profit sector to address contemporary challenges. This aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable development goals.

The comprehensive approach taken by Saudi Arabia reflects its commitment to both national and international environmental goals. By empowering volunteers and strengthening non-profit organisations, the Kingdom aims to make significant strides in sustainable development.

With inputs from SPA