Prince Talal International Prize Awards $1 Million For Life Below Water Projects In 2024 Edition

The Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development Committee convened its 26th meeting at the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) headquarters in Riyadh. Chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the committee revealed the winners of the 2024 edition, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Life Below Water." Out of 62 projects nominated, 29 advanced to final evaluation, with four ultimately chosen as winners.

The prize, valued at $1 million, is awarded annually by AGFUND to exceptional development initiatives that create significant impact locally, regionally, or internationally. The 2024 winning projects were announced across four categories. The United Nations Environment Programme's "Tide Turner Plastic Challenge" received $400,000 in the First Category for UN and international organisations.

Chaint Afrique Academy from Ghana won the Second Category with "NetCYCLE AFRICA," receiving $300,000. This category recognises national NGOs. The Third Category award went to Nigeria's eTrash2Cash for "Zero-Plastic Oceans," earning $200,000. This category honours government entities and public institutions.

In the Fourth Category for individual projects, Abdelilah Hammada from Morocco won $100,000 for "ALG UNO." This project focuses on transforming marine algae into sustainable biostimulants and biofertilizers. These awards highlight innovative solutions addressing environmental challenges.

The Prize Committee is chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz and includes notable members like Queen Sofia of Spain and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus. Other members are Mercedes Menafra from Uruguay and Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, former President of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The committee also announced that the 2025 edition will focus on Sustainable Development Goal 7: "Affordable and Clean Energy." This goal aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for everyone. The shift highlights a commitment to addressing pressing global issues through targeted initiatives.

Dr. Yousef Sayed Abdullah, former Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development, is also part of this esteemed committee. Their collective expertise guides the selection process for impactful projects that align with global sustainability goals.

With inputs from SPA