Saudi Arabia Showcases Camel Heritage At International Year Of Camelids 2024 In Geneva

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the Saudi Exhibition at the International Year of Camelids (IYC) 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This event highlights the importance of camels in promoting economic growth, enhancing food security, and achieving sustainable development goals for livestock. The exhibition aligns with several initiatives to support the camel sector, which is a significant cultural heritage and tradition.

Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, Undersecretary for Fisheries and Livestock Wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, inaugurated the event. The Kingdom's participation is due to its presidency of the International Year of Camels 2024 in collaboration with the Group of Latin American and Caribbean (GRULAC), represented by Bolivia.

At least 13 government and private entities are participating in the Saudi exhibition. They are showcasing locally manufactured camel conversion products that play a crucial role in achieving food security. The exhibition also features leather, medical, and cosmetic products derived from camels, highlighting their cultural significance in Saudi society.

The event took place at the United Nations Palace in Geneva from June 25 to 28. It was held in partnership with Bolivia and attended by various dignitaries including UN Human Rights Council Vice President Mayra Mariela Macdonal Alvarez, FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, and Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Dr. Adel Merdad.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken significant steps to develop the camel sector. These include raising public awareness about camels' importance for food and livelihood, encouraging productivity, combating diseases and epidemics affecting camels, vaccinating them regularly, and improving marketing strategies to boost breeders' income.

The Kingdom aims to collaborate with international organizations to update systems and laws governing camel activities. Additionally, it is launching a "Camel Studies Grant" to promote scientific research and support studies related to camels.

The announcement was made during IYC 2024's opening ceremony in Geneva today. The event underscores camels' role in economic development and sustainable practices within livestock sectors.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while fostering economic growth through innovative approaches in the camel sector.

With inputs from SPA