Saudi Arabia Concludes International Year Of Camelids 2024 Presidency, Emphasising Camels' Role In Food Security

Saudi Arabia has concluded its leadership of the International Year of Camelids 2024, an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to spotlight camels' cultural, social, and economic significance. The Kingdom used this opportunity to enhance global awareness and promote research on camels. This initiative began under Saudi Arabia's presidency in June last year, in collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean nations led by Bolivia.

During a ceremony in Rome, Dr. Ali Alshaikhi from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to recognizing camels as essential for food security, economic growth, and cultural heritage. He noted that camels deserve more attention and research globally. The Kingdom organized over 50 events locally and internationally during its presidency to advance this sector.

The Kingdom hosted 20 international exhibitions across various countries to emphasize camels' importance in communities worldwide. The first exhibition was at FAO headquarters in Rome, followed by another at the United Nations in Geneva. These events aimed to raise awareness about camels' critical roles in society.

Dr. Alshaikhi mentioned that Saudi Arabia invested over SAR1 billion in these initiatives, showcasing its dedication to highlighting camels' true value. This investment also aimed to foster international cooperation in camel production, breeding, and scientific research.

Saudi Arabia awarded 15 specialized research grants and held 18 strategic meetings to support camel-related advancements. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to strengthen the connection between people and camels while enhancing their contribution to food security and economic development.

The International Year of Camelids provided a platform for enriching cultural understanding and expanding research both locally and globally. It served as a unique opportunity to highlight camels' significance as a resource for communities around the world.

Commitment to Agriculture and Food Security

Dr. Alshaikhi emphasized that Saudi Arabia is recognized as a leader in agriculture and food security. The Kingdom follows an ambitious strategic vision focused on sustainable production, innovation in agriculture, resilient food supply chains, self-sufficiency, and modern technology adoption for efficiency.

This vision aligns with the Kingdom's efforts during its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, demonstrating its commitment to advancing agricultural practices and ensuring food security through innovative approaches.

The conclusion of Saudi Arabia's presidency marks a significant milestone in promoting global awareness about camels' vital roles. The Kingdom's initiatives have laid a foundation for continued research and development in this important sector.

With inputs from SPA