Saudi Arabia Champions Camelids' Significance At Geneva's 2024 Exhibition

The Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia in Geneva, alongside Bolivia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), organised an exhibition titled "Camel Parade: Heroes of Deserts and Highlands, Nourishing People and Culture." This event, held in collaboration with the UN Office in Geneva, aims to showcase camels' economic, social, and cultural significance.

Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, Undersecretary for Fisheries and Livestock Wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, leads the Saudi delegation. The delegation includes officials from various ministries involved in the Steering Committee for the International Year of Camelids (IYC) 2024. The exhibition is part of Saudi Arabia's presidency of IYC 2024.

Camels play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, economic growth, and cultural heritage across over 90 countries. The Saudi section of the exhibition highlights locally manufactured camel products' importance in achieving food security. It also showcases the medical benefits of these products.

Al-Shaikhi emphasised camels' role in promoting economic development and sustainable livestock goals during his opening speech. He noted that Saudi Arabia has invested $844,342 to support IYC 2024 and has initiated several local and international projects to bolster the camel sector as a cultural asset.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from notable figures such as FAO Deputy Director General Maria Helena, UN Library Director Francesco Pisano, and Bolivia's Ambassador Maira Mariela Macdonal Alvarez. These speeches provided insights into camels' importance and set the stage for the exhibition.

Youth from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and FAO in Geneva participated in the ceremony. Several ambassadors, state mission representatives, UN organisations, interested parties, and civil society members also attended.

Efforts to Develop Camel Sector

Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in developing its camel sector both locally and internationally. Efforts include raising awareness about camels' importance for food provision and livelihoods for owners and breeders. Initiatives aim to increase productivity, combat diseases affecting camels through regular vaccinations, improve marketing of camel products to enhance breeders' incomes, and elevate living standards.

The Kingdom has collaborated with international bodies to update regulations related to camel activities. Additionally, it launched a cultural grant called "Camel Studies Grant" to encourage scientific research on camels. This grant supports studies by authors and translators focused on camel-related topics.

More than 13 government entities and private companies participated in the exhibition. They showcased their efforts in developing the camel sector by presenting food, medical, and cosmetic products derived from camels. These products reflect camels' significant cultural value within Saudi society.

The Kingdom's commitment to supporting the camel sector underscores its dedication to preserving cultural heritage while promoting economic growth through sustainable practices.

With inputs from SPA