Riyadh, January 25, 2024, The semi-annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) took place on January 25, 2024, with Prince Abdul Aziz bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Chairman of AGFUND’s Board of Directors, presiding over the proceedings. The meeting provided a platform for the Board members to assess the notable accomplishments of AGFUND in the year 2023, encompassing financial and technical reports. The agenda also included a thorough discussion of proposed projects for the current cycle.
One highlight acknowledged by the Board was AGFUND's active participation in COP28 in Dubai, featuring panel discussions on crucial topics such as enhancing food security through smallholder farmers, clean energy initiatives, and the pivotal role of civil society in addressing climate change. Furthermore, the Board recognized and celebrated the recipients of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development 2022, focusing on "Decent Work and Economic Growth," in alignment with Goal 8 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The meeting culminated with the approval of several development projects that resonate with AGFUND’s mission for human development, particularly in key focus areas like women’s empowerment, civil society development, open education, financial inclusion, and early childhood development. These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of human development for the intended beneficiaries.
Among the approved projects are the "Arab Human Development Report” in Arab Countries, “Road to Riyadh: elevating land and drought issues on the global agenda in the lead up to UNCCD COP16,” and “Training in Development” in various countries. Additionally, initiatives such as “PROMISE - Promoting Nutrition-Sensitive and Climate Smart Agriculture Practices and empowering farmers as entrepreneurs” and “Accelerating the Clean Cooking Initiative” in Sierra Leone, “GreenFields: Transforming Small-Scale Agriculture” in Egypt and Sudan, and “Improving Food Security and Incomes and reducing chronic malnutrition in Rhino Refugee Settlement and Host Communities” in Uganda and South Sudan were given the green light.
Other projects approved include “Trade Enhancement in the Arab Region: Development of Strategic Crops Agribusiness and Value Chain” in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Mauritania, “Supporting Capacity Building for the Arab Council for Childhood and Development for the year 2024,” and “Media Observatory for Arab Child Rights: Child-friendly Media” and “Supporting Capacity Building For the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research ‘CAWTAR’ for the year 2024.” Additionally, initiatives such as “Supporting Capacity Building For the Arab Network for Non-Governmental Organizations for the year 2024” and “Arab Climate Forum ‘Third Edition’: Role of Civil society in facing the social and economic impacts of desertification in the Arab Region” in Arab Countries were approved.
Furthermore, the Board acknowledged the implementation of 1,713 projects across 133 countries since AGFUND's establishment, emphasizing collaborative efforts with 460 development partners. This ongoing commitment underscores AGFUND's dedication to fostering positive change and sustainable development on a global scale.
