AGFUND’s Board Approves supporting Projects to Enhance Development Initiatives and Strengthen Food Security

The Board of Directors of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of AGFUND’s Board of Directors, held its 31st semi-annual meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at AGFUND’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, the Board reviewed key agenda items, including AGFUND’s activities and achievements during the first half of 2025, as well as the winning projects of the 2024 Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development under the theme "Life Below Water ", which aligns with the 14th Sustainable Development Goal. The Board also discussed proposed development projects to be funded in the current cycle.

The Board commended AGFUND’s pivotal role in launching the “Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security,” announced at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The Board also highlighted AGFUND’s active participation within the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) in supporting the “Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership,” launched by Saudi Arabia as part of its efforts to combat desertification, drought, and land degradation.

The meeting concluded with the approval of funding for 16 development projects that align with AGFUND's criteria and development goals. These projects reflect diversity across various development fields, particularly AGFUND’s five program namely: Women's Empowerment, Early Childhood Development, Open Education, Civil Society, and Financial Inclusion. More than 5,600 beneficiaries, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers in 38 countries will benefit from these approved projects.

It is worth mentioning that since inception, AGFUND has supported more than 1,750 development projects across 133 countries, collaborating with over 450 partners, including UN agencies, international and regional organizations, government entities, and NGOs.