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07 March 2024
International Women's Day 2024
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Press Release
21 February 2024
Statement by the Director, Mr. Salah Khaled, UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen to mark the International Mother Language Day 2024
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24 January 2024
UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen's Statement on the International Day of Education
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Saudi Arabia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Saudi Arabia:
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29 January 2024
UNIDO Announces Launch of Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals in Cooperation with Saudi Arabia
As a result, demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, lithium and copper is estimated to increase by 500% by 2050.
To promote a socially responsible and environmentally sound mining sector, UNIDO’s Director General, Gerd Müller, announced the establishment of a “Global Alliance and Partnership for Responsible and Green Minerals”, in cooperation with international partners and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. All countries are invited to participate, although initially countries at the forefront of critical minerals mining in Africa, Asia and Latin America will be targeted to join, many of them developing and least developed countries.
In his opening remarks of the Ministerial Roundtable, Müller emphasized that “without critical minerals, there is no green energy transition, no green industrialization". He highlighted that “a Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals, with binding environmental and social standards for the mining industry and an independent certification system, has advantages for all market participants. It creates a real win-win situation for the countries with the raw materials. It will increase local value addition and production alongside jobs in the mining regions, and hundreds of millions of people, primarily in artisanal and small-scale mining, will benefit from living wages, adherence to fundamental human rights, as well as standards in the sector. Finally, it will help reduce and minimize damage to the environment.”
The Alliance will work to set up international guidelines and benchmarks for sustainable critical minerals supply chains, help countries with the implementation of standards and policies, supported by a sound certification system. Participating countries and industry stakeholders will benefit from knowledge transfer and capacity building. Alignment of policy, technology and financing approaches will be at the core of the new Alliance, promoting a fair and green sector that supports inclusive and sustainable economic development.
UNIDO will support with policy advice, capacity building, and implementation of standards and certification, and will act as the convener of this Alliance, bringing together governments, the mining industry, industry associations, relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, international financial institutions, technology providers and academia to advance the capacities of partner countries for sustainable critical minerals supply chains.
The launch of the new Alliance and accelerating progress in promoting a sustainable mining sector globally took centre stage during Müller’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef.
They also reviewed recent progress on the further strengthening of cooperation between UNIDO and Saudi Arabia. Several new flagship initiatives and concrete programmes are in the pipeline and will be launched soon. Sound industrial policy is crucial for the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its National Industrial Strategy. UNIDO will support in areas such as industrial development advice, statistical data availability, and capacity building for industrial policymakers.
Supporting the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy was also the topic of Director General Müller’s meeting with Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal F. Al Ibrahim. They discussed avenues of cooperation to support developing countries in achieving their industrial development goals, with a particular focus on least developed countries (LDCs) and landlocked developing countries. Joint initiatives to increase local value addition and industrialization in areas like access to energy, food security through water management, agritech and agribusiness were explored. One particular issue discussed was UNIDO’s support for the development of industrial policies, statistics observatories and economic diversification strategies in the Kingdom and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, both in terms of what UNIDO can offer for the development of methodologies and the provision of expertise as well as for implementation.
The visit of the Director General to the Kingdom further intensified the new quality of cooperation between UNIDO and Saudi Arabia. At the 20th UNIDO General Conference, UNIDO’s Member States decided that Saudi Arabia will host the next UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh from 23 to 27 November 2025.
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27 November 2023
Empowering Media for Sustainable Development: UN Workshop Unveils Insights and Initiatives
A lively gathering unfolded in Riyadh as the United Nations organized a captivating media workshop. The event, hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator Office, brought together a diverse mix of media outlets, independent journalists, and young media professionals, with aims to deepen understanding and coverage of the UN's impactful work within Saudi Arabia.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed El Zarkani, opened the media workshop and extended a warm welcome, setting the stage for a day filled with insights and revelations. Dr. Fawzia AlHarbi, Director of Corporate Communications at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, took the stage with a compelling keynote address. Her words resonated with the participants, emphasizing the crucial role media plays in achieving sustainable development and the ambitious Vision 2030.
The workshop unfolded as a narrative, with each session contributing to the overarching story of media empowerment. UNHCR led a compelling session on humanitarian storytelling, transporting the audience into the heart of impactful narratives that drive empathy and understanding.
UNESCO and OHCHR steered the discussion toward combating misinformation and hate speech. Their insights illuminated the challenges faced by media in an era of digital misinformation, underscoring the responsibility to promote accurate information.
In a compelling session led by Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic, UN Women skillfully painted a vivid picture of gender-sensitive media. Faraj's expertise added a unique perspective, enriching discussions on inclusivity and diversity in media narratives. The session echoed the broader call for equal representation, emphasizing the pivotal role media plays in shaping perceptions and promoting gender equality.
FAO unveiled the secrets of sustainable and rural development, showcasing initiatives that form the backbone of the nation's progress.
The workshop didn't merely unfold as a series of sessions; it was a journey, a narrative that unfolded, each chapter building on the last. The outcomes were evident not just in increased awareness and enhanced capacity but in the strengthened partnerships forged through lively discussions and shared insights.
As the day drew to a close, a survey captured the sentiments of the participants. A collective photo captured the spirit of collaboration that had permeated the event. The UN in Saudi Arabia, thrilled with the success, expressed optimism for continued collaboration, recognizing the media's pivotal role in shaping the narrative of sustainable development in the nation.
The success of the workshop owed much to the active participation of UN agencies, including UNHCR, UNESCO, UN Women, and FAO. The UN looks forward to future chapters, inviting the media to contribute to the unfolding story of sustainable development in Saudi Arabia.
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22 October 2023
Saudi Youth Climate Advocates Inspire at KSA Local Conference of Youth
The KSA Local Conference of Youth 18 (KSA LCOY18) recently drew its second conference to a close, creating ripples of hope and inspiration in the fight against climate change. This gathering, hosted by the Saudi Youth Climate Network and supported by Global Shapers Jeddah Hub, Pristine, and Global Shapers Riyadh Hub, sponsored by United Nations Development Programme and EDF, and took place on October 21st at the United Nations House.
The event served as a platform for bringing together the passionate voices of young climate advocates and experts. United in their mission to accelerate the shift toward a green economy, these individuals engaged in intergenerational dialogues that held the potential to shape a sustainable future.
KSA LCOY18, as an official event of YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marked an annual local gathering dedicated to addressing climate challenges. The conference aimed to empower young Saudi climate enthusiasts and experts to take effective action and make a real difference. It emerged as a pivotal hub for dialogue, cooperation, and advocacy within the global youth climate movement.
The event commenced with an inspiring opening remark from the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, Margaret Jones Williams, who aptly set the tone by saying, "UNDP Saudi Arabia is committed to empowering youth voices and supporting their engagement in policymaking and helping guide the development of youth inclusive climate change policies."
This was followed by an enlightening keynote speech delivered by UNICEF Gulf Deputy Representative, Jumana Haj Ahmad, who shared her perspective, “Child and youth centered climate policies, resilient services and systems and empowering children and youth with the information and skills to lead solutions that will help them survive and thrive are instrumental for the way forward. We have a responsibility to create spaces for the children and youth to meaningfully participate, innovate and engage in decisions affecting their lives.”
The conference further delved into lively panel discussions with young leaders. It culminated with an interactive Saudi Youth Statement session, allowing the vibrant young audience to share their perspectives. The Saudi Youth Climate Network then used these insights to compile comprehensive policy recommendations, outlining the aspirations of Saudi youth in tackling climate change within their beloved Kingdom. This Saudi Youth Statement was later presented at the Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) to contribute to the global climate conversation, gathering additional insights from neighboring countries on the frontline of climate challenges.
All these invaluable contributions will converge at the Global Conference of Youth (GCOY) in the United Arab Emirates at the end of November. This gathering holds immense significance as the most substantial youth conference linked to the United Nations climate processes. It will directly impact the climate negotiations at the Conference of Parties (COP28) this year, as these youth-driven policy recommendations find their place within the official discourse. The COP, as the highest decision-making body of the Climate Change Convention, will be enriched by the perspectives and insights of Saudi youth.
Taha Boksmati, Founder & CEO at Pristine, said, "Pristine is thrilled to be part of KSA LCOY18. As an NPO dedicated to sustainable development and environmental conservation, we believe in the power of youth-led initiatives to create meaningful change. LCOY18 provided an incredible opportunity for young Saudi climate advocates to enhance their knowledge, skills, and networks, positioning them as valuable contributors to the green economy transition."
With a central theme focusing on measuring impact across various sectors and the importance of nurturing green skills among young individuals, KSA LCOY18 delivered a transformative experience for Saudi youth.
"KSA LCOY18 granted a platform for young climate advocates and leaders in Saudi Arabia to share ideas, foster innovative discussions, and drive tangible and actionable climate policy recommendations," said Hanan Alnuwaiser, Founder of the Saudi Youth Climate Network. "The engagement and dedication of the participants have been inspiring, highlighting the immense potential of Saudi Arabia's youth in addressing climate challenges and contributing to the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 towards a sustainable future."
The Saudi Youth Climate Network remains steadfast in its mission to empower, equip, and train Saudi youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to lead the charge for sustainable change. Their vision is to create an inclusive space that mobilizes Saudi youth as leaders in the climate movement, aligning with Saudi Arabia's transition toward a green economy.
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31 October 2023
World Food Day 2023 Celebrations Focus on Water Scarcity and Sustainable Agriculture
On the occasion of World Food Day 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), organized a grand celebration in Hail. The event was held under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Prince of Hail. This celebration was made possible with the support of partners, including Hail Region Municipality, Almarai, National Seeds Agricultural Production Company (NSPC), LEHA Agriculture, and JAL and also served as the inauguration of the agricultural extension convoy activities in the region, known as the "القافلة_الزراعية_الإرشادية" (Agricultural Extension Convoy) and Pomegranate and Figs Festival.
FAO Dedicates World Food Day to Raise Awareness
Since November 1979, during the 20th conference of the FAO, member countries have dedicated October 16th of each year as World Food Day, with the aim of raising awareness about promoting sustainable food systems and the responsible use of resources. The focus of this year's celebration was on the theme "Water is Life, Water is Food. Leaving No One Behind," highlighting the crucial role that water plays in our lives and the future of the planet.
In his opening speech, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of water and food security, particularly in the Hail region. HRH Prince welcomed innovative agricultural approaches and initiatives that align with the goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the global goals to achieve water provision, agricultural production, and economic advancement. The conservation of water and its uses has become essential goals that require careful and responsible handling. HRH Prince also acknowledged the collective efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, FAO, cooperative community, and related government departments and agencies in achieving sustainable rural agricultural development, emphasizing the significance of the agricultural extension convoy and its record-breaking achievement as the longest convoy in the Guinness World Records, covering more than 8 000 km.
Saudi Arabia at the Forefront of Addressing Water Scarcity
Ayman Omer, FAO Programme Director, highlighted the crucial role of smallholder farmers in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that as agriculture consumes around 72% of the world's freshwater resources, particularly in the water-scarce Arab region, innovative approaches in food and agricultural production are necessary to optimize water usage. Addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts among stakeholders, scientific research, technological advancements, and policy reforms. Ayman further added that Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of addressing water scarcity and implementing sustainable agriculture practices. This is proven through the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 initiative, which encompasses various policies, initiatives, and programs, including the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of water and its efficient utilization.
The Ministry, along with other government and private institutions, actively works to maximize the benefits of water through rainwater harvesting, reservoir and dam construction, wastewater treatment for reuse, and advanced water-saving technologies. Acknowledging the impact of climate change on water availability, the Kingdom launched the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative in 2021. These initiatives aim to lead regional sustainability efforts and address the consequences of climate change in the region. Ayman briefed that, in collaboration with FAO, Saudi Arabia has implemented several projects to enhance national water management capabilities, improve irrigation efficiency, and explore innovative irrigation models for small-scale farms. He added that FAO also works globally with countries and partners to build national capacities, develop tools, and assist policymakers in achieving maximum water productivity. One such tool is the Water Productivity (WaPOR) portal, which utilizes satellite technology to estimate groundwater consumption by measuring water usage in crop and plant growth.
World Food Day serves as a Platform for Knowledge-Sharing and Networking
The World Food Day celebration in Hail served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and showcasing innovative agricultural practices. It brought together farmers, agricultural experts, stakeholders, and community members to discuss challenges and explore solutions related to water scarcity, food security, and sustainable agriculture. During the four-day event, FAO Cooperative Expert Khaled AlDayoud conducted workshops to raise awareness about agricultural cooperatives. The workshop focused on establishing and operating agricultural cooperatives, aiming to enhance the cooperative movement in the region, particularly women's inclusion. In addition, a demonstration of apiaries was showcased at Abdullah Bayan Tahmour AlGhazi's farm, where FAO Beekeeping Expert Hassan AlBahareth shed light on beekeeping and preparing beehives for winter in a bee apiary, followed by an inspiring story about organic beekeeping, its benefits and the importance of adopting sustainable techniques. FAO Tropical fruit expert Yahya Hammam shared some good agricultural practices in the cultivation of pomegranates, figs and papayas in governorates of Hail region. Furthermore, insights into advanced irrigation systems were also presented, emphasizing the significance of efficient water management in agriculture. FAO Expert Eman Soliman shared knowledge and best practices to optimize water usage and minimize waste.
Long-standing Partnerships
Through joint efforts and partnerships, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, FAO, and supporting organizations aim to drive positive change and create a sustainable future for agriculture and food production in Hail and beyond. The World Food Day celebration in Hail was a testament to their commitment and dedication to promoting water and food security and supporting the cooperative community for resilient rural development. In conclusion, as the world faces increasing challenges regarding food security and water scarcity, it is essential for everyone to contribute to informed decision-making and sustainable water consumption practices. The World Food Day 2023 event in Hail concluded remarkably successfully and has proven to be a significant step towards addressing challenges and paving the way for a sustainable future of food and humanity on Earth.
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16 October 2023
Saudi Arabia Leading Efforts in Afforestation and Climate Change Adaptation in the MENA Region
To address the challenges of desertification and climate change adaptation in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) is taking a leading and pivotal role. The importance of afforestation and plantation in mitigating climate change cannot be overstated, hence one of the Action Hub panel discussions at the MENA Climate Week shed light on the significant contributions of NCVC in this area.
Theresa Wong, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Natural Resources Officer (Climate) and FAO Team Leader moderated the panel discussion which mainly focused on the role of NCVC in promoting afforestation and the challenges of adapting to climate change in Saudi Arabia. The panelists, comprised of esteemed experts and key figures in the field, Dr. Khaled Abdullah Al-Abdul Qadir, CEO of NCVC, Eng. Ahmad Alanazi, General Manager of the Afforestation Programme at NCVC, and Dr. Ayman Omer, Programme Director of FAO Programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shared their insights and perspectives on the topic.
Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing climate change adaptation
In his opening remarks, Dr. Khaled Abdullah Al-Abdul Qadir emphasized the importance of tackling climate change adaptation challenges and combating desertification. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership role in advancing global environmental sustainability, particularly through the implementation of the G20 Global Initiative on Habitat Restoration aimed at reducing land degradation and safeguarding terrestrial habitats.
Dr. Khaled further illustrated Saudi Arabia's regional efforts in spearheading the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), which aims to plant 50 billion trees and restore land equivalent to rehabilitating 200 million hectares in member countries of the MGI. At the national level, the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) focuses on wide range of climate actions including land rehabilitation, reducing GHG emissions, and promoting the widespread adoption of clean energy throughout the Kingdom.
NCVC ‘s Strong Advocacy in Addressing Climate Adaptation Challenges
Eng. Ahmad Alanazi discussed the efforts of NCVC in promoting sustainable plantation practices. He highlighted the commitment of the Center to afforestation programmes and plantation initiatives in Saudi Arabia. He added that NCVC studies and explores successful climate adaptation programmes and collaborate with communities to introduce innovative technologies and promote good practices. Alanazi emphasized the importance of planting suitable and native species that can withstand the country's harsh weather conditions. NCVC's initiatives aim to diversify tree species and enhance resilience and adaptability to changing climates.
He observed that these efforts contribute to a greener and more sustainable future in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By leveraging partnerships, innovation, and community involvement, NCVC continues to make significant strides in combating desertification, enhancing vegetation cover, and advancing climate change adaptation in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia dedication and political commitment
Dr Ayman Omer agreed with the statements of Dr. Khaled and Eng Ahmad, emphasizing the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia in promoting sustainability, environmental protection, and climate change action. He acknowledged the strong leadership, dedication, and political commitment of the Kingdom in driving these initiatives forward with the Kingdom emerging as a leading advocate for the environment. Through many environmental initiatives, Saudi Arabia is collaborating with neighboring countries and the global community to foster collective efforts to address critical environmental challenges.
For example, through sustainable urban planning and development practices, the Kingdom is actively shaping environmentally conscious urban spaces. These efforts exemplify Saudi Arabia's dedication to long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia is bridging golden opportunities beyond borders
Ayman concluded by observing that Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond its borders and has opened golden opportunities for other countries in the region. These opportunities allow the region to build strong commitment on the environment and enhanced their capacity for climate action. By promoting openness, sharing, and learning, the region is establishing itself as a region of excellence for climate action in a climate challenging environment.
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Press Release
21 February 2024
Statement by the Director, Mr. Salah Khaled, UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen to mark the International Mother Language Day 2024
Since then, this day has been observed globally, uniting people in their shared commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. It is a day to celebrate linguistic diversity across the globe, to recognize that every language is a treasure of knowledge, history, and tradition. It is a reminder that linguistic rights are human rights, and that we must strive to protect and promote the languages of all peoples, especially those endangered or marginalized.Today, 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. In some countries this figure rises to over 90%. However, strides are being made in multilingual education, especially in early schooling. Research shows that the use of learners’ own language in schools provides a solid foundation for learning, boosts self-esteem and critical thinking skills, and opens the door for inter-generational learning, language revitalization, and the preservation of culture and intangible heritage. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning’. UNESCO believes that literacy programmes and methodologies respond to the needs of learners when they are context-relevant, possibly multilingual and support intercultural understanding within the framework of lifelong learning. UNESCO promotes multilingualism, that is the use of more than one language in daily life, especially in contexts where different linguistic groups exist in the same country. Multilingual education based on the mother tongue(s) in the early years of schooling plays a key role in the transition from home to school and fosters respect for diversity. Multilingual education also extends to families and communities. By preserving and revitalizing languages, we bridge generational gaps and ensure that cultural heritage is passed down and cultural identity is protected. With students learning in their mother tongue language, parents and families are more likely to be involved in the learning of their children. UNESCO recognizes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for building sustainable societies. Our languages serve as conduits for transmitting and preserving traditional knowledge and cultures. They foster tolerance, respect, and understanding among diverse communities. Let us celebrate our linguistic diversity and heritage. Each language contributes to the rich tapestry of humanity. By preserving languages, promoting multilingual education, we build bridges across generations, and people, ensuring our cultural legacies, and realizing one of the key objectives of education, which is to learn how to live together.
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Press Release
23 January 2024
UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen's Statement on the International Day of Education
The world is at a unique historical juncture, grappling with increased uncertainty and complex issues that shift at an unprecedented speed. Our education systems are confronted with multiple challenges and are highly impacted by technology – related developments, ecological and sociological trends that require them to adapt and transform.
The world is seeing a surge in conflicts paralleled by a concerning rise of intolerance and discrimination. In particular, disinformation, misinformation, hate speech can take dangerous forms that not only cause harm at the personal level and incite group-targeted violence but are also an attack on inclusion, diversity and human rights.
Quality, equitable and lifelong education remains the most transformational power to redress injustice and entrenched inequalities, shape just, sustainable and peaceful societies and futures.
Education, in its various forms, has the power to transcend boundaries, challenge prejudices, bridge gaps between people and cultures, and ultimately, foster a sense of global citizenship, a sense of belonging to a common and diverse humanity, respecting the needs and the rights of each others, and our shared planet Earth, which we all bear responsibility for.
All of this is eloquently articulated in the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development unanimously adopted by 194 Member States in November 2023, which underlines the importance of education being positioned at the center of our commitment to peace. The Recommendation focuses on how teaching and learning should transform to bring about lasting peace, a concept deeper than the absence of violence and conflict that includes dynamic, and long-term efforts to build the ability to value human dignity, our well-being and the good state of our shared planet. The Recommendation reaffirms human rights, gender inclusion in and through education, and sustainable development, despite threats and challenges.
In doing so, it promotes 14 guiding principles and priority action areas that can help empower learners with the necessary knowledge, competencies, and attitudes to become agents of peace in their immediate communities.
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Press Release
11 October 2023
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UN-Habitat Sign An Agreement to Advance Sustainable Urban Development in the Kingdom
The Host Country Agreement will fortify the ongoing collaboration between UN-Habitat and Saudi Arabia in urban transformation, while expanding partnerships with stakeholders from government, academia, civil society and the private sector.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh in the attendance of Ambassador Dr. Abdulrahman Al Rassi, the Deputy Minister of Multilateral International Affairs and Dr. Erfan Ali, Chief of Staff, UN-Habitat.
“The past period has witnessed an expansion of cooperation with the international community, especially United Nations organisations, and we hope for more joint and fruitful cooperation to support urban development efforts and transfer Saudi experience to countries around the world,” Dr. Al Rassi commented.
“We are proud to cooperate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and hosting UN-Habitat in the Kingdom will strengthen the role of the Kingdom in the field of urban development at the regional and international levels and will also contribute to supporting the implementation of the United Nations general framework of work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Dr. Ali stated.
Mr. Mohamed El Zarkani, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Saudi Arabia; Ms. Rania Hedeya, Regional Representative (a.i.), UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States and Ayman Elhefnawi, Country Manager (a.i.), UN-Habitat Programme in Saudi Arabia, also attended the event.
For a decade, UN-Habitat has been engaging in supporting Saudi Arabia across various sectors to cultivate more liveable, sustainable and inclusive cities. This collaboration began with the Future Saudi Cities Programme. The collaboration has since expanded to support the Kingdom's Development Housing Programme, urban transformation efforts, the ongoing urban regeneration initiatives in Saudi cities, and an innovative partnership with the Quality of Life Programme.
Signing the agreement is of paramount importance, as Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation in its cities to realize the Vision 2030, and to advance the implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, this partnership will amplify the global impact of Saudi Arabia's urban transformation efforts through various United Nations platforms and international forums, such as the World Urban Forums including the 12th cycle in Cairo in 2024.
The collaboration between UN-Habitat and Saudi Arabia and the increased UN presence in Saudi Arabia serves as a pillar of support for this transformation, culminating in a comprehensive partnership with the Saudi Government.
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Press Release
25 October 2022
United Nations Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia forms a strategic partnership with Prince Sultan University to advance the UN’s 2030 Agenda
The United Nations Global Compact Network - Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan University (PSU), signed a memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership to advance the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
The partnership aims to strengthen efforts towards advancing the UN's 2030 Agenda by engaging higher education institutions. The UNGC through various efforts seeks to enable sustainability in the private sector. Additionally, UNGC by partnering and collaborating with academic institutions such as PSU, it reinforces its belief in the power of education, which is also in line with Vision 2030, to narrow the knowledge gap among Saudi youth as well as strive to educate them on responsible business behavior and promote a concrete understanding of diligent corporate management and how a business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization and its impact on the ethical, social, environmental, cultural, and economic dimensions of doing business. Fundamentally, this partnership intends to not only expose students to corporate sustainability but also develop their business acumen and intuition to become stand up corporate citizens that consider sustainability part and parcel of a successful business enterprise. In essence, such partnerships, allows for the opportunity to prepare the younger generation to become future business leaders that are part of the innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and that corporate sustainability attempts to address.
Ms. Maryam Telmesani, Chair- UN Global Compact Network - Saudi Arabia, commented, “The strategic partnership with Prince Sultan University will definitely curate an experiential learning journey for students focus on sustainability. Through the partnership, we are confident about translating our sustainability ambition into tangible action in Saudi Arabia, inspiring the youth to lead as ambassadors of sustainable living.”
Dr. Ahmed Yamani, President of Prince Sultan University said, “PSU is committed to applying the UN SDG 2030 in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Our strategic partnership with United Nations Global Compact demonstrates our continued SDG commitment to work closely with international stakeholders and positively impact the community. PSU is truly proud to be directly linked to one of the milestone changes in the Higher Education System in this country, and that is the future of private higher education.”
Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi, the Director of Center for Sustainability and Climate (CSC), Aide to the President on Ranking and Internationalization, commented, “We are proud to partner with United Nations Global Compact, given their significant commitments on sustainability. This partnership aligns with our vision to provide the Middle East with quality education of the highest international standard, and our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. We’re delighted to come together to provide tangible solutions to combat sustainability challenges and accomplish SDG 2030.”
The partnership aims to strengthen efforts towards advancing the UN's 2030 Agenda by engaging higher education institutions. The UNGC through various efforts seeks to enable sustainability in the private sector. Additionally, UNGC by partnering and collaborating with academic institutions such as PSU, it reinforces its belief in the power of education, which is also in line with Vision 2030, to narrow the knowledge gap among Saudi youth as well as strive to educate them on responsible business behavior and promote a concrete understanding of diligent corporate management and how a business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization and its impact on the ethical, social, environmental, cultural, and economic dimensions of doing business. Fundamentally, this partnership intends to not only expose students to corporate sustainability but also develop their business acumen and intuition to become stand up corporate citizens that consider sustainability part and parcel of a successful business enterprise. In essence, such partnerships, allows for the opportunity to prepare the younger generation to become future business leaders that are part of the innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and that corporate sustainability attempts to address.
Ms. Maryam Telmesani, Chair- UN Global Compact Network - Saudi Arabia, commented, “The strategic partnership with Prince Sultan University will definitely curate an experiential learning journey for students focus on sustainability. Through the partnership, we are confident about translating our sustainability ambition into tangible action in Saudi Arabia, inspiring the youth to lead as ambassadors of sustainable living.”
Dr. Ahmed Yamani, President of Prince Sultan University said, “PSU is committed to applying the UN SDG 2030 in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Our strategic partnership with United Nations Global Compact demonstrates our continued SDG commitment to work closely with international stakeholders and positively impact the community. PSU is truly proud to be directly linked to one of the milestone changes in the Higher Education System in this country, and that is the future of private higher education.”
Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi, the Director of Center for Sustainability and Climate (CSC), Aide to the President on Ranking and Internationalization, commented, “We are proud to partner with United Nations Global Compact, given their significant commitments on sustainability. This partnership aligns with our vision to provide the Middle East with quality education of the highest international standard, and our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. We’re delighted to come together to provide tangible solutions to combat sustainability challenges and accomplish SDG 2030.”
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Press Release
24 April 2022
United Nations Development Programme Signs the 3rd Phase of the Project with General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GASGI)
Thursday, 21st of April marked the signing of the third phase of the “Advisory Services to the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information” project between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in Saudi Arabia, and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GASGI) to support GASGI in delivering its new mandate that focuses on promoting surveying and geospatial capabilities.
The completion of the previous phase was instrumental in nurturing the idea of developing the foundation of financial sustainability whereby the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information will achieve a high level of efficiency in all its geospatial products.
GASGI hopes to expand the availability and marketing of its products and to broaden public awareness. The core areas of the project include:
Geodesy
Geospatial Services
Hydrography
Map Production
Institutional Excellence
Establishment of GASGI Academy
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Adam Bouloukos, was pleased to continue this partnership , “The key objective of this intervention is to strengthen national capacities for effective geo-spatial surveys, generating national geo-spatial data infrastructure, and generating multi-purpose knowledge from such surveys to boost efforts in achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
GASGI President, Dr. Eng. Mohammed Yahya Alsayel, also expressed his satisfaction with UNDP support, in particular the latest training arranged by UNDP and delivered by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea which received significant positive feedback.
GASGI Head of Human resources and National Project Manager of the project, Eng. Bader Althiyabi, “This project will contribute to achieving the objectives of the organization’s regulation Resolution No. (90) in the field of surveying and geospatial information; It will contribute to developing and building national capacities in the surveying sector.”
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