Yerevan:Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) Board and Chairman of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development Committee, honored the winners of the 2025 cycle of the prize. The ceremony was held in Yerevan, Armenia, under the patronage of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, and attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Queen Sofía.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the 2025 cycle focused on 'Affordable and Clean Energy,' aligning with the seventh Sustainable Development Goal. Prince Abdulaziz awarded a total of $1 million to the winning projects across four categories. The event was attended by AGFUND Board members, the Prize Committee, evaluation team, Armenian government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and development organization representatives.
Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the global challenges stemming from conflicts, instability, and humanitarian crises, emphasizing the Arab Gulf states' commitment to development and humanitarian efforts despite ongoing challenges. He underscored the importance of cooperation and investment in people to foster lasting peace, noting the prize's achievements since its inception, including honoring 95 projects and awarding over $14 million.
The 2025 cycle saw 160 nominations, with 64 projects qualifying for evaluation. The four winning projects offered adaptable solutions applicable to various communities. Prince Abdulaziz also announced that the 2026 cycle would focus on "Good Health and Well-Being," urging innovators worldwide to contribute to health solutions.
Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed appreciation for Yerevan hosting the ceremony and AGFUND's contributions to human development and international cooperation. He connected human well-being with environmental protection and economic security.
Winning projects included Myanmar's "Climate-Resilient Community Water Supply Systems" by UNICEF, Kenya and Somalia's project by Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD), Nigeria's "Bio-360" by D-Olivette Laboratories, and India's solar-powered irrigation initiative by Oorja Development Solutions. The ceremony coincided with COP17, highlighting the prize's theme alignment with environmental protection efforts.
Source Saudi Press Agency