During the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef, FAO values and appraises effective partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

16-18 December 2024, Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) hosted the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al Ahsa from December 16-18, 2024, aimed to discuss the role of sustainable rural agricultural development programmes in empowering rural communities and strengthening their role in food security and rural communities livelihoods. 

In her opening remarks, Her Highness Princess Mishaal bint Saud Al Shalan highlighted, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today is not just catching up with the world, it is leading efforts in sustainability and development with its historical legacy and Vision 2030.” She underscored that sustainability is not a novel concept, rather it has deep roots in the practices of our ancestors who forged a strong partnership between farmers and landowners to cultivate and develop their lands. 

May Hani, Senior Programme Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), then addressed the audience on behalf of the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa Region. She emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation through applications of modern technologies, entrepreneurship and access to resources for the sustainability of agriculture and rural economies. She stated, “Empowering rural families is equally critical, recognizing them as a major driving force for innovation and productivity in rural areas.” 

Hani added, “Addressing the interconnected challenges and multifaceted demands of agricultural development and rural transformation calls for effective partnerships – between governments, international organizations, private sector actors, local communities, farmers and their organizations.” This collaborative approach is well reflected in the long-term technical cooperation programme between FAO and Saudi Arabia, serving as a model for integrating and realizing local priorities in alignment with national vision and global strategies. 

His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed in his speech, “The Ministry’s programmes align with Saudi Vision 2030 and its comprehensive goals, targeting all residents of the Kingdom in economic and social development.” He highlighted that the Ministry, in cooperation with FAO, jointly developed the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme in the Kingdom (REEF), which aims to exploit and invest in available opportunities and resources, in addition to harnessing and benefiting from natural resources, agricultural potential, and population in regions 

 “The Forum is a pivotal event in advancing rural development, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Reef supports rural communities while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture,” highlighted Dr. Maha Aldaghriri, Head of the Forum’s Executive Committee. She emphasized that the Forum would bring together regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, an issue faced by many countries. To tackle this, the Forum will offer practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable. Additionally, it will explore the latest innovations in agriculture and rural development while fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion. 

According to Dr. Aldaghriri, the Forum builds on the Saudi Reef Programme, recognized by FAO as the world’s largest rural development programme of its kind. The Forum continues the Programme’s success in supporting more than 77 000 producers achieving a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in the Kingdom’s vital sectors and providing upskilling and career opportunities for members of rural communities. 

“The Saudi Reef Programme is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving our unique cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment,” commented Eng. Ghassan Bakri, Secretary General of the Saudi Reef Programme. 

Eng. Bakri added that the Forum will feature dynamic discussions about key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship in rural areas, and the role of modern technology in the agricultural sector. In addition to these discussions, the Forum will feature a three-day exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, rural agri-products and handicrafts, along with the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs, illustrating how traditional agricultural techniques are integrated with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods. 

Dr. Suliman AlKhateeb, Deputy Undersecretary for Agriculture, emphasized the important role played by REEF being flagship programme of the Saudi Agriculture Strategy, in supporting sustained rural economies and opening opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs in rural areas. 

Through the Saudi Reef Programme, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture continues to build pathways that benefit rural communities, contributing meaningfully to a more sustainable, resilient, and interconnected future, and helping to achieve a balance between rural and urban development, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.