In a significant international recognition of Saudi Arabia's efforts in the agricultural development sector, the United Nations awarded Mr. Ghassan bin Mohammed Bakri, Secretary-General of the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program "Reef Saudi Arabia," the First Class Medal of Honor for Sustainable Development. This honor recognizes his leadership role and tangible efforts in implementing the program's ambitious objectives and enhancing its developmental impact in the rural sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Context of the honor and the role of the “Reef Saudi Arabia” program
The Saudi Countryside Development Program, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is a cornerstone of achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in diversifying the economic base and achieving food security. The program directly aims to improve the rural agricultural sector, raise the standard of living for small farmers and rural families, and increase efficiency and productivity. It focuses on supporting strategic sectors with a comparative advantage in various regions of the Kingdom, such as developing coffee cultivation, beekeeping and honey production, developing the rose sector, supporting the cultivation of rainfed fruits and crops, and supporting small-scale fishermen and livestock breeders.
The importance of the award on both local and international levels
This UN recognition is not only a personal achievement for the Secretary-General, but also an international testament to the success of the Saudi strategy in implementing global sustainability standards. The recognition reflects the effective oversight of the program's initiatives aimed at empowering small-scale agricultural producers, developing agricultural value chains, and facilitating access to local markets for rural products. It also highlights the program's efforts to establish the sustainability of agricultural activities through the adoption of modern technologies and environmentally friendly practices, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 on ending hunger and ensuring food security, and Goal 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Expected impact and future prospects
This recognition is expected to enhance the Kingdom's standing as a leading model in sustainable agricultural development, both regionally and internationally. Domestically, it provides a strong incentive for farmers and program beneficiaries to continue their efforts and reinforces consumer confidence in national products. Regionally, it offers an inspiring example for countries facing similar challenges, such as water scarcity and desertification. Internationally, this recognition opens new avenues for cooperation and the exchange of expertise with international organizations and leading agricultural nations, contributing to the support of the agricultural production system and improving the efficiency of natural resource use. This achievement underscores that "Reef Saudi Arabia" is steadily progressing towards a prosperous and sustainable rural future.
