- On 7 December 2024, UNITAR and IsDB hosted a side event “Cultivating Prosperity: Agriculture Partnerships for Sustainable Development” at COP16 focusing on sustainable agriculture partnerships.
- The event explored innovative financing, regional integration, climate resilience and capacity-building strategies.
- Distinguished panel featured regional leaders and global experts.
- The interactive dialogue promoted cross-regional knowledge-sharing.
Saudi Fund for Development
11 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On 7 December 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) hosted a high-level side event to the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), focusing on transformative agricultural partnerships and innovative financial solutions.
The event, “Cultivating Prosperity: Agriculture Partnerships for Sustainable Development”, was part of UNITAR’s global dialogue series and brought together distinguished leaders and experts to explore how to boost inclusive growth and prosperity through capacity-building for agricultural value chains in the Middle East and Africa. It featured dynamic discussions on sustainable agriculture strategies and cross-regional collaboration.
The event addressed four critical areas:
- Strategic partnerships for sustainable agriculture and agribusiness entrepreneurship
- Innovative financing solutions for smallholder farmers
- Capacity-building for inclusive growth in agricultural value chains
- Knowledge-sharing and skill development initiatives across regions
Fostering Innovative Partnerships
UNITAR
The event also highlighted the power of partnerships for promoting sustainable development.
Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of UNITAR's Division for Prosperity, emphasized the event's significance:
This dialogue exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovative partnerships that drive sustainable agricultural development. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we're creating pathways for transformative solutions in agricultural sustainability and food security."
Mr. Nedžad Ajanović, Lead Global Advocacy Specialist and event moderator for IsDB, highlighted the partnership's strategic importance:
Our collaborative approach focuses on developing resilient agricultural value chains that benefit smallholder farmers while promoting sustainable practices. This partnership with UNITAR, UN specialized agencies, other Arab Coordination Group members, private sector and other development partners could strengthen our ability to deliver impactful solutions across the Middle East and Africa."
Speakers
Saudi Fund for Development
Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16, delivered the opening remarks.
The event featured prominent speakers including:
- H.H. Princess Abeer Al Saud, Founder and Chairwoman, Talga
- Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General, Regional Representative for Near East and North Africa, FAO
- Eng. Yaser Albakri, Director General of Sectoral Expertise, Saudi Fund for Development
- Dr. Zeynu Ummer, Director of UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa
- Ms. Wan Anfeng, Vice President, Public Affairs, Middle East, J &T Express
- Mr. Hatem Jebri, Manager, Agriculture Value Chain & Water Division, BADEA
- Mr. Biola Kazeem Badmos, Senior Agriculture and Food Security Specialist, IsDB
Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR, participated as a panelist and provided concluding remarks, while Mr. Nedžad Ajanović, Lead Global Advocacy Specialist, IsDB, skillfully moderated the discussions.
This dialogue aligned with COP16's core objectives of promoting sustainable land management, enhancing private sector engagement, and integrating financial institutions in food systems transformation.
About IsDB
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a multilateral development bank (MDB), working to improve the lives of those we serve by promoting social and economic development in Member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, delivering impact at scale. IsDB brings together 57 member countries across four continents - touching the lives of 1 in 5 of the world’s population. Through its Global Practice and Partnerships Directorate, IsDB promotes sustainable agricultural practices and supports innovative solutions for agricultural development.
ABOUT UNITAR
Founded in 1963, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. We provide innovative learning solutions to individuals and organizations to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for a sustainable future. Find out more at www.unitar.org