The United Nations honors the Secretary of the Rural Development Authority of Saudi Arabia with the Medal of Honor for Sustainable Development
In a new international achievement reflecting the success of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's national strategies in the agriculture and food security sector, the United Nations awarded 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 prestigious recognition comes as a culmination of the program's significant efforts in developing the rural sector and improving the quality of life for farmers.
UN recognition of rural development efforts
This recognition came in appreciation of the Secretary-General's outstanding leadership role in implementing the objectives of the "Saudi Countryside" program. Under his supervision, the program achieved significant progress in empowering small-scale agricultural producers. The international organization highlighted the tangible developmental impact of the program in rural areas, through increased production efficiency and the development of agricultural value chains, which directly contributed to enhancing the access of high-quality, competitive Saudi rural products to local markets.
Saudi Arabia's rural areas and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of the economic transformations underway in the Kingdom, as the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program is a key enabler for achieving the goals of Vision 2030. Since its inception, the program has aimed to improve living standards in rural areas and reduce migration to cities by creating economically viable employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. The program focuses on vital sectors and the comparative advantages of Saudi regions, such as Arabica coffee cultivation, honey production, fruit and rainfed crops, and roses, thereby promoting economic diversification.
Enhancing food security and sustainability
This recognition carries significant implications for food security, as "Reef Saudi Arabia" actively contributes to bridging the food gap and supporting self-sufficiency in numerous products. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices and modern technologies, the program works to conserve natural resources and water, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those related to eradicating hunger, promoting decent work, and fostering economic growth.
Regional and international dimensions
The awarding of the United Nations First Class Order of Merit to a Saudi official reflects the Kingdom's growing stature as a key player in international development. This recognition underscores the Kingdom's success in building effective international partnerships and exchanging expertise with UN organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This achievement establishes a Saudi model to be emulated in the Arab region and the Middle East for transforming traditional agriculture into a productive and sustainable sector that supports the national economy.
