The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development. Established in 1999, this prize is awarded annually by the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND). Its purpose is to stimulate innovation and creativity in the field of human development. Originally known as the AGFUND International Prize for Pioneering Human Development Projects, it was renamed in December 2018 in honor of HRH Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, following his passing. The award aligns with AGFUND’s mission to enhance development effectiveness and support vital projects aimed at achieving sustainability and investing in people.
Over the decades, the Prince Talal International Prize has emerged as a key mechanism for recognizing and rewarding successful human development initiatives globally. It promotes the dissemination of innovative ideas, with a keen focus on addressing major developmental challenges that impact vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in developing countries. These challenges include poverty, social exclusion, socio-economic marginalization, education, and health.
Since 1999, more than 2,077 projects have been nominated for the award from around the globe. These include 936 projects from Asia, 887 from Africa, 111 from Latin America, 48 from Europe, 42 from North and Central America, 34 global projects, 17 regional projects, and 2 from Oceania. During these 25 years, 87 projects have emerged as winners.
Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud during the 25th anniversary of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development.
This year marked the 25th Award Ceremony, celebrated under the theme “Life on Land.” The event was graced by Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and other esteemed guests. Notably, for the first time, the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development was held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrating and reflecting on efforts, successes, and aspirations for humanity’s future.
On this exceptionally humanistic occasion, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of AGFUND’s Board of Directors and the Prize, remarked, “At AGFUND and the Prince Talal International Prize, we are hopeful that the theme of this year’s award aligns with the key development event occurring at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. This year’s focus emphasizes sustainable development and innovative solutions to combat land degradation and desertification.” The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to four international winners. The 4th Category Winner was the “Blue Filter” project from Palestine—an eco-friendly water purification system that delivers clean irrigation water without electricity, tackling salinity, nitrates, and chlorides. The 3rd Category Winner was the “Oasis Development” project from Mauritania—a pioneering initiative that revitalizes degraded lands into flourishing ecosystems while conserving natural habitats. The 2nd Category Winner was the “Vale Sagrado Verde” project from Peru—an initiative that combines fire prevention, conservation, and reforestation, empowering local communities to achieve lasting environmental resilience. The 1st Category Winner was a transformative project led by the United Nations Development Programme Ecuador (UNDP), namely PROAmazonia GEF 9055. This project focuses on reducing deforestation through economic policies that promote sustainable resource management and poverty alleviation, while enhancing global commitments to combat climate change.
The awards were presented by Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud. In her speech, Queen Sofia expressed gratitude to AGFUND and the Prize for their contribution to humanity, hoping to remain a part of this humanitarian initiative. The year 2024 marks a landmark in the history of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development, setting new goals to exceed its own success story.
