New York City:The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) wrapped up its participation in the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly. The summit featured a series of meetings, discussions on development, and the signing of agreements with international organizations, as AGFUND aimed to enhance its international partnerships and cooperation in human development.
According to Saudi Press Agency, AGFUND's activities in New York included participating in discussions on development's future, organizing a roundtable on digital inclusion, and signing agreements to support projects in areas such as digital innovation, financial inclusion, and climate action. AGFUND Executive Director Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraied was a key participant, engaging in a session titled 'New Capital, New Blueprint Accelerating Development's Next Chapter' on Concordia's Mainstage.
During the summit, AGFUND announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development. This year€™s theme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 Good Health and Well-Being, with nominations accepted until February 15, 2027. The prize, totaling $1 million, recognizes outstanding development projects and supports the dissemination of successful practices.
AGFUND's participation also included the signing of four agreements with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). These agreements focus on various projects, including enhancing digital financial services in Yemen, harnessing AI for economic growth in the Arab States, developing climate-resilient financial services in the IGAD region, and engaging youth in land restoration efforts in Mongolia.
The Concordia Annual Summit serves as a global platform for leaders from various sectors to collaborate on development initiatives, and AGFUND's involvement this year underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainable development.