On World Food Day, the Saudi Ambassador to Damascus announced that Saudi Arabia has implemented 1,056 humanitarian projects globally, with 110 of those in Syria, focused on improving food security and supporting vulnerable populations.
During a ceremony organized by the Saudi Embassy in Damascus, Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. He said that the Relief Center has invested over $8 billion in food-related projects worldwide, of which more than $145 million directed toward 110 projects in Syria alone, aiming to assist those most in need while bolstering global food security.
Al-Mujfel further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on food security and agricultural development, noting that these sectors are key to achieving the goals of its Vision 2030. He added that the agricultural sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP reached approximately 109 billion riyals in 2023, and increased to 114 billion riyals in 2024, signaling sustainable growth in this vital industry.
In terms of food security, al-Mujfel noted that Saudi Arabia ranks 41st in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, advancing two spots from the previous year. He also pointed to the Kingdom’s investments in major agricultural initiatives, such as the $9 billion livestock city being developed in Hafr Al-Batin, which aims to increase local production and support self-sufficiency.
“World Food Day serves as a reminder that achieving food security requires global collaboration, strategic investments, and collective action for the benefit of our nations and peoples,” ambassador al-Mujfel stated.
Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammad Al-Saleh, told SANA, underscored the significance of World Food Day in promoting sustainable resource management and consumption. He emphasized that securing access to food is a fundamental right and an essential part of strengthening national identity and culture.
Minister al-Saleh also drew parallels between the resilience needed in agriculture and the ongoing rebuilding process in Syria. “Just as a farmer plants a seed today and patiently awaits the harvest, Syria’s journey of rebuilding, which began after liberation, is a testament to endurance and hope,” he said.
Marianne Ward, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Syria, also spoke on the importance of the day. “World Food Day highlights the urgent need for global food security,” she said, noting that nearly 800 million people worldwide still face hunger and uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. “The WFP and the international community must continue to work together to change this reality.”
Ward also praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in agricultural technology, which have positioned the country as a leading wheat producer. The WFP hopes that Saudi Arabia’s agricultural expertise can be transferred to Syria’s dry climate, helping to restore the country’s food security and agricultural viability.
World Food Day is observed every year on October 16, a day designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to raise awareness about global hunger and the importance of sustainable food systems.
