On September 29, 2024, the UNDP Saudi Arabia Country OEice and Balad Alkhieer Endowment Foundation co-hosted a highly impactful event in observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The event, part of the lead-up to UNCCD COP16 (the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification), spotlighted the critical importance of environmental waste management and sustainable development.

The Green Circle Initiative is committed to fostering collaboration to address the pressing challenges facing Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event provided an inspiring platform for exchanging innovative ideas, engaging in deep discussions, and formulating practical solutions—laying the foundation for a sustainable future through what they call “Circles of Solutions.”

The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including scientific experts, stakeholders, farmers, community groups, private sector, academia, government representatives and UN Agencies all united by a shared goal: transforming waste into opportunities, minimizing losses, and achieving sustainable growth.

Several groundbreaking initiatives were showcased during the event:

A leading Saudi agricultural company presented its success in implementing agricultural waste recycling programs, achieving a 15% reduction in waste. This was complemented by discussions around Saudi Arabia's growing legislative eEorts to support sustainable practices through new regulations.

A particularly inspiring case study came from Jubail, where a pioneering company became the first to produce biofuel from waste and used cooking oils, highlighting the potential of waste-to-energy projects for both the environment and the economy.

Riyadh emerged as the leading region in agricultural waste production, with Jizan and Makkah closely following. These regions were identified as key hubs for innovative waste management solutions.

A recurrent theme throughout the discussions was the need to reframe agricultural waste not just as a challenge, but as a resource for sustainable development. One standout proposal was to refer to agricultural waste as "surplus organic energy," opening doors to new opportunities for sustainable practices.

The discussions also touched on the benefits of organic charcoal, which has the potential to reduce irrigation water usage by 40%, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve soil fertility and crop yields—contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Participants also highlighted the economic potential of products derived from the prickly pear cactus, which is gaining recognition for its sustainability and innovative applications.

As the event concluded, participants felt inspired and empowered to drive forward the solutions discussed. This collaboration between UNDP Saudi Arabia and Balad Alkhieer Endowment Foundation paves the way for lasting partnerships and innovative solutions to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.