Prince Talal International Prize Honors Pioneer Projects in Marine Life
Madrid The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) celebrated the winners of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development 2024 in Madrid, recognizing pioneer projects in the field of Life Below Water, Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals. The award highlighted the winners’ efforts to protect marine ecosystems and reduce pollution.
The event was held under the patronage of Queen Sofia, a member of the prize committee, and attended by Chairman of the AGFUND Board of Directors and Chairman of the prize committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, along with Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal stated that AGFUND considers true development to be rooted in justice, empowerment, and partnership. He noted that the prize was created to provide a platform for distinguished initiatives, encourage creativity and innovation, and highlight projects that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
He extended congratulations to the winners for their innovative solutions that support marine ecosystem protection and expressed that this achievement will motivate further innovation and committed efforts toward a more sustainable future.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal added that the ceremony coincides with preparations by the international community for several major global meetings in 2025, including discussions on climate, sustainable development, and financing for development. He said this underscores the scale of responsibility and highlights the importance of the program’s contribution to international efforts aimed at building a more sustainable future.
AGFUND Executive Director Dr. Nasser Alkahtani said the prize represents a central part of the program’s strategy to support United Nations development organizations by helping identify and promote sustainable development solutions.
Member of the prize committee Signora Mercedes Menafra noted that the ongoing legacy of the prize reflects the developmental vision of the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz. She added that hosting the ceremony in Spain carries particular significance due to Queen Sofia’s contributions to marine life protection and efforts to address pollution.
The Prince Talal International Prize, awarded by AGFUND, carries a value of US$1,000,000. Each year, the committee dedicates its competition to one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Winning Projects for 2024
The first category award, valued at US$400,000, was given to Tide Turner Plastic Challenge: Catalysing youth action to reduce plastic pollution through behaviour change. The project is implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, and Madagascar and is designated for projects by UN agencies or international and regional NGOs.
The second category award, valued at US$300,000 and designated for projects by national NGOs, went to NETCYCLE AFRICA – Closing the Loop on Waste Fishnets in Africa, implemented by Chaint Afrique Academy in Ghana.
The third category award, valued at US$200,000 and designated for projects by governmental bodies, ministries, public institutions, or social business enterprises, was awarded to Zero-Plastic Oceans (ZEPO), implemented by eTrash2Cash (eT2C) in Nigeria.
The fourth category award, valued at US$100,000 and allocated to projects initiated, funded, and/or implemented by individuals, went to ALGRIF (ALG UNO): Transforming Marine Algae into Sustainable Biostimulants and Biofertilizers, implemented by Abdelilah Hammada in Morocco.
AGFUND encouraged all relevant parties to submit nominations for the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development for 2025, which is dedicated to Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 30, 2026.