Prince Talal International Award for Human Development Honors Clean Energy Pioneers in Yerevan

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the Republic of Armenia, and in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Sofia, member of the Award Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Gulf Programs for Development (AGFUND) and Chairman of the Prince Talal International Award for Human Development Committee, honored the winners of the 2025 edition of the Award. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia, during its 27th edition, held on the evening of Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.

The 2025 edition was dedicated to the theme “Affordable and Clean Energy,” which corresponds to Sustainable Development Goal 7. His Royal Highness presented the awards to the winning projects across its four categories, with a total value of one million US dollars. The event was attended by members of the AGFUND Board of Directors and the Award Committee, the evaluation team, as well as several members of the Armenian government and parliament, ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of development organizations and institutions.

In his speech, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Yerevan’s hosting of the ceremony, expressing his appreciation for AGFUND’s efforts in serving human development and enhancing international cooperation. He emphasized that the true value of development is measured by the quality of people’s lives, the opportunities available to them, and their confidence in the future. He also highlighted the close interconnection between human well-being and environmental protection, as well as the role of the energy sector transition in strengthening economic security and providing opportunities for various segments of society.

For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal stressed that the world is facing exceptional challenges due to conflicts, instability, and humanitarian crises affecting the lives of millions. He noted that despite the attacks on the territories of Gulf Arab countries since the beginning of 2026, and the challenges faced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to date, the region remains committed to building, developing, and investing in human capital, while extending assistance to communities around the world.

He stated, “Our commitment to humanity does not stop at our borders, nor does it cease when our security is challenged. Development cannot wait for peace to prevail; rather, cooperation and investment in people are what create the conditions for lasting peace. Our circumstances may change, but our responsibilities do not.”

He expressed his gratitude to Armenia’s leadership and people for their hospitality, invoking the words of the Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan that “actions are what remain.” He affirmed that this idea embodies the philosophy embraced by the late, may God have mercy on him, His Royal Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of AGFUND, who believed that a person’s legacy is not measured by words and intentions, but by what they build for others and the opportunities they leave behind. He added that this vision has evolved into institutions serving humanity worldwide and into an award launched in 1999 to discover development achievements and transform successful ideas into sustainable solutions whose impact extends across societies and generations.

He reviewed the award’s achievements since its inception, noting that it has received 2,299 nominated projects, honored 95 winning projects, provided more than 14 million US dollars, and supported the expansion of 81 development projects in dozens of countries. He emphasized that these figures “represent opportunities seized, livelihoods improved, and communities whose capacities have been strengthened.”

He clarified that the 2025 edition received 160 nominations, of which 64 projects advanced to the evaluation stage. Four winning projects were selected, with their work spanning five countries, offering practical solutions that can be adapted and applied in other communities. He called for the integration of knowledge, institutions, and resources “to transform our shared aspirations into results that improve people’s lives.”

His Highness specifically addressed the members of the Prize Committee with words of appreciation, announcing their transition to the status of “Legacy Members” alongside the formation of a new committee, in recognition of their role in building the Prize and consolidating its international standing. He noted that they would continue to offer their expertise and counsel to support its future directions and expand its global impact. Speaking to the members, His Highness said, “Your role is evolving, but your contribution to the Prize and its future remains invaluable.”

He also expressed his pride in Queen Sofia’s continued membership on the committee, emphasizing that her longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes and her sustained support for the Prize represent a vital link between its foundational vision and its future.

The selection of Yerevan to host the ceremony coincided with the convening of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), reflecting the intersection between the Prize’s theme and international efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.

His Highness announced that the 2026 edition of the Prize would focus on “Good Health and Well-being,” the third Sustainable Development Goal, affirming that good health is a fundamental pillar of education, economic participation, and community stability. He called on innovators and development organizations worldwide to present solutions that enhance health and well-being for all, across all ages.

He concluded his speech by recalling Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, stating, “Prince Talal has passed away, but his message endures. It is our responsibility today to continue what he began, ensuring that his vision reaches new generations and transforms the lives of more people.” He urged, “Let us not allow conflicts to silence the voice of compassion, nor hardships to weaken our resolve, nor uncertainty to stand in the way of building a better future for humanity.”