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RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has won a 2025 UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for its comprehensive and innovative policies to address obesity and noncommunicable diseases, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The award was given to the MOH by the World Health Organization and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.

The ceremony took place at the 10th annual Friends of the Task Force Meeting in New York City, held during the recent 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Mentioned in the award were the MOH’s Sehhaty app, and the Seha Virtual Hospital that is the world’s largest such service.

Also cited were community initiatives including the Healthy Cities Program and Walk 30, which engaged more than 1 million citizens, as well as nutrition policies imposing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax and eliminating industrial trans fats.

The WHO also recognized the MOH for setting up a ministerial committee for Health in All Policies to integrate wellness considerations.

“The recognition underscores rapid progress in the health sector and strengthens ����ֱ��’s role in efforts to prevent NCDs and advance health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” the SPA reported on Wednesday.

����ֱ��’s Seha Virtual Hospital has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the planet’s largest online medical initiative, leading the way in transforming healthcare accessibility and efficiency through digital innovation.

The facility, linked to over 200 hospitals across the Kingdom, is reshaping patient care by eliminating geographical limitations and integrating advanced artificial intelligence solutions.

Sixteen cities in the Kingdom have been designated as Healthy Cities under WHO criteria. Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the WHO accreditation.

The achievement is attributed to continuous improvements in safety, healthcare, infrastructure development and the provision of modern public facilities.

RIYADH: The first International Restoration Week exhibition has opened in Diriyah’s Jax district, bringing together world leaders in cultural preservation.

The five-day event, organized by ����ֱ��’s Heritage Commission with the Italian Association for Restoration, runs until Oct. 5. As well as highlighting the latest architectural conservation technologies, it will foster collaboration between local and international experts.

Mohammed Al-Mandiel, general manager of Cultural Events and Activations at the Heritage Commission, told Arab News: “The aim of the exhibition is to showcase the latest technology being used in the restoration of architectural heritage sites and (advance) the exchange of knowledge and expertise among professionals, highlighting the efforts of the Heritage Commission in restoring historical sites and fostering collaboration between companies and experts.”

With 20 companies from 12 countries taking part, visitors will have access to panels, exhibitions, workshops, side discussions and cultural activities.

Al-Mandiel added: “It’s a big chance for people, companies and experts to meet in one place. Restoration is a very sensitive topic, so it’s very important that we bring the international expertise (together) with the local expertise.” 

He added the event was about networking and finding chances to work towards achieving Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom is home to many historical sites and has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The event is held in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Aseer Development Authority, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, and the Jeddah Historic District Program.

Day one opened with panel discussions featuring experts on topics such as “International Efforts in the Restoration of Architectural Heritage Landmarks and Assets,” “Sustainable Restoration Methodologies” and “Innovative Technological Solutions in Restoration.” 

While the exhibition primarily targets professionals in the field, it also seeks to engage the wider public.

Workshops on Al-Qatt Al-Asiri engraving and plaster restoration carving were hosted by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (known as Wrth), while Misk Art Institute presented live drawing and sculpting sessions. Visitors also enjoyed the Heritage Cinema and Theater. 

Carlo Baldocci, the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, praised the initiative during his keynote speech.

“����ֱ�� is a nation of remarkable innovation, geographically vast, culturally diverse, historically rich,” he said. “The country holds treasure of inestimable value, and what is perhaps even more inspiring is the strategic importance that the Saudi leadership has placed on culture and innovation as key pillars of Vision 2030.”

He added: “In a time of rapid transformation and growth, ����ֱ�� is sending a powerful message: The future must be built with full awareness of the past and progress must be rooted in identity.” It was a message that resonated deeply with his country, he said, which also believes cultural roots are essential to the vitality of the present and future.

The Heritage Commission has more than 34,000 registered assets under its care nationwide. It stresses the importance of restoration not only as a preservation tool, but also as a way to revitalize historic sites and strengthen cultural identity in a sustainable manner.