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RIYADH: ����ֱ��’s Environment Fund has concluded its “Friends of the Environment” initiative, which benefited 13,552 students from 331 schools across 13 administrative regions.

The program aimed to raise environmental awareness among youth and was carried out in partnership with INJAZ ����ֱ��, a nonprofit that empowers young Saudis with practical skills for the workforce.

Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, acting CEO of the fund, said the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Environment Strategy, which seek to enhance and sustain the environmental sector and strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the field. The fund plays a central role in realizing these goals.

More than 200 student counselors were trained to deliver the program, logging 135,520 training hours — exceeding the initial plan of 125,000 hours. The initiative also surpassed its target of reaching 12,500 students.

Al-Sahli said that while the program has met its objectives, the fund remains committed to supporting similar efforts that raise environmental awareness among youth.

He added that the project is a model of collaboration between environmental, educational, and nonprofit sectors, and reflects the fund’s goal of fostering a generation that values and protects natural resources.

The “Friends of the Environment” initiative is part of the Incentives and Grants Program, an online platform launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in mid-2024.

The program supports 16 tracks across various environmental fields, and applicants can apply through the Environmental Fund’s website.

Earlier this year, ����ֱ�� introduced a new environmental financing initiative worth SR1 billion ($267 million), backed by Riyad Bank, to boost private sector involvement in sustainable projects. It was announced by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, who is also the chairman of the fund.

The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. It forms part of a wider national strategy to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

JEDDAH: ����ֱ��’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Tuesday praised the successful delivery of this year’s Hajj season, which saw more than 1.6 million pilgrims complete their rituals smoothly, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s global leadership in crowd management and services to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Cabinet also reviewed efforts to support pilgrims from Iran in returning home safely, following recent domestic unrest in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In its weekly session held in Jeddah, the Council of Ministers welcomed messages to King Salman from the leaders of Venezuela, Vietnam, and Angola on bilateral cooperation.

It also reiterated the Kingdom’s positions on regional and global developments, reaffirming support for diplomatic solutions and condemning any violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.

The Cabinet called on the international community to end the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s war in Gaza and pressed for peace in line with international legitimacy.

It also welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and voiced optimism about its potential to boost regional stability and prosperity.

Ministers noted the launch of the World Water Organization’s activities in Riyadh as further evidence of ����ֱ��’s role in advancing global cooperation.

They also highlighted several recent international recognitions, including the Kingdom’s election as Vice-Chair of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board, its appointment to the UN’s High-Level Group for the 2030 Agenda, and the inclusion of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List.

The Cabinet welcomed the IMF’s latest Article IV report, which commended the Saudi economy’s resilience amid global headwinds, citing strong non-oil growth, controlled inflation, and historically low unemployment rates — all in alignment with Vision 2030 goals.

The session also saw the approval of several international cooperation agreements. These included a draft pact with Algeria to combat organized crime, a mutual visa exemption deal with Italy for diplomatic and special passport holders, and the initiation of negotiations with Russia on a similar visa waiver agreement.

The Cabinet also endorsed a memorandum of understanding on Islamic affairs with Pakistan, an agreement with the International Consultative Group on Agricultural Research to promote innovation in ����ֱ��’s agriculture sector, and a new partnership with Zambia in the field of mineral resources.

����ֱ�� will also proceed with joining the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development, following Cabinet authorization.

Other decisions included renaming the Supreme National Investment Committee to the National Investment Committee at the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, approving new procedures for biometric verification of cruise ship passengers, and assigning the Ministry of Education as the supervisory authority over the ����ֱ��n Boy Scouts Association.

The Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Insurance Disputes and Violations Resolution Committee in Dammam and reviewed the final accounts of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and the General Authority for Food Security.

Several senior civil service promotions were confirmed, including appointments at the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Foreign Affairs, Hajj and Umrah, Human Resources, and Municipal Affairs. Notably, Manal Radwan was promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The session ended with reviews of annual reports from the Ministry of Tourism, the National Development Fund, and the Tourism Development Fund, with the Cabinet taking the necessary actions on each.