Riyadh: Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) Board of Directors Chairman Prince Abdul Aziz bin Talal met with Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation on key development initiatives.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the discussions focused on the strategic priorities of the AGFUND-Armenia partnership, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, sustainable program impact, and gender-responsive policies. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing social and economic development through scalable, evidence-based initiatives aligned with global development goals.

A major topic was the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, recently announced at COP16, which aims to support smallholder farmers and address challenges related to desertification, land degradation, drought, and climate change.

The meeting builds on efforts initiated during Prince Abdul Aziz’s visit to Armenia in November, when he met with the country’s leadership to identify areas for mutual collaboration.

In December, AGFUND’s board of directors approved a project for Armenia titled ‘Lifelong Education and Advancement Program for Women,’ which will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The initiative aims to promote women’s economic participation and empowerment, reinforcing the commitment of both AGFUND and Armenia to advancing gender equality and inclusive development.

The initiative will provide targeted education, skills development, and capacity-building programs, with a particular focus on marginalized groups, including rural women, ethnic minorities, forcibly displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.

The program will integrate non-formal and continuous education, mentorship, career guidance, and employment linkages to foster long-term socioeconomic inclusion and resilience.