Saudi Arabia and CGIAR Seal First Partnership to Boost Agricultural Innovation
New agreement focuses on food security, climate resilience and advanced research across arid and vulnerable regions
Saudi Arabia has signed its first formal agreement with CGIAR, the world’s largest global agricultural research partnership, marking a significant step in advancing agricultural innovation and strengthening food security.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on research, technology transfer and capacity building, with a particular focus on sustainable food systems in arid and climate-vulnerable regions.
Under the partnership, Saudi Arabia will support CGIAR-led research programmes aimed at improving crop productivity, water efficiency and climate resilience.
The collaboration aligns with the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify food sources, reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions and promote sustainable agricultural practices both domestically and internationally.
Officials involved in the agreement said the partnership will prioritise innovation in areas such as drought-resistant crops, soil health, digital agriculture and advanced irrigation technologies.
These initiatives are intended to benefit not only Saudi Arabia but also developing countries facing similar environmental and food security challenges.
The agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global food security initiatives and its commitment to international cooperation on agricultural research.
By working with CGIAR’s network of research centres and scientists, the Kingdom aims to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Representatives from CGIAR described the partnership as a milestone that will expand research capacity and funding at a time when climate change, population growth and geopolitical instability are placing increasing pressure on global food systems.
They emphasised that collaboration with Saudi Arabia will help extend the reach of innovation to regions where productivity gains are most urgently needed.
The deal forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider engagement with international organisations to support sustainable development and resilience.
Both sides said the agreement lays the foundation for long-term cooperation, positioning agricultural innovation as a central pillar in addressing future food security challenges.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on research, technology transfer and capacity building, with a particular focus on sustainable food systems in arid and climate-vulnerable regions.
Under the partnership, Saudi Arabia will support CGIAR-led research programmes aimed at improving crop productivity, water efficiency and climate resilience.
The collaboration aligns with the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify food sources, reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions and promote sustainable agricultural practices both domestically and internationally.
Officials involved in the agreement said the partnership will prioritise innovation in areas such as drought-resistant crops, soil health, digital agriculture and advanced irrigation technologies.
These initiatives are intended to benefit not only Saudi Arabia but also developing countries facing similar environmental and food security challenges.
The agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global food security initiatives and its commitment to international cooperation on agricultural research.
By working with CGIAR’s network of research centres and scientists, the Kingdom aims to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Representatives from CGIAR described the partnership as a milestone that will expand research capacity and funding at a time when climate change, population growth and geopolitical instability are placing increasing pressure on global food systems.
They emphasised that collaboration with Saudi Arabia will help extend the reach of innovation to regions where productivity gains are most urgently needed.
The deal forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider engagement with international organisations to support sustainable development and resilience.
Both sides said the agreement lays the foundation for long-term cooperation, positioning agricultural innovation as a central pillar in addressing future food security challenges.
