HRH Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Executive Director of the International Dates Council, discussed prospects for institutional cooperation between the Council and the Middle East Green Initiative during a meeting held yesterday at the Council’s headquarters in Riyadh with Eng. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Turki, Secretary-General of the Initiative.

The meeting was attended by Eng. Ahmed Saleh Al-Ayada, Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Mr. Ahmed Al-Mousa, Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Palms and Dates.

During the meeting, Eng. Al-Turki presented an overview of the Initiative’s principal programs, strategic objectives, and roles in the fields of environmental protection and sustainability, as well as its institutional framework and partnership mechanisms. The International Dates Council, in turn, outlined its mandate and its role in advancing the dates sector and coordinating relevant international efforts.

The two sides discussed areas of complementarity and shared interest, as well as opportunities to draw upon the Council’s expertise and specialized mandate in the date palm and dates sector within relevant programs and projects. Particular emphasis was placed on the sustainability of date palms and oases, the efficient utilization of water resources, the transfer of knowledge and expertise, and the alignment of sustainability efforts with food-security and economic outcomes.

Both parties agreed to maintain coordination and continue discussions on the areas addressed during the meeting, with a view to concluding a cooperation agreement that would establish the frameworks and pathways for joint action during the forthcoming phase.

The International Dates Council, headquartered in Riyadh, comprises 17 member states and serves as an international reference body for the development and regulation of the date palm and dates sector. The Council works to coordinate efforts among its member states and facilitate the exchange of expertise and data, thereby contributing to enhancing the value of the sector and strengthening its role in food security.