Building Human Dignity: The Legacy and Vision of AGFUND

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Founded upon the visionary initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may he rest in peace), the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) stands as one of the Arab world’s most influential forces for human progress. Established in 1980 with the endorsement of the kings, princes, and presidents of the Gulf states, AGFUND was created not as an institution of charity, but as a movement for transformation — a catalyst for sustainable development that empowers communities from within.

For over four decades, AGFUND has worked tirelessly to build bridges between innovation and humanity. Its partnerships — now numbering more than 450 international, regional, and governmental organisations — reflect a deep commitment to collective impact. From early childhood development to women’s empowerment, education, civil society advancement, and financial inclusion, each programme is anchored in the belief that real progress begins with opportunity — and that every individual deserves the chance to live with dignity, independence, and hope.

AGFUND’s influence extends across 133 countries through 1,713 projects that have changed lives and reshaped futures. Central to its mission is the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development, which recognises and incubates innovative projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this global initiative, AGFUND celebrates the changemakers who translate compassion into action — a tribute to Prince Talal’s enduring conviction that “development is not a privilege but a universal right.”

Under its visionary strategy, AGFUND’s mission is clear: to take initiative and support innovation in human development, with a focus on poverty alleviation, knowledge, and empowerment. Its vision — to reduce poverty and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and youth, to live with dignity and equal opportunity — has inspired generations of development leaders and continues to guide its pioneering institutions, including the Arab Open University, the Arab Women Center for Training and Research (CAWTAR), and the Arab Council for Childhood and Development.

AGFUND’s model is built on sustainable empowerment rather than dependency. Through its Microfinance Unit (AMU) and a network of Ibdaa Banks, AGFUND advances financial inclusion across the region, enabling women and micro-entrepreneurs to turn ideas into income, and potential into prosperity. Thousands of women — from widows to small business owners — have found strength and stability through AGFUND’s inclusive banking initiatives, demonstrating that empowerment is the foundation of true development.

Women’s empowerment lies at the heart of AGFUND’s philosophy. Prince Talal firmly believed that no society can advance without women as equal participants in its progress. This conviction led to the creation of CAWTAR in 1993, an institution that redefined the narrative of Arab women by focusing on education, awareness, and participation in decision-making. AGFUND’s ongoing support for women in leadership, finance, and education remains one of its proudest achievements, echoing across generations as a legacy of equity and inclusion.

Today, as the world moves toward the shared goals of Agenda 2030, AGFUND continues to serve as both a visionary and a partner — uniting governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector in pursuit of a world where development is sustainable, inclusive, and deeply human.

Partnership Announcement

The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) joins the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 as a Gold Partner, reaffirming its commitment to the Forum’s guiding pillars of Empower, Engage, Sustain, and Women Leading Initiatives. Through this collaboration, AGFUND continues its mission to elevate human dignity and champion women’s participation in shaping a better world. The Forum proudly acknowledges AGFUND’s enduring role in advancing education, social inclusion, and innovation across the Arab world — a legacy that mirrors the very essence of its founder’s vision.

Forum Dates:

🗓 Dates: 4–6 November 2025

• Venue: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, in partnership with the Women’s Leadership Center, Riyadh

🌐 More Information: www.creativewomen.co

🌐 More Information: https://agfund.org/