MEWA wins Global ESG Award for Innovation in Sustainability

SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) in Saudi Arabia has received the Platinum category prize at the GLOBAL ESG AWARDS ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The award recognized the Ministry’s success in building strong partnerships that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17.

The award celebrates MEWA’s leadership in creating and managing partnerships focused on research and innovation across the environment, water, and agriculture sectors.

These partnerships form a key part of the “Technology Adoption Roadmap,” the Executive Plan for Research and Innovation launched last year by His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley. The plan aims to strengthen progress toward food and water security and promote environmental sustainability.

Dr. Abdullah Alradadi, Deputy Assistant for Support and Enable Research and Innovation at MEWA, said the award represents a shared commitment to shaping a sustainable future through collaboration. “Investing in research and innovation is the optimal path for the future generations,” he stated. “Confronting global sustainability challenges requires partnerships that integrate scientific knowledge with innovation and international cooperation.”

The Ministry has been working to transform Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector through the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance, a platform launched by Eng. Mansour Almushaiti, Vice Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

The Alliance brings together government bodies, private companies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural development. So far, it has attracted more than 120 members who share MEWA’s vision for a resilient and innovative food system.

Dr. Alradadi also highlighted the Water Strip Initiative, a major 40-kilometer project along Saudi Arabia’s western coast. The initiative supports the rapid growth of new technologies for desalination, recycling, and climate-resilient water systems.

“Our goal is to create an ecosystem that attracts investment, drives research, and speeds up the commercialization of technologies,” he said.

Recognition and broader impact

The GLOBAL ESG AWARDS include 22 categories that cover all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, from promoting climate action and gender equality to supporting biodiversity and circular economy practices.

MEWA’s recognition in Dubai reflects its expanding role in sustainability and innovation. The Ministry continues to strengthen global partnerships, reinforcing its objectives in agriculture, water, and environmental management.

These efforts align closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve long-term food and water security and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Through ongoing collaboration and innovation, MEWA is positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

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