NEW DELHI, 11 December 2003 — Prince Talal ibn Abdul Aziz, president of Arab Gulf Program for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND), yesterday applauded the Indian experience in the field of development, which he said has become “a model for breaking the ice and changing the world’s attitude toward the developing countries, especially in the sphere of information technology.”
Prince Talal was addressing a ceremony here to mark the occasion of giving away AGFUND’s Interntaional Prize for Pioneering Development Projects. It was the first time the prize giving ceremony was held in India.
Prince Talal highlighted the importance of development projects in combating challenges thrown up after the Sept.11, 2001 attacks. Pointing to the threats of terrorism, he said, “These challenges can be met by combating poverty and not spreading war.”
The prince said: “The Indian journey over half a century is a story of success that every developing country should learn and use as a model to shape its own experience.
“The biggest lesson that we should learn from the Indian experience is that development and democracy are twins. You cannot achieve one while neglecting the other.”
AGFUND Director Mohammed Ahmed Ali asserted the need to recognize each “human being as the epicenter of development” crossing all borders and divisions.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs Secretary R. M. Abhyankar acknowledged that the occasion served as an eye-opener for India regarding the work taken up by Saudi Arabia and AGFUND toward development. “I am impressed and stunned,” he added. Welcoming Prince Talal to India, he appreciated the growing Saudi-Indian bilateral ties. The function was organized in India to add greater momentum to the expanding relations between the two nations. Prince Talal is the highest ranking Saudi dignitary to visit India in the recent years.
Prince Talal’s interaction with members of the media focused on issues concerning Saudi-Indian relations which he described as “good.” Asked about the tendency of equating terrorism with the Arab world, Prince Talal replied, “The Arab world is caught in a dilemma. When we spend, we are accused of aiding terrorists. When we don’t, we are called misers.”
In an exclusive interview with Arab News on the reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia, Prince Talal said: “Changes will take place slowly, step by step after a good deal of hard work and studies.” Taking note of the announcement of municipal elections, he said, “More steps will naturally follow. I leave it to the leadership on the timing of such steps.”
Regarding Non-Gevernmental Organizations in Saudi Arabia, Prince Talal said: “The NGOs still need a lot of backing from the society and government.”
Appreciating the efforts made by India and Pakistan toward normalization of ties, the prince emphasized their importance for “international peace and regional development.” He called upon the leaders of both countries to work toward enhancing bilateral economic relations. “It is the best way to build trust and solve problems.”
Saudi Ambassador to India, Saleh Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, told Arab News, “I want to thank the Indian government for hosting the prize giving ceremony here. This shows that our relations are booming.”
AGFUND, a regional development oriented institution was established at Prince Talal’s initiative in 1980. With the support of leaders of Arab Gulf states, that constitute its membership and contribute to its budget, AGFUND supports the most deserving categories in developing countries, particularly women and children in cooperation with organizations and institutions active in this field. This year, the first category prize of $150,000 went to UNIFEM Regional Program on Empowering Women in Asia. The program implemented in five Asian countries — Jordan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines ˆ— was selected out of 11 nominations for the prize. Since 1999, India has won three AGFUND prizes. This year, the second category AGFUND prize went to India’s Childline Project. The prize carries a cash award of $100,000, a certificate of recognition and a trophy. The Childline project was selected out of 79 nominations.
