RIYADH — UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Nikhil Seth highlighted the importance of the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development in promoting and supporting pioneering projects that contribute to sustainable development in the least developed countries. During his speech at the ceremony that was held virtually on Wednesday, Seth congratulated the winners of the prize, saying that it is a prestigious award. He said the international community remains grateful to the late Prince Talal for his pioneering development and humanitarian programs which continue to support the disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized groups of our society. Seth expressed his gratitude saying: “UNITAR is also grateful for its continuing partnership with the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) in bringing economic empowerment to marginalized communities, especially women.” “Over the past 3 years, UNITAR’s partnership with AGFUND has delivered a dozen of initiatives for the benefit of hundreds of beneficiaries from over 108 countries globally,” he added. Lauding the efforts of the joint initiative, Seth said: “Despite the pandemic, AGFUND and the Prize Committee dedication to supporting impactful projects that contribute to sustainable development in the least developed countries remains strong” he said. Seth added: “The next phase of our partnership is to democratize education by providing accredited and affordable degree programs on financial inclusion from academic institutions globally.”