Celebrating the International Year of Camelids 2024: The Role of youth in advancing the Camelid sector for sustainable growth

Marking the International Year of Camelids 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) along with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Permanent Mission of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the United Nations Office at Geneva organized a week long exhibition (24-28 June) at the Palais des Nations to highlight the crucial role of camelids in local economies, showcasing their contributions as sources of fiber, milk and meat.

The exhibition featured a detailed presentation of agricultural products from Saudi Arabia and Bolivia, such as traditional Saudi Arabian weaving tools, wool, carpets and wall tassels, as well as Bolivian Alpaca wool products like gloves, hats, jackets and shawls.

A key highlight of the exhibition was the High-level Exhibition Opening Celebration on 25 June, featuring keynote presentations from notable speakers on the significance of camelids for food security, nutrition and economic growth. Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, welcomed participants by highlighting the contribution of camelids to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ms Semedo extended FAO’s gratitude towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Plurinational State of Bolivia for their support to this global campaign.

Ms Semedo's intervention was followed by and address by Francesco Pisano, Director of the UN Library and Archives and Chairman of Cultural Activities at UN Geneva, who emphasized UN Geneva's role in fostering positive change by creating spaces for learning and discussion. H.E. Ali Mohammad Alshaikhi, Assistant Deputy for Livestock and Fisheries of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, underscored the centrality of camels to Saudi culture. He pointed out the Kingdom's commitment to preserving its heritage and supporting the camel sector through initiatives like the annual King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. H.E. Ambassador Maira Mariela Macdonal, Permanent Representative from the Permanent Mission of Bolivia, highlighted the crucial role of camelids in ensuring food security, nutrition and economic growth for many communities. She spoke on the historical, cultural and economic importance of camelids to Indigenous Peoples and rural communities. Ambassador Macdonal underlined that the International Year of Camelids aims to enhance the primary productive base, focusing on textile industry transformation and traditional food systems. She stressed the economic empowerment of women through pastoral work and fiber use.

The exhibition is part of efforts to raise awareness of camelids' contributions to sustainability and human well-being. Julio Pinto, FAO Animal Health Officer, introduced the International Year of Camelids 2024 and outlined the species' significance. He noted that many communities depend on camelid products and services, which support the sustainable use of fragile ecosystems and build climate resilience in mountainous and arid regions.

Finally, Javier García Bravo, Head of Youth Assembly at the World Food Forum brought to the forefront the critical importance of engaging young people in the camelid sector to drive sustainable development and achieve the SDGs. Mr Bravo's speech underscored that by involving young people in this field, there is an opportunity to enhance research, adopt innovative practices and promote sustainable agrifood systems that are resilient to climate change. His call to action aimed to inspire the next generation to take an active role in preserving and advancing the camelid sector, ensuring its sustainability and relevance in the future.

The International Year of Camelids 2024 brings to light the importance of camelids to millions of households across over 90 countries, particularly Indigenous Peoples and local communities in deserts, arid and semi-arid lands of Africa and Asia, and the Andean highlands. This exhibition at the Palais des Nations not only celebrated the vital role of camelids in local economies but also highlighted the need for global cooperation and youth engagement to ensure the sustainable future of these remarkable animals.