Alwaleed Philanthropies Receives 2025 EU Chaillot Prize for Promoting Human Rights in the GCC
Alwaleed Philanthropies, chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, has been awarded the 2025 Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This distinguished honor recognizes Alwaleed Philanthropies’ commitment to advancing humanitarian values, fostering understanding and collaboration, and working toward a world where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, or religion.
The award was presented at Alwaleed Philanthropies’ headquarters in Riyadh, where HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud received the prize from HE Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This milestone highlights the foundation’s role as a catalyst for positive social change through strategic partnerships.
The Chaillot Prize is awarded annually by the European Union Delegations to the GCC to organizations and institutions that demonstrate tangible impact in advancing human rights. Alwaleed Philanthropies was selected for its holistic approach to social welfare, with a focus on building resilient and comprehensive institutional structures that expand opportunities and empower communities.
HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, said: "We are proud to receive the 2025 EU Chaillot Prize, which recognizes more than 45 years of humanitarian work by Alwaleed Philanthropies. Throughout its journey, the foundation has been guided by a steadfast belief that people are at the heart of development, and that meaningful societal impact is achieved not through short-term solutions, but by building capacities, preserving dignity, and creating sustainable opportunities.
This humanitarian approach stems from the vision of HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, which places people at the center of every initiative and embraces global partnerships to deliver long-term impact that transcends borders and cultural differences.
We view this international recognition not only as a celebration of what has been achieved, but as a renewed responsibility to continue humanitarian work grounded in empowerment, solidarity, and inclusion, aligned with societal aspirations and offering hope to future generations."
HE Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, commented: "The European Union is proud to award the 2025 Chaillot Prize to Alwaleed Philanthropies in recognition of its longstanding and impactful commitment to the promotion of human rights. Through its work in Saudi Arabia and across the region, the Foundation places dignity, inclusion, and empowerment at the heart of its initiatives, demonstrating how philanthropy can drive meaningful and sustainable social change. The award also reflects the strong partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and our shared commitment to advancing cooperation that improves lives and strengthens communities. "
This recognition reflects Alwaleed Philanthropies’ commitment to its philosophy of “philanthropy without boundaries.” Through strategic partnerships with government, non-governmental, charitable, and non-profit organizations, the foundation continues to lead innovative efforts in delivering effective humanitarian solutions, advancing community development, and achieving sustainable social impact both locally and globally.
Over four decades, Alwaleed Philanthropies has supported and spent more than 5 billion dollars on social welfare and initiated more than 1000 projects in over 190 countries, managed by 10 Saudi female members, and reaching more than 1.5 billion beneficiaries around the world, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Alwaleed Philanthropies collaborates with a range of philanthropic, governmental, and nongovernmental to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief, and create cultural understanding through education. It seeks to build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.
