Riyadh Hosts 38th Global Plant Protection Meeting

Riyadh will host the 38th session of the Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (38th TC-RPPOs) beginning Monday, October 5, 2026, organized by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa Center), according to an official announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The four-day gathering brings together representatives of regional plant protection organizations from multiple continents alongside the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a convening power in global agricultural governance.

The meeting follows the successful conclusion of the Executive Committee of the Near East and North Africa Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), which wrapped up its work in Riyadh in the presence of NEPPO Executive Council Chairman Dr. Mohamed Alkuriji and NEPPO Executive Director Mohamed Habib Ben Jamâa. Representatives of the executive committee’s member states — Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, and Sudan — took part in that session. Riyadh’s hosting of both meetings reflects the Kingdom’s sustained support for regional and international cooperation in plant health and its efforts to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise among relevant entities and organizations. But why does a technical consultation on plant protection matter beyond the agricultural sector, and what does it signal about Saudi Arabia’s expanding diplomatic and scientific footprint?

Context and Background

Plant protection has evolved from a narrow agricultural concern into a cornerstone of global food security, trade facilitation, and environmental sustainability. The Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (TC-RPPOs) is a standing mechanism under the International Plant Protection Convention, the multilateral treaty that sets international standards for phytosanitary measures. These standards govern how countries prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that threaten crops, forests, and natural ecosystems. The 38th session in Riyadh continues a tradition of annual consultations that allow regional organizations to align their work with global norms, share technical breakthroughs, and coordinate responses to emerging threats. Have you considered how a single pest outbreak in one region can disrupt food supplies thousands of kilometers away?

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as the Weqaa Center, is Saudi Arabia’s technical authority for plant and animal health. Established to strengthen the Kingdom’s biosecurity infrastructure, Weqaa operates at the intersection of agriculture, trade, and environmental protection. Its role in organizing the 38th TC-RPPOs session places Saudi Arabia at the center of a network that spans the Near East, North Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and other regions. The presence of the FAO and the IPPC secretariat elevates the meeting beyond a regional technical exchange; it becomes a node in the global system that keeps agricultural trade safe and predictable. How often do consumers think about the invisible systems that ensure the food on their tables is free from invasive pests?

The NEPPO Executive Committee meeting that preceded the TC-RPPOs session provided a concrete example of the Kingdom’s convening power. With participants from Morocco, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, and Sudan joining Saudi representatives, the Riyadh meeting advanced a regional agenda that includes harmonizing phytosanitary measures, building early-warning systems, and supporting capacity development in member states. NEPPO, which serves the Near East and North Africa region, has become an increasingly important platform for addressing transboundary plant health challenges, from desert locusts to emerging viral diseases affecting staple crops. What does it take for countries with different climates, crops, and regulatory systems to work from the same playbook?

Key Details of the Riyadh Session

The 38th TC-RPPOs session is scheduled to run for four days and will focus on following up on the outcomes of previous meetings while reviewing developments at regional plant protection organizations. According to the official announcement, the agenda includes technical and strategic issues of common interest, with an emphasis on strengthening the exchange of expertise, coordination, and cooperation among regional organizations. Participants will also develop future directions and action plans related to plant health and plant protection. The meeting’s structure reflects the dual mandate of the TC-RPPOs: to serve as a technical forum where specialists compare notes on pest surveillance, diagnostic tools, and risk assessment methodologies, and as a strategic platform where organizational leaders align priorities and resources. Why is continuity — following up on past decisions — as important as launching new initiatives?

The participation of the IPPC and the FAO brings additional weight to the discussions. The IPPC, hosted by the FAO in Rome, is the only international standard-setting body for plant health recognized by the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Its standards underpin the phytosanitary certificates that accompany billions of dollars in agricultural trade each year. When regional organizations meet under the IPPC umbrella, they help ensure that the global system remains coherent, science-based, and responsive to new risks. The FAO’s involvement adds a food security lens, connecting plant protection to broader efforts to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. How might a small change in a phytosanitary standard ripple through global supply chains?

The Riyadh meeting will also provide a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its own investments in plant health infrastructure. The Weqaa Center has been developing surveillance networks, diagnostic laboratories, and rapid-response capabilities that serve both domestic agriculture and the Kingdom’s role as a regional logistics hub. As Saudi Arabia expands its agricultural output and its role in global food trade — including through investments in food security under Vision 2030 — robust phytosanitary systems become essential enablers. They protect farmers, facilitate exports, and safeguard the natural environment from invasive species that can cause irreversible damage. What would it mean for a regional exporter if a single shipment were rejected because of a pest detection?

Why Plant Health Is a Global Priority

The stakes in plant protection are difficult to overstate. The FAO estimates that plant pests and diseases destroy up to 40 percent of global food crops each year, with economic losses exceeding $220 billion. Invasive insects, pathogens, and weeds also damage forests, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt ecosystems that communities depend on for livelihoods and ecosystem services. Climate change is intensifying these pressures by altering the geographic ranges of pests, extending growing seasons, and creating new opportunities for pathogens to establish in previously unsuitable areas. In this context, the TC-RPPOs is not a bureaucratic ritual but a practical necessity. Do you know how many of the foods you eat depend on crops that are vulnerable to transboundary pests?

Regional plant protection organizations play a unique role in this global architecture. They translate international standards into regional action, facilitate information sharing among neighboring countries that often face similar pest pressures, and provide technical assistance to members with fewer resources. NEPPO, for example, has worked on harmonized protocols for locust control, fruit fly management, and seed health testing. Other regional organizations cover Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Europe. The TC-RPPOs meeting allows these bodies to learn from one another, avoid duplication, and present a unified voice to the IPPC and the FAO. What could a small country achieve by joining a regional network that it could not achieve alone?

Saudi Arabia’s decision to host both the NEPPO Executive Committee and the 38th TC-RPPOs in quick succession is a signal of intent. The Kingdom is not merely participating in global plant health governance; it is helping to shape it. This aligns with a broader pattern of Saudi engagement in multilateral technical and scientific bodies, from health and energy to space and artificial intelligence. By hosting meetings in Riyadh, the Kingdom also exposes its own experts to international best practices and builds relationships that can pay dividends in trade negotiations, research partnerships, and crisis response. How does a country’s reputation for technical competence influence its ability to attract investment and talent?

International and Regional Impact

The 38th TC-RPPOs session is expected to strengthen the coherence of the global phytosanitary system at a time when trade patterns are shifting and new pest threats are emerging. For countries in the Near East and North Africa, the meeting offers a chance to align their national strategies with the latest international standards, potentially reducing the friction that can arise when trading partners apply different rules. For the broader international community, the participation of the IPPC and the FAO ensures that regional insights feed into global standard-setting. The meeting also reinforces the principle that plant health is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines. Why should a trade minister care about a technical meeting on plant pests?

Regional cooperation in plant health has direct implications for food security, which remains a top priority for many governments in the Middle East and North Africa. The region imports a large share of its food, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. By strengthening phytosanitary systems, countries can reduce the risk of pest-related crop losses, improve the quality and safety of imported food, and expand their own agricultural exports. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes ambitious goals for agricultural sustainability, food security, and economic diversification, all of which depend on a robust plant health infrastructure. The Riyadh meeting thus contributes to a vision that extends beyond the conference room. What would it take for the region to become a net exporter of high-value agricultural products?

The meeting also has a diplomatic dimension. In a world where technical cooperation can be a bridge between countries with differing political perspectives, plant health offers a neutral and constructive agenda. The presence of delegations from across the Near East and North Africa, along with global organizations, demonstrates that shared challenges can foster shared solutions. Saudi Arabia’s role as host reflects its wider foreign policy emphasis on stability, dialogue, and development. By facilitating these conversations, the Kingdom reinforces its position as a responsible international actor and a reliable partner in multilateral efforts. How can technical collaboration pave the way for broader diplomatic understanding?

Economic and Strategic Significance

The economic significance of plant protection is often underestimated until a crisis occurs. A single outbreak of a destructive pest can lead to trade bans, price spikes, and significant losses for farmers and exporters. For Saudi Arabia, which is investing heavily in agricultural technology, controlled-environment farming, and food processing, strong phytosanitary systems are a prerequisite for market access. They also support the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a logistics and re-export hub, where goods move efficiently across borders with minimal risk of introducing pests. The Weqaa Center’s work therefore has a direct bearing on trade competitiveness. What is the cost of a delayed shipment of perishable goods at a border inspection point?

Strategically, the 38th TC-RPPOs meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to knowledge-based development. The exchange of expertise among regional organizations is not a one-way flow; Saudi experts both learn from and contribute to the global pool of knowledge. This two-way dynamic is essential for building local capacity and for ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s voice is heard in international standard-setting. It also creates opportunities for partnerships with research institutions, technology providers, and international organizations. As the Kingdom diversifies its economy, these networks become assets that support innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and related sectors. How does participation in a technical consultation translate into tangible benefits for farmers and consumers?

The meeting’s focus on future directions and action plans suggests that participants will leave Riyadh with a concrete agenda for the coming years. This could include joint research projects, harmonized diagnostic protocols, training programs, and coordinated responses to emerging pests. For Saudi Arabia, hosting the meeting provides an opportunity to shape that agenda in ways that reflect its priorities and capabilities. It also demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to organize and lead complex international events, a skill that will serve it well as it continues to host major global gatherings. What does it mean for a country’s soft power when it becomes a hub for solving shared problems?

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 38th TC-RPPOs and the NEPPO Executive Committee aligns closely with the goals of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s national transformation strategy. Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy, enhance food security, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in trade, investment, and international cooperation. A strong plant health system supports these objectives by protecting agricultural productivity, enabling exports, and reducing the risks associated with reliance on food imports. The Weqaa Center’s work is a practical expression of the Vision’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and resilience. How can a modern phytosanitary system contribute to a nation’s long-term prosperity?

Moreover, the meetings in Riyadh reflect Vision 2030’s ambition to make the Kingdom a hub for international diplomacy and knowledge exchange. By bringing together organizations from multiple regions, Saudi Arabia is not only showcasing its capabilities but also building the relationships that will underpin future collaboration. The presence of the FAO and the IPPC underscores the Kingdom’s integration into the global system of agricultural governance. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in science, technology, and human capital, its role in forums like the TC-RPPOs will only grow. The Riyadh session is therefore more than a meeting; it is a step toward a future in which the Kingdom is recognized as a leader in safeguarding plant health and global food security. What legacy will these four days of consultation leave for the next generation of farmers and scientists?

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 38th TC-RPPOs meeting?

A1. It is the 38th session of the Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations, a global forum that coordinates plant health efforts under the International Plant Protection Convention. It is being hosted in Riyadh from Monday, October 5, 2026.

Q2. Who is organizing the event in Riyadh?

A2. The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as the Weqaa Center, is organizing the four-day session. Weqaa is Saudi Arabia’s technical authority for plant and animal health.

Q3. Which organizations are participating?

A3. Representatives of several regional plant protection organizations from various regions are attending, along with the International Plant Protection Convention and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Q4. What is the main purpose of the meeting?

A4. The session aims to follow up on previous meeting outcomes, review developments at regional organizations, discuss technical and strategic issues, and develop future directions and action plans for plant health.

Q5. How long will the meeting last?

A5. The 38th TC-RPPOs session is scheduled to run for four days, beginning Monday, October 5, 2026, in Riyadh. It will include technical discussions and strategic planning.

Q6. What was the NEPPO Executive Committee meeting in Riyadh?

A6. It was a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Near East and North Africa Plant Protection Organization, held in Riyadh ahead of the TC-RPPOs session. It concluded successfully with participation from member states.

Q7. Who attended the NEPPO Executive Committee meeting?

A7. The meeting was held in the presence of NEPPO Executive Council Chairman Dr. Mohamed Alkuriji and Executive Director Mohamed Habib Ben Jamâa, with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, and Sudan.

Q8. Why is plant protection important globally?

A8. Plant pests and diseases destroy up to 40 percent of global food crops annually, causing over $220 billion in losses. Plant protection safeguards food security, trade, and biodiversity.

Q9. What is the role of the IPPC?

A9. The International Plant Protection Convention sets international standards for phytosanitary measures. These standards are recognized by the World Trade Organization and underpin safe agricultural trade.

Q10. How does the FAO contribute to plant health?

A10. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations hosts the IPPC secretariat and provides technical expertise, resources, and a food security perspective to global plant health efforts.

Q11. What does Saudi Arabia gain from hosting these meetings?

A11. Hosting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a convening power, showcases its technical capabilities, and allows its experts to exchange knowledge and build partnerships with international organizations.

Q12. How does plant health relate to food security?

A12. Healthy plants are essential for reliable food production. Protecting crops from pests reduces losses, stabilizes supplies, and helps keep food affordable for consumers.

Q13. What is the Weqaa Center’s mission?

A13. The Weqaa Center works to prevent and control plant pests and animal diseases in Saudi Arabia. It develops surveillance, diagnostics, and response systems to protect agriculture and trade.

Q14. What are regional plant protection organizations?

A14. They are regional bodies that coordinate plant health efforts among neighboring countries. They help harmonize standards, share information, and provide technical assistance to members.

Q15. How does climate change affect plant pests?

A15. Climate change can expand pest ranges, increase outbreak frequency, and create new threats. This makes international cooperation in plant protection more urgent.

Q16. What economic benefits come from strong phytosanitary systems?

A16. They facilitate exports by meeting trade partners’ requirements, reduce crop losses, protect farmers’ incomes, and support the growth of agribusiness and logistics sectors.

Q17. How does the Riyadh meeting connect to Vision 2030?

A17. Vision 2030 aims for economic diversification, food security, and global engagement. Strong plant health systems and international cooperation directly support these goals.

Q18. What outcomes are expected from the 38th TC-RPPOs?

A18. Expected outcomes include strengthened coordination, updated action plans, and enhanced exchange of expertise among regional organizations and global partners.

Q19. Why is Saudi Arabia a suitable host for this meeting?

A19. Saudi Arabia has invested in modern plant health infrastructure, is strategically located between continents, and has demonstrated a commitment to multilateral cooperation in agriculture and trade.

Q20. What does the future hold for global plant health cooperation?

A20. Future cooperation will focus on innovation, early warning systems, and harmonized standards. Saudi Arabia is positioned to play a growing role in these efforts through Vision 2030.

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