RIYADH: The Saudi-led Catmosphere Foundation on Saturday celebrated its annual event, Catwalk, and invited the world to participate.
Saudi embassies around the world responded by participating in the 7-kilometre walking initiative, which includes a number of engaging activities along the way.
The Catwalk Initiative is an annual celebration commemorating the United Nations’ declaration last year of February 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard.
Catmosphere, a non-profit organization founded by Princess Reema bint Bandar, works to prevent the extinction of the Arabian leopard, educate participants about the animal, and connect people with the environment through a variety of social activities.
Princess Reema, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, said: “I was delighted that last year the United Nations recognized the International Day of the Arabian Leopard. This is a Saudi initiative supported by more than 30 member states.” he said.
“This announcement is significant as it marks the first time the United Nations has designated a day of international recognition of a mammal, big cat or subspecies.
“And this is the first time that an international day designated by the United Nations is being held under the leadership of Saudi Arabia. We are especially proud that this day is Nature Conservation Day.”
This designation resulted from the joint efforts of Catmosphere, the AlUla Royal Commission, the Arabian Leopard Foundation, and the Saudi Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
A catwalk event will be held in Riyadh with a walk through the historic Boujairi in Diriyah, where people from different backgrounds, including families and children, will take part in protecting endangered wild cats. Participated in various activities to raise awareness about the importance of initiatives.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated, with Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Elkereij tweeting: “Along with the United Nations’ adoption of February 10 as International Arabian Leopard Day, we are pleased to be part of the #Catwalk2024 initiative that endorses Saudi efforts.” 7 big cats to protect wildlife Let’s protect animals. ”
The seven big cats include jaguars, lions, snow leopards, and pumas.
The catwalk was organized by the Saudi Embassy in Egypt, and several officials from the embassy and the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports participated in the march, including Osama Ngari, Saudi Ambassador to Egypt.
“Saudi Arabia’s celebration of the International Day of the Arabian Leopard serves a noble goal aimed at introducing ecological values and instilling the principles of protecting the Arabian leopard from extinction and returning it to its natural environment.” Ngari told Arab News.
“Reflecting this interest, Saudi Arabia has submitted a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly to be adopted in June 2023,” he added.
“The Embassy was honored to organize the march on this occasion, which, in addition to our fellow Egyptians, brought together embassy staff and members of the Saudi community in Egypt, of all ages and without exception. Many people participated enthusiastically.”
The embassy also organized various activities for children.
The Saudi Embassy in Ireland also participated in the catwalk, with Deputy Ambassador Abdulsalam Al Mushaiti and Dr Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al Fuhaid, Acting Director of the Cultural Attaché, walking on the catwalk with children and staff. participated in.
The walk started at the famous Samuel Beckett Bridge in the Irish capital, Al Mushaiti writes in X.
The Saudi Embassy in Italy shared a photo of Catwalk 2024 on X with the caption: “Highlights of the first-ever #InternationalArabianLeopardDay celebration in Rome @catmospherenow.”
The Saudi embassy in New Delhi also participated, writing to X: “On this occasion, the Embassy organized #Catwalk2024, an initiative launched by @catmospherenow to raise awareness about efforts to conserve the Arabian leopard.”
The Saudi Embassy in Switzerland also attended the event and wrote about X: The Embassy in Bern will participate in #Catwalk2024, walking 7 kilometers to raise awareness about the importance of efforts to protect seven endangered wild cat species. We are walking to protect the Arabian leopard. ”
RCU has taken this opportunity to launch its new Leap of Hope campaign, which aims to raise global awareness and encourage conservation efforts for endangered big cats.
The Catwalk initiative received support from various government agencies, including the Home Office. Local Government, Rural Affairs and Housing. Foreign Affairs; Environment, Water, Agriculture. education; and sports.