New York, December 14, 2024 – The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) held its high-level donor support group meeting yesterday in New York City, with the Kingdom of Norway chairing the session. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from donor countries, international organizations, and key humanitarian agencies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by Dr. Aqeel Al Ghamdi, Assistant Supervisor-General of Planning and Development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), who led the Saudi delegation in this critical discussion on global humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Al Ghamdi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to supporting international humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's significant role as one of the largest global donors. He highlighted the Kingdom’s active participation in providing financial and logistical support to humanitarian operations worldwide, particularly in regions affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. Through its robust contributions, Saudi Arabia continues to support life-saving initiatives and humanitarian relief efforts in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
In his address, Dr. Al Ghamdi underscored Saudi Arabia’s strong advocacy for the incorporation of modern technology in humanitarian work. He stressed the importance of utilizing digital tools and innovations to enhance the effectiveness and reach of humanitarian programs, particularly in conflict zones and areas impacted by complex humanitarian crises. By leveraging technology, Dr. Al Ghamdi emphasized, humanitarian aid can be delivered more efficiently, with greater precision and broader coverage, ensuring that resources reach those most in need.
Further elaborating on Saudi Arabia's approach, Dr. Al Ghamdi reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to unrestricted funding for OCHA operations, which is essential for providing immediate and flexible humanitarian responses. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds can be used where they are most urgently needed, without bureaucratic delays or constraints. He also spoke passionately about the Kingdom’s focus on inclusivity within its humanitarian efforts. Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, places particular emphasis on designing programs that address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Al Ghamdi’s speech at the OCHA meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that humanitarian responses are not only swift but also reflective of the diverse needs of affected communities. He pointed out that designing programs with inclusivity in mind is essential to ensure that no group is left behind in times of crisis. KSrelief’s initiatives have been at the forefront of supporting marginalized populations, with a strong focus on gender-sensitive programming and disability-inclusive approaches.
The meeting served as an important platform for aligning international humanitarian efforts, strengthening donor coordination, and fostering collaboration to address global challenges. Dr. Al Ghamdi’s remarks underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting effective, inclusive, and sustainable humanitarian solutions. The Kingdom’s ongoing support for OCHA and its proactive approach in addressing global humanitarian challenges continue to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need, particularly in crisis-stricken areas around the world.
This engagement underscores the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to global humanitarian leadership and its determination to help shape a future where humanitarian responses are more efficient, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of vulnerable populations worldwide.
