On December 13, 2024, the meeting of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) advisory group concluded in New York City, with representatives from 19 member countries, including Saudi Arabia, in attendance.
Aqeel Jamaan Al Ghamdi, the Assistant Supervisor General for Planning and Development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), represented Saudi Arabia at the meeting. He commended the collaborative efforts of participating nations and stressed the importance of integrating field perspectives to enhance CERF responses. Al Ghamdi proposed the establishment of mechanisms for shared learning among member states to improve performance and replicate successes on the ground.
In addition, Al Ghamdi called for bolstering CERF's resources through innovative financing methods, including Islamic social financing, and increased private sector engagement. He also suggested using the 20th anniversary of CERF’s establishment as an opportunity to raise awareness of its crucial role, with media events in New York, Geneva, and beneficiary countries. The meeting included discussions led by UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, who provided insights into the global humanitarian landscape and CERF’s impact. The event concluded with recommendations for future priorities and a focus on enhancing collaboration among donor countries, private sectors, and humanitarian organizations.