KEY POINTS
- Saudi Arabia’s king raised over $1.1 billion in aid to IDPs across the Sahel and Chad regions.
- Donations from over 10 countries would support over 30 million affected by conflict and climate issues.
- Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $30 million to solidify its commitment to humanitarian aid in 2024.
King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, through his humanitarian Aid and Relief Center(KSrelief), at a Donor Conference held in Jeddah, raised over $1.1 billion to support humanitarian efforts of displaced people and refugees across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
The conference, held in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), drew contributions from more than 10 donor countries, organizations, and agencies.
His royal highness, who is the third oldest living head of state, the oldest living monarch, and Saudi Arabia’s first head of state born after the unification of Saudi Arabia, through his Kingdom pledged an additional $30 million at the conference, bringing its total commitment to $51 million in 2024. The fund is earmarked to support urgent assistance for over 30 million people in the regions facing the consequences of conflict, economic instability and climate change.
Global Support and Commitment
The Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, Abdullah Al Rabeea, expressed gratitude to donor nations stressing that the contributions underscore global solidarity. In his words, “These contributions not only demonstrate solidarity but empower humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving support, contributing to greater security and resilience for affected populations,” affirming the immense support of Saudi Arabia.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha described the conference as a testament to international unity, saying, “The presence of so many committed nations and organizations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation.”
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, lauded Saudi Arabia and OIC for their leadership in organizing the conference, stressing the importance of humanitarian aid in these areas. Guterres advocated actions to end underlying issues affecting the lives of people and the protection of civilians.
Saudi Arabia’s expanded pledge reaffirms its role in international humanitarian aid, with KSrelief aiming to support communities in crisis while fostering global resilience and security. The funding represents a substantial step toward addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian needs in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
