KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

Special KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
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KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3bn, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
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KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah speaks during a roundtable session with media representatives in Riyadh on February 23, 2025. (SPA)
Special KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
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KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah speaks during a roundtable session with media representatives in Riyadh on February 23, 2025. (SPA)
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KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3bn, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah speaks during a roundtable session with media representatives in Riyadh on February 23, 2025. (SPA)
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KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3bn, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3bn, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 24 February 2025
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KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
  • KSrelief’s worldwide aid efforts exceed $7.3 billion
  • King Salman always concerned with humanitarian work, says KSrelief chief

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3 billion, its Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah noted at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Monday.

The agency has implemented 3,355 relief projects either directly or through its 211 international, national, and local partners.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum which is being held in partnership with the UN, Al-Rabeeah said: “This is a moment worthy of reflection, to draw lessons from the past that will help us to direct our actions towards the future.”

He noted that the forum, which is being attended by experts, officials from the UN and various international organization, is held under the theme “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of KSrelief.

“King Salman has always been vitally concerned with humanitarian work, which he underscored 10 years ago with his establishment of the KSrelief to be a leading center in delivering Saudi humanitarian aid to those most in need around the world,” Al-Rabeeah said. “(It is) an approach that combines humanitarian giving, strategic planning, effective and rapid emergency interventions during crises of all kinds.”

He added that as a result of these efforts, the Kingdom’s total charitable contributions over the past five decades have surpassed $133.8 billion. “Additionally, KSrelief is one of the leading international organizations that implement extensive networks of global volunteer missions — 876 thus far across 52 countries,” he said.

KSrelief also actively participates with the UN in supporting a wide range of global humanitarian initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and contributes to the creation of innovative access mechanisms that achieve significant and comprehensive results.

He explained that the forum is being held within the context of collaborative efforts with the international community “as we share experience and knowledge to improve humanitarian crisis response.”

The event features 21 sessions and 132 speakers and will serve as a starting point for developing innovative initiatives that open new opportunities for humanitarian work.

These initiatives will incorporate creative models inspired by the most up-to-date technologies to improve the operational efficiency of humanitarian responses, ensure the optimal use of resources, and minimize duplication of efforts to better meet the lives of vulnerable groups worldwide.

The forum also provides an opportunity to call on the global donor community and partners from both the public and private sectors to provide the necessary financial support for humanitarian programs, to improve the speed and efficiency of crisis response, and to address urgent humanitarian appeals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan thanked the diverse participation, saying: “We value the efforts and participation.”

He added: “This is a sign of standing firm and united in commitment to addressing the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.”

Prince Faisal praised KSrelief for being at the forefront of humanitarian efforts for people in need everywhere including Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and all over the world.

He commended KSrelief’s extraordinary efforts with the Masam project removing landmines in war hit Yemen, as well as its efforts to champion humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.

Saudi moves to enhance dialogue and resolve conflicts have been acknowledged by the world, he said, noting that humanitarian diplomacy is very important in conflict areas, and that KSrelief has been playing a crucial role in preserving values.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar read a message on behalf of King Salman that highlighted the commendable role the KSrelief played over the first decade of its run.

The opening ceremony saw the signing of four agreements: the first memorandum of financial contribution was signed between KSrelief and the World Health Organization with the amount of $300 million for the global polio eradication initiative; the second memorandum was signed between KSrelief and UNICEF with $200 million allocated for the initiative; the third between KSrelief and the Islamic Development Bank with a $100 million contribution to the lives and livelihood fund; and the fourth, a renewal of a joint cooperation program between KSrelief and the World Food Programme which has spanned several decades, during which the Kingdom has supported the dates program with more than 100,000 tonnes donated.

Speaking at the session on “Humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts,” Al-Rabeeah said humanitarian diplomacy is key in paving the way to resolve humanitarian catastrophe in conflict areas.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.

He underlined that impartiality and neutrality is important for humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts.

International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope stressed the importance of access to basic services such as healthcare, water, food and shelter in conflict areas. 

She thanked KSrelief for bringing the organization into this key discussion, saying ensuring the needs of the people on the move remain central to the humanitarian agenda. 

Maciej Popowski, director general of the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, stressed the importance of the legal aspect of humanitarian diplomacy and called for humanitarian diplomacy according to international humanitarian law, without indulging in politics.

He also mentioned EU sanctions on Syria during the previous regime.

The EU Council, meanwhile, decided on Monday to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the improved situation in Syria Arab Republic. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.

Pierre Krahenbuhl, director general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, praised Saudi Arabia for its important role in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine for humanitarian diplomacy in these armed conflicts.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, in a video message, praised KSrelief’s key role in humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 19 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.

During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 


Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations
Updated 46 min 8 sec ago
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Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.

The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.

During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.


Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo

Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo
Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo

Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo
  • Exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality
  • Visitors received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah

RIYADH: The sixth Jusoor exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina, Kosovo, is attracting a large number of visitors daily.

The exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality.

The technology pavilion at the 10-day event has attracted significant interest for its modern digital innovations highlighting the Kingdom’s technical progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It includes several ministry-developed applications, notably the Correct Citation app, which features a smart keyboard that accurately integrates Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadiths, and allows them to be shared as text or images.

The 3D Hajj and Umrah app offers a virtual experience simulating pilgrimage rituals in multiple languages, while the Rushd app provides a comprehensive digital library with books and Islamic content in 51 languages.

Attendees praised the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and promoting moderation, the SPA reported.

Visitors also received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, and its role in serving pilgrims.

Additionally, VR technology allows visitors to explore rare photos of Makkah and historic mosques, offering an engaging interactive experience of the Kingdom’s history and holy sites.

The ministry recently concluded the fifth Jusoor exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors from diverse backgrounds.

The 10-day exhibition at Istiqlal Mosque was one of the largest cultural and advocacy events organized by the ministry outside the Kingdom.

Saudi officials also distributed more than 150,000 copies of Qur’an, printed and translated into Indonesian by the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Indonesian visitors praised the exhibition for its blend of spiritual and cultural themes, strong organization, and diverse, informative content.


Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments
Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments

Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed authorities to ensure top-level Hajj preparations and pilgrim services
  • The cabinet highlighted record non-oil exports and praised Saudi Arabia’s global rise in digital governance and open data transparency

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting in Jeddah that reviewd Hajj preperations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.

He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.

The crown prince also observed the record performance reports of the kingdom’s non-oil exports in 2024 and their continued upward trajectory. The reports reflect the accelerating steps towards diversifying sources of income and investment in the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030.  

Ministers also noted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital governance, including its top regional ranking for the third year in the UN’s e-government services index, and its leap of 92 places in the global Open Data Inventory.

On regional issues, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation across conflict zones, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria, urged an end to the war in Sudan through a local political solution, and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in Palestine.


New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency

New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency
Updated 06 May 2025
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New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency

New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency
  • Project will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim
  • NCVC continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom

RIYADH: A new project launched in Riyadh aims to optimize water use and conserve resources, aligning with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Yazeed Al-Asheikh, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University, launched the project.

It will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim.

The project will also evaluate the impact of biochar on water efficiency and sustainable growth, according to the SPA.

Additionally, it will assess carbon storage potential of native species in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as mangroves in Asir and Jazan, across various ecosystems.

At the launch, the team presented the project’s objectives, phases, and expected outcomes. Field visits have begun to identify key locations and plant communities.

The center continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom, including conservation, ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity restoration, rangeland management, and the protection of natural resources.