Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), recently participated in a high-level side event at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event, titled “Building a Better World Together: The Future of Humanitarian Work,” focused on exploring the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of humanitarian efforts. Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the need for collective action to align global humanitarian work with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During his address, Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing the humanitarian landscape, including violations of international humanitarian law, displacement, conflicts, and natural disasters. He stressed the urgency of addressing these crises to prevent further strain on the humanitarian aid system. Dr. Al Rabeeah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian initiatives through KSrelief, which has implemented over 3,000 projects across 102 countries since its establishment in 2015, at a cost of $7 billion in collaboration with 192 humanitarian organizations.
One of the key initiatives highlighted by Dr. Al Rabeeah is the Saudi Mine Action Project (MASAM), which aims to clear dangerous mines from Yemeni lands. By removing over 460,000 mines, the project has contributed to various sustainable development goals, enhancing public safety and improving access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions and proactive measures to support affected populations, showcasing MASAM as an example of successful humanitarian intervention.
The event served as a vital opportunity to discuss how multilateral approaches can effectively respond to current challenges and enhance joint efforts in building a better world. Dr. Al Rabeeah reiterated KSrelief’s commitment to applying a nexus approach that integrates humanitarian work, development, and peace. He emphasized the need for collaboration to alleviate human suffering, empower communities, and address the root causes of crises, promoting respect for international humanitarian law and principles.
Co-hosted by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Secretariat and key organizations such as the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the high-level side event provided a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss strategies for building a better world. Dr. Al Rabeeah’s participation underscored the importance of collective action in addressing humanitarian challenges and the significance of proactive measures in supporting affected populations.
In conclusion, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah’s participation in the high-level side event at the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the ongoing efforts of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address humanitarian crises and support affected populations around the world. By emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions, proactive measures, and collaboration among stakeholders, Dr. Al Rabeeah reiterated the importance of working together to build a better world and alleviate human suffering. The event provided a platform for discussing strategies to enhance joint efforts and effectively respond to current humanitarian challenges, promoting respect for international humanitarian law and principles in pursuit of a better future for all.
