UN Secretary-General Visits KSrelief to Strengthen Global Humanitarian Cooperation
Riyadh – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, KSrelief, in Riyadh to discuss expanding collaboration on humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
The visit highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to global relief efforts and its partnership with international organizations to support vulnerable populations.
Guterres met with Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and supervisor general of KSrelief, along with senior officials, to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Wasil, also participated in the discussions, reflecting the high-level engagement of both sides.
The meetings focused on humanitarian priorities, relief programs, and strategies to strengthen joint operations between KSrelief and UN agencies.
The dialogue emphasized innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in delivering aid to regions affected by conflict, disasters, and humanitarian crises.
Officials presented an overview of KSrelief’s global portfolio, which now includes 3,881 active projects across 109 countries, with a combined value exceeding $8 billion.
The portfolio covers diverse programs, from medical aid and artificial limbs distribution to educational and reintegration initiatives for children affected by conflict.
Guterres was briefed on key initiatives such as the Masam demining program in Yemen, which removes landmines and unexploded ordnance to protect civilian communities.
The center’s Conjoined Twins Program and voluntary medical missions were also highlighted as examples of Saudi-led innovation and international collaboration.
The visit included a tour of KSrelief’s permanent exhibition, which features an interactive map showing beneficiary countries and multimedia stories that demonstrate the impact of the center’s work.
Guterres experienced the “messages of hope” corner, using virtual-reality technology to understand the perspectives of refugees and displaced populations firsthand.
The UN chief also met Saudi medical volunteers who participate in KSrelief missions abroad, hearing personal accounts of their dedication to saving lives and delivering assistance on the ground.
These interactions underscored the human element of humanitarian work and the importance of training, preparedness, and cross-border coordination.
Guterres further visited offices of partner organizations housed within the center to learn about joint programs and collaborative efforts that amplify the reach and effectiveness of humanitarian aid.
The engagement highlighted KSrelief’s role as a hub for international cooperation, fostering partnerships that benefit communities globally.
The visit reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to addressing humanitarian needs through innovation, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
KSrelief continues to set standards in efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in relief operations, making a significant contribution to international humanitarian efforts.
Through initiatives like digital relief platforms, international registration systems, and capacity-building programs, KSrelief is helping transform the delivery of aid worldwide.
The collaboration with the UN exemplifies how global institutions can work together to support vulnerable populations and build resilient communities.
The meeting and tour of KSrelief by the UN Secretary-General demonstrate the Kingdom’s leadership in humanitarian action and its strategic vision for global relief.
By fostering partnerships, advancing innovative programs, and prioritizing the needs of affected populations, Saudi Arabia continues to positively impact millions of lives worldwide.
