Saudi Arabia Joins Global Alliance Against Hunger and

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024, and announced that Saudi Arabia is joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The session, titled “Social Inclusion and Combating Hunger and Poverty,” placed the challenges of food insecurity and global inequality at the center of the world’s leading economic forum, and Saudi Arabia used the platform to reaffirm both its diplomatic priorities and its long record of humanitarian and developmental giving. The announcement was carried by the Saudi Press Agency and reflects a decision taken at the highest level of the Kingdom’s leadership.

The Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with their best wishes for the summit’s success. He also expressed Saudi Arabia’s gratitude to the Federative Republic of Brazil for its leadership of the G20 this year under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” For observers of global affairs, the moment carried a clear message: the Kingdom intends to be a constructive partner in solving the world’s most pressing social and economic problems, not merely a participant in the conversation. But what does it actually mean when a major energy producer and G20 member formally joins a global coalition against hunger? The answer lies in the scale of Saudi humanitarian and development work, which spans decades and reaches across continents.

Context and Background

Why has hunger and poverty returned to the top of the global agenda at a time of considerable geopolitical tension? The G20, which brings together the world’s largest economies, has increasingly recognized that economic stability cannot be separated from social inclusion. Brazil, as this year’s president, chose to launch the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as a flagship initiative, seeking to mobilize governments, international organizations, and financial institutions behind a coordinated push to reduce food insecurity. The alliance is designed to complement existing multilateral efforts, including the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, by encouraging both policy commitments and practical financing.

Saudi Arabia arrived at the summit with substantial credentials in this field. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has delivered assistance in more than 90 countries, focusing on food security, health, shelter, and emergency relief. The Saudi Fund for Development has financed infrastructure, education, and agricultural projects across the developing world, often in partnership with recipient governments and multilateral lenders. The Kingdom has also contributed to International Monetary Fund and World Bank programs that support developing nations facing fiscal stress. These are not new commitments adopted for the occasion; they are longstanding features of Saudi foreign policy, and they explain why the Kingdom’s decision to join the alliance was described as consistent with its developmental goals and global role.

The timing also matters. The world is facing what the Foreign Minister described as increasing tensions, military conflicts, and humanitarian crises that hinder the achievement of development goals. In that environment, a coalition focused on hunger and poverty offers a rare point of convergence among diverse economies. Saudi Arabia’s participation signals that it sees social inclusion as both a moral imperative and a stabilizing force in international relations. It also positions the Kingdom alongside Brazil and other partners in shaping a practical agenda that can survive broader geopolitical divisions.

Key Details of the Kingdom’s Participation

What exactly did the Foreign Minister say, and which commitments did he highlight? In his speech, Prince Faisal bin Farhan noted that development and prosperity cannot be realized amidst death and destruction, a statement that framed the humanitarian crises of the moment as direct obstacles to economic progress. He highlighted that the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon has caused unprecedented levels of human suffering, pushing the region toward a wider war and undermining the credibility of international law and institutions. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering stance on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, the release of hostages, and a serious commitment to lasting peace based on a two-state solution according to the 1967 borders.

The Foreign Minister also addressed the situation in Sudan, stating that the conflict there is causing significant humanitarian suffering, particularly due to obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. This focus on access and delivery is central to the hunger and poverty discussion, because food insecurity in conflict zones is often less about the availability of supplies and more about whether they can reach civilians safely. Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated for humanitarian corridors and for the protection of aid workers, positions that align with the objectives of the new alliance.

Praising Brazil’s launch of the Global Coalition Against Hunger and Poverty, Prince Faisal announced that the Kingdom is pleased to join the coalition, aligning with its developmental goals and its global role in this field. He pointed to the initiatives of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Saudi Fund for Development, and the Kingdom’s contributions to International Monetary Fund and World Bank programs supporting developing nations. The Saudi delegation also included His Excellency the Minister of Finance, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan; the Vice Minister of Finance and the Saudi Sherpa for the G20, Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf; and the Saudi Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Dr. Faisal Ghulam. Their presence underscored that the Kingdom’s engagement combines diplomacy, finance, and development expertise.

International and Regional Impact

How will Saudi Arabia’s membership in the alliance affect the broader Middle East and the developing world? The Kingdom’s participation adds significant weight to the coalition. As a G20 member with substantial financial capacity and a proven record of humanitarian delivery, Saudi Arabia can help bridge the gap between pledges and implementation. Its involvement may also encourage other regional states to join or deepen their own commitments, creating a multiplier effect across the Middle East and North Africa. For countries in Africa and Asia that receive Saudi development assistance, the alliance offers a framework to coordinate existing programs more effectively and to attract additional financing.

The Foreign Minister’s remarks on Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan also carry regional implications. By linking these conflicts to the hunger and poverty agenda, Saudi Arabia is making the case that humanitarian access and conflict resolution are prerequisites for development. This is a position that resonates with many G20 members and with international organizations that have warned repeatedly that conflict is the single largest driver of food insecurity. The Kingdom’s emphasis on a two-state solution according to the 1967 borders remains a consistent element of its diplomatic posture, and its reiteration at the G20 places the issue within a broader conversation about international law and institutional credibility.

Beyond the immediate region, the alliance could strengthen cooperation between traditional donor countries and emerging economies. Saudi Arabia’s experience in combining bilateral aid, multilateral financing, and direct relief operations makes it a useful partner in designing practical mechanisms. If the coalition succeeds in mobilizing resources and improving coordination, it could become a durable platform for addressing hunger long after Brazil’s G20 presidency ends. That outcome would serve both the Kingdom’s humanitarian objectives and the wider goal of a more stable global economy.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why does a coalition against hunger matter to economic policy, and why is Saudi Arabia’s role significant? Food insecurity is not only a humanitarian problem; it is an economic drag that reduces productivity, fuels migration, and can contribute to political instability. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have both documented how hunger and poverty undermine growth prospects in developing countries, making it harder for them to service debt and attract investment. By joining the alliance, Saudi Arabia is supporting a preventive approach that addresses root causes rather than only responding to emergencies.

The Kingdom’s strategic position is also relevant. As the world’s leading oil exporter and a central player in global energy markets, Saudi Arabia has an interest in stable, prosperous developing economies that can participate in trade and investment. Its contributions to IMF and World Bank programs are part of a broader economic diplomacy that seeks to reduce fragility and expand markets. Joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty reinforces this approach and demonstrates that the Kingdom’s international engagement is not limited to energy or security issues. It also complements Saudi Arabia’s own domestic development agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification, human capital, and social welfare.

For international investors and partners, the announcement is a signal of continuity. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a reliable partner in multilateral initiatives, willing to commit resources and diplomatic capital to global public goods. That reputation can strengthen its standing in forums such as the G20, the United Nations, and the Bretton Woods institutions, where credibility and consistency are valued. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term interest in a rules-based international system that supports trade, investment, and development.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty connect to Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy, strengthen its social fabric, and enhance its global role. A central element of that plan is responsible global citizenship, expressed through humanitarian aid, development finance, and active participation in multilateral institutions. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Saudi Fund for Development are key instruments of this approach, and their work is regularly cited in international forums as an example of effective, needs-based assistance.

By joining the alliance, Saudi Arabia is translating the values of Vision 2030 into a concrete international commitment. The Kingdom’s own experience of rapid development, including improvements in health, education, and infrastructure, gives it a credible voice when it advocates for social inclusion and poverty reduction abroad. The decision also reinforces the leadership’s emphasis on stability and prosperity as mutually reinforcing goals. As the Foreign Minister’s speech made clear, development cannot flourish amid conflict and destruction, and Saudi Arabia will continue to work for both humanitarian relief and lasting political solutions.

Looking ahead, the Kingdom’s participation in the coalition is likely to involve a mix of financial contributions, technical cooperation, and advocacy. Saudi officials have indicated that the Kingdom will continue to support developing nations through existing channels while exploring new partnerships under the alliance. For an international audience, the message is straightforward: Saudi Arabia is a constructive actor in global efforts to end hunger and poverty, and its engagement is rooted in a long tradition of giving and in the forward-looking ambitions of Vision 2030. The Rio summit was one more step in that journey, and it will not be the last.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the G20 session in Rio de Janeiro?

A1. Saudi Arabia participated to contribute to discussions on social inclusion and combating hunger and poverty, and to announce its joining of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, reflecting its commitment to global development.

Q2. Who led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the G20 Summit?

A2. His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the delegation on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Q3. What greetings did the Foreign Minister convey to the summit?

A3. He conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with their best wishes for the summit’s success.

Q4. Which country held the G20 presidency in 2024, and what was its theme?

A4. Brazil held the G20 presidency in 2024 under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” and Saudi Arabia expressed gratitude for its leadership.

Q5. What did the Foreign Minister say about development amid conflict?

A5. He emphasized that development and prosperity cannot be realized amidst death and destruction, highlighting how military conflicts and humanitarian crises hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Q6. What stance did the Foreign Minister reaffirm regarding Gaza and Lebanon?

A6. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s call for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, the release of hostages, and a serious commitment to lasting peace based on a two-state solution according to the 1967 borders.

Q7. What did the Foreign Minister say about the situation in Sudan?

A7. He stated that the conflict in Sudan is causing significant humanitarian suffering, particularly due to obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, and called for improved access.

Q8. What is the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty?

A8. It is an initiative launched by Brazil during its G20 presidency to mobilize governments and institutions against food insecurity and poverty, which Saudi Arabia views as an important step forward.

Q9. Why did Saudi Arabia decide to join the alliance?

A9. The Kingdom joined because the alliance aligns with its developmental goals and its global role in humanitarian and development work, as demonstrated by its longstanding contributions through various channels.

Q10. Which Saudi institutions were cited as examples of the Kingdom’s global role?

A10. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Saudi Fund for Development were cited, along with Saudi contributions to International Monetary Fund and World Bank programs supporting developing nations.

Q11. Who else was part of the Saudi delegation at the G20 Summit?

A11. The delegation included His Excellency the Minister of Finance, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan; the Vice Minister of Finance and Saudi Sherpa for the G20, Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf; and Saudi Ambassador to Brazil Dr. Faisal Ghulam.

Q12. What does the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre do?

A12. It delivers humanitarian assistance worldwide, focusing on food security, health, shelter, and emergency relief, and has operated in more than 90 countries, often in partnership with international organizations.

Q13. What is the role of the Saudi Fund for Development?

A13. It finances infrastructure, education, agriculture, and other development projects in developing countries, often in cooperation with recipient governments and multilateral lenders, supporting long-term economic growth.

Q14. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank programs?

A14. The Kingdom provides financial contributions to IMF and World Bank programs that support developing nations facing fiscal stress, helping to stabilize economies and promote development.

Q15. Why is the fight against hunger and poverty important for global economic stability?

A15. Hunger and poverty reduce productivity, fuel migration, and can contribute to political instability, making it harder for developing countries to grow and service debt, so addressing them supports broader economic stability.

Q16. How does joining the alliance reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A16. Vision 2030 emphasizes responsible global citizenship and a strengthened international role, and joining the alliance translates these values into a concrete commitment to humanitarian and development goals.

Q17. What did the Foreign Minister say about international law and institutions?

A17. He noted that the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon has undermined the credibility of international law and institutions, and called for serious commitment to lasting peace.

Q18. How might Saudi Arabia’s membership affect other countries’ participation in the alliance?

A18. As a G20 member with significant financial capacity and a proven record of humanitarian delivery, Saudi Arabia’s participation may encourage other regional states to join or deepen their commitments to the alliance.

Q19. What is the significance of the alliance for developing countries?

A19. It offers a framework to coordinate existing programs more effectively and attract additional financing, helping developing countries address food insecurity and poverty through practical, coordinated action.

Q20. What is the expected next step for Saudi Arabia after joining the alliance?

A20. Saudi Arabia is expected to continue supporting developing nations through existing channels while exploring new partnerships under the alliance, combining financial contributions, technical cooperation, and advocacy for humanitarian access.

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