Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, participated in a high-level side event titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy that Safeguards International Humanitarian Law” at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The event, held on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders, was organized jointly by the European Union, the African Union, Ireland, Brazil, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and was attended by Queen Mathilde of Belgium, a prominent advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The session placed a global spotlight on the intersection of humanitarian action and international law at a moment when conflicts and crises continue to test the international community’s ability to protect civilians and deliver life-saving assistance. Dr. Al Rabeeah’s participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a bridge-builder in humanitarian diplomacy, a role that the Kingdom has cultivated through decades of relief work and more recently through its Vision 2030 commitment to global responsibility. The event also served as a platform for Saudi Arabia to reaffirm its position that principled humanitarian action must be anchored in respect for international humanitarian law.
Context and Background
Why does a side event at the United Nations General Assembly matter so much in the crowded calendar of global diplomacy? Because the UNGA is one of the few moments when nearly every nation is represented at the highest level, making it an ideal venue for launching initiatives, forging partnerships, and elevating under-discussed issues onto the world stage. The 81st session, held in September 2026, brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, and humanitarian leaders to address a global landscape marked by protracted conflicts, displacement, and climate-driven disasters.
The side event on humanitarian diplomacy was co-sponsored by a geographically and politically diverse group: the European Union, the African Union, Ireland, Brazil, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. This coalition reflects a deliberate effort to bridge continents and institutional perspectives, from European legal traditions to African Union peace and security frameworks, and from Latin American diplomacy to Middle Eastern humanitarian experience. The presence of Queen Mathilde of Belgium added a layer of high-profile advocacy, linking the discussion to the broader UN agenda on sustainable development and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Saudi Arabia’s co-sponsorship of the event is consistent with its long-standing humanitarian record. For decades, the Kingdom has been among the world’s largest donors of humanitarian and development assistance, operating through bilateral channels and through KSrelief, which was established in 2015 to coordinate and professionalize Saudi relief efforts worldwide. The event therefore represented both a continuation of that legacy and a forward-looking statement about how humanitarian diplomacy can be strengthened in an era of complex emergencies.
Key Details: Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Record and Diplomatic Vision
What exactly did Dr. Al Rabeeah bring to the table in New York? In his remarks, he emphasized that the session addressed pressing humanitarian challenges and underscored the importance of international humanitarian law and humanitarian diplomacy in shaping effective collective responses, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. He noted that Saudi Arabia has long played a leading role in humanitarian and development efforts, providing support to countries around the world, especially communities affected by crises.
The scale of that support is substantial. According to Dr. Al Rabeeah, the Kingdom has supported more than 9,000 projects in 175 countries across all humanitarian and development sectors, at a total cost exceeding $145 billion. This figure places Saudi Arabia among the most significant donors globally, with a footprint that spans emergency relief, food security, health care, education, water and sanitation, and infrastructure reconstruction. The breadth of this assistance reflects a policy choice to engage globally rather than focus narrowly on immediate regional concerns.
Dr. Al Rabeeah also articulated a clear conceptual framework for humanitarian diplomacy. He explained that Saudi Arabia views humanitarian diplomacy as a key pillar in protecting international humanitarian law and principled humanitarian action. Diplomatic efforts, he said, can help prevent escalation, promote dialogue, facilitate ceasefires, and establish practical arrangements to ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid. This perspective positions humanitarian diplomacy not as a soft alternative to security measures, but as a complementary and often indispensable tool for reducing human suffering.
He further elaborated on how humanitarian diplomacy can prevent escalation by addressing aid diversion and ensuring that assistance is not directed toward practices that could fuel tensions and exacerbate conflicts. It also raises awareness of the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law, strengthens accountability, improves protection, and helps ensure civilians are not harmed. These points resonate with ongoing debates at the UN about access, neutrality, and the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
International and Regional Impact
How does Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian diplomacy shape outcomes beyond the immediate delivery of aid? The Kingdom’s approach carries significant weight in the Middle East and Africa, regions where conflicts and displacement have created some of the world’s most acute humanitarian needs. By co-hosting the event with the European Union, the African Union, Ireland, Brazil, and Jordan, Saudi Arabia helped build a cross-regional consensus around the importance of international humanitarian law and the role of diplomacy in safeguarding it.
For international audiences, the event signals that Saudi Arabia is not only a donor but also a diplomatic actor capable of convening diverse partners around shared principles. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader foreign policy objectives, which include promoting stability, supporting development, and strengthening multilateral institutions. In a world where humanitarian needs consistently outpace available funding, Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on practical arrangements for aid delivery—such as ceasefires and safe corridors—offers a pragmatic contribution to global discussions.
Regionally, the event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s relationships with African and Middle Eastern states that are often on the front lines of humanitarian crises. The African Union’s participation highlights the continent’s growing role in humanitarian governance and the importance of partnerships that respect local leadership. For the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s message of dialogue and de-escalation serves as a counterpoint to narratives of inevitable conflict, offering a vision of stability grounded in law and cooperation.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why should economic analysts pay attention to humanitarian diplomacy? Because stability is a precondition for investment, trade, and long-term development. Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian engagement is not separate from its economic strategy; it is part of a comprehensive approach to creating the conditions for prosperity at home and abroad. By helping to prevent escalation and reduce the human toll of conflicts, the Kingdom contributes to a more predictable regional environment in which economies can grow.
The scale of Saudi assistance—over $145 billion across 175 countries—also reflects the Kingdom’s capacity to mobilize resources at a level that few other nations can match. This capacity is underpinned by the economic transformation underway through Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, strengthen institutions, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness. A prosperous Saudi Arabia is better positioned to be a generous and effective humanitarian partner, and its humanitarian reputation in turn enhances its standing in international markets and multilateral forums.
Moreover, KSrelief’s work often intersects with development projects that build resilience, from rebuilding schools and hospitals to restoring water systems. These investments reduce the need for repeated emergency interventions and lay the groundwork for economic recovery in affected communities. In this sense, Saudi humanitarian aid functions as a form of strategic investment in global stability, with benefits that extend to trade routes, energy markets, and regional security.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does participation in a UN side event connect to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is not only an economic blueprint; it also encompasses a vision of Saudi Arabia as a responsible global actor, committed to humanitarian values and international cooperation. The Kingdom’s humanitarian diplomacy, as articulated by Dr. Al Rabeeah, reflects the Vision’s emphasis on a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation that contributes to global progress.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has sought to professionalize its humanitarian sector, enhance transparency, and strengthen partnerships with international organizations. KSrelief embodies this modernization, using data, coordination, and partnerships to deliver aid more effectively. The event at the UN General Assembly, co-sponsored with a diverse group of nations, demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is eager to work within multilateral frameworks and to share its experience with others.
As the 81st UNGA session continues, Saudi Arabia’s message is clear: humanitarian diplomacy is essential for protecting international humanitarian law and for ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. The Kingdom’s record of over 9,000 projects in 175 countries and more than $145 billion in assistance provides a foundation of credibility. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is poised to remain a leading voice in global humanitarian affairs, aligning its relief efforts with the principles of Vision 2030 and the shared goals of the international community.
20 Questions
Q1. What event did Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah participate in at the United Nations?
A1. He participated in a high-level side event titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy that Safeguards International Humanitarian Law” during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Q2. Who organized the side event?
A2. The event was organized by the European Union, African Union, Ireland, Brazil, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Q3. Which notable figure attended the event?
A3. Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended the event, adding high-profile advocacy for humanitarian and development issues.
Q4. What is Dr. Al Rabeeah’s official role?
A4. He is an Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).
Q5. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say about the session’s focus?
A5. He said the session addresses pressing humanitarian challenges and underscores the importance of international humanitarian law and humanitarian diplomacy in shaping effective collective responses.
Q6. How many projects has Saudi Arabia supported globally?
A6. Saudi Arabia has supported more than 9,000 projects in 175 countries across all humanitarian and development sectors.
Q7. What is the total cost of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian support?
A7. The total cost exceeds $145 billion, reflecting the Kingdom’s significant global humanitarian footprint.
Q8. Which regions did Dr. Al Rabeeah highlight as particularly important?
A8. He highlighted the Middle East and Africa as regions where humanitarian challenges and the need for collective responses are especially pressing.
Q9. How does Saudi Arabia view humanitarian diplomacy?
A9. Saudi Arabia views humanitarian diplomacy as a key pillar in protecting international humanitarian law and principled humanitarian action.
Q10. What can diplomatic efforts achieve according to Dr. Al Rabeeah?
A10. Diplomatic efforts can help prevent escalation, promote dialogue, facilitate ceasefires, and establish practical arrangements for safe and sustainable aid delivery.
Q11. How can humanitarian diplomacy prevent escalation?
A11. It can address aid diversion and ensure assistance is not directed toward practices that could fuel tensions and exacerbate conflicts.
Q12. What does humanitarian diplomacy raise awareness about?
A12. It raises awareness of the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law, strengthens accountability, improves protection, and helps ensure civilians are not harmed.
Q13. What is KSrelief’s role in Saudi humanitarian efforts?
A13. KSrelief coordinates and implements Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid worldwide, professionalizing relief efforts and ensuring effective delivery.
Q14. Why is the UN General Assembly an important venue for this event?
A14. The UNGA brings together nearly all nations at the highest level, making it ideal for launching initiatives and elevating humanitarian issues.
Q15. What does Saudi Arabia’s participation signal to the international community?
A15. It signals that Saudi Arabia is a diplomatic actor capable of convening diverse partners around shared humanitarian principles and international law.
Q16. How does humanitarian diplomacy relate to Saudi Vision 2030?
A16. Vision 2030 includes a vision of Saudi Arabia as a responsible global actor, and humanitarian diplomacy reflects its emphasis on international cooperation and humanitarian values.
Q17. What economic benefits can result from humanitarian diplomacy?
A17. By promoting stability and preventing escalation, humanitarian diplomacy helps create conditions for investment, trade, and long-term development.
Q18. How does Saudi aid contribute to development beyond emergency relief?
A18. Saudi aid often includes development projects that build resilience, such as rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water systems, supporting economic recovery.
Q19. What is the significance of the diverse coalition organizing the event?
A19. The coalition bridges continents and perspectives, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of international humanitarian law and collective action.
Q20. What is Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking message at the UNGA?
A20. Saudi Arabia remains a leading voice in humanitarian affairs, committed to protecting international humanitarian law and ensuring aid reaches those in need, in line with Vision 2030.
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