KSrelief Chief Joins UN Side Event on Humanitarian, Development and Peace

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), participated yesterday in a high-level side event titled ‘The Integrated Approach Among Humanitarian Action, Development and Peace’ in New York. The event was held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly and was co-organized by KSrelief, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Context and Background

This side event convened international leaders and humanitarian experts to address the urgent need for coordinated action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Al Rabeeah noted in his speech that only 17% progress has been made toward these goals halfway through the 2030 Agenda, underscoring the pressing requirement for innovative and integrated strategies. The gathering highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in global humanitarian efforts, aligning with its Vision 2030 ambitions to foster international cooperation and sustainable development.

Key Details

Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized that crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic pressures, food insecurity, and natural disasters have hampered progress, but conflict remains the greatest threat. He pointed to ongoing instability in Sudan, Gaza, and other regions, stressing the need for resilient and sustainable approaches. He highlighted that 2023 was a tragic year for humanitarian workers, with over 280 losing their lives in 33 countries, and called for full adoption of an integrated approach linking humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment by evacuating over 8,000 people of 110 nationalities from Sudan and committing over $125 million in humanitarian aid. Additionally, initiatives such as the Jeddah Declaration and the ALPS Group Talks in Switzerland have opened critical access routes and secured commitments to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children.

Implications and Impact

The integrated approach discussed at the event has significant implications for global humanitarian coordination. Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted cooperation with the UNDP in Yemen, including projects focusing on livelihoods, solar energy, and social cohesion, alongside development work by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY). These partnerships, including the strategic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom on humanitarian aid and development, strengthen collective efforts to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The approach aims to ensure both immediate relief and long-term stability, reducing fragility in affected communities.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The side event underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to Vision 2030 by promoting a comprehensive strategy that combines humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding. As Dr. Al Rabeeah concluded, “The road ahead requires more collective action and solidarity, as together we have the power to turn today’s challenges into opportunities and ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals become a reality for all, especially in fragile and conflict-affected areas.” This commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of enhancing global partnerships and fostering sustainable growth, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to international stability and prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. Who participated in the high-level side event in New York?

A1. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, participated in the event on September 28, 2024, in New York.

Q2. What was the title of the side event?

A2. The side event was titled ‘The Integrated Approach Among Humanitarian Action, Development and Peace’ and focused on strengthening cooperation to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

Q3. Which organizations co-organized the event?

A3. The event was co-organized by KSrelief, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, the UNDP, and the UK FCDO.

Q4. Where was the side event held?

A4. The event was held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Q5. What key statistic did Dr. Al Rabeeah highlight about the Sustainable Development Goals?

A5. He highlighted that only 17% progress has been made toward the SDGs halfway through the 2030 Agenda, indicating an urgent need for action.

Q6. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah identify as the greatest threat to achieving the SDGs?

A6. He identified conflict as the greatest threat, citing examples like Sudan, Gaza, and other regions suffering from instability and violence.

Q7. How many humanitarian workers lost their lives in 2023?

A7. Over 280 humanitarian workers lost their lives in 33 countries in 2023, highlighting the dangers they face in conflict zones.

Q8. What approach did Dr. Al Rabeeah advocate for?

A8. He advocated for an integrated approach that brings together humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors to ensure stronger cooperation and resilience in affected communities.

Q9. How many people did Saudi Arabia evacuate from Sudan?

A9. Saudi Arabia evacuated over 8,000 people of 110 nationalities from Sudan as part of its humanitarian commitment.

Q10. What financial commitment did Saudi Arabia make for humanitarian aid in Sudan?

A10. Saudi Arabia committed over $125 million in humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in Sudan.

Q11. What is the Jeddah Declaration?

A11. The Jeddah Declaration is an initiative aimed at protecting civilians and ensuring the safety and access of humanitarian workers to deliver aid in a timely manner.

Q12. What did the ALPS Group Talks in Switzerland achieve?

A12. The ALPS Group Talks opened critical humanitarian access routes and secured commitments to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children.

Q13. How is Saudi Arabia cooperating with the UNDP in Yemen?

A13. Saudi Arabia cooperates with the UNDP through initiatives focusing on livelihoods, solar energy projects, and social cohesion programs.

Q14. What role does the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen play?

A14. The SDRPY implements important development projects to ensure building resilience and a better future for the Yemeni people.

Q15. What partnership did Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasize between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom?

A15. He highlighted the strategic dialogue on humanitarian aid and development between Saudi Arabia and the UK, which strengthens collective efforts.

Q16. How does the integrated approach contribute to long-term stability?

A16. The approach combines immediate relief with development and peacebuilding, reducing fragility and promoting sustainable growth in affected communities.

Q17. What is the goal of the 2030 Agenda?

A17. The 2030 Agenda aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering global cooperation, reducing poverty, and promoting peace and prosperity.

Q18. How does this event align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A18. The event aligns with Vision 2030 by emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global partnerships, sustainable development, and humanitarian leadership.

A19. Dr. Al Rabeeah called for maximizing impact and sharing knowledge to strengthen humanitarian interventions in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

A20. The event concluded with a call for collective action and solidarity to turn challenges into opportunities for implementing the SDGs in fragile and conflict-affected areas.