KSrelief Chief Urges Humanitarian Reform at UN General Assembly

New York, September 28, 2025 – The Supervisor-General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, has called for urgent reform of the global humanitarian system, warning that the closure of many projects is leaving millions without support and forcing aid workers to leave their posts. Speaking at a panel discussion on reform for impact, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted the fragility affecting the humanitarian system and the need for a collective, renewed commitment to restore trust, motivation, and dignity.

Context and Background

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly, convening in New York, has provided a platform for world leaders and humanitarian officials to address pressing global challenges. Among them, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah represented Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes. With over a decade of operations, KSrelief has become a leading global aid agency, working in 108 countries and implementing more than 3,600 projects with over 328 partners. Its extensive reach underscores the critical need for a resilient and effective humanitarian system, especially as conflicts, climate change, and economic pressures exacerbate vulnerabilities worldwide.

Key Details and Statements

During the session, Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that the closure of many humanitarian projects is discouraging for the humanitarian community, as it has left millions of people in need without support. He also noted that this has forced many humanitarian workers to leave their positions due to increasing challenges and the fragility affecting the system. He stated: “Alongside these challenges, unique opportunities emerge to reimagine and reshape our vision in favor of humanity. Through the UN80 initiative, we hope to reform the humanitarian system in a way that helps restore trust, motivation, and dignity, both for those most in need of support and for those who tirelessly dedicate their efforts to serving them.”

The supervisor-general emphasized the importance of ensuring that reform extends beyond the executive level to encompass accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness. He said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, regards the 80th anniversary of the United Nations as an opportunity to renew collective commitment and advance sustainable reform. More importantly, he emphasized the importance of working together to ensure the system’s efficiency, aligning it with development priorities, utilizing institutional expertise, and guaranteeing fair geographic representation at all levels.

Implications and Impact

Dr. Al Rabeeah’s remarks come at a time when humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, yet funding and political will are increasingly strained. The implications of his call for reform are significant: a more efficient and accountable humanitarian system could deliver aid more effectively, reduce duplication, and better serve vulnerable populations. The emphasis on fair geographic representation and inclusivity also addresses long-standing concerns in the international community about the equitable distribution of aid and decision-making power. KSrelief’s own track record, with projects spanning health, education, and emergency relief, demonstrates the potential impact of well-coordinated humanitarian efforts.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian reform aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global leader in various fields, including humanitarian work. By advocating for systemic improvements, Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, is reinforcing its role as a responsible global actor dedicated to peace, security, and dignity for all. This commitment is part of a broader vision that includes sustainable development, international cooperation, and the empowerment of communities worldwide. As Dr. Al Rabeeah concluded, “We believe coordination is a collective responsibility and that joint action contributes to reducing duplication and improving the impact of humanitarian assistance.” This forward-looking approach ensures the Kingdom remains at the forefront of building a humanitarian system that works for everyone.

20 Questions

Q1. Who is Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah?

A1. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah is the Supervisor-General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading humanitarian agency, known for its global relief efforts.

Q2. What is KSrelief?

A2. KSrelief is Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian arm, established in 2015 to provide aid and relief to people in need worldwide. It operates in 108 countries, implementing over 3,600 projects with 328 partners.

Q3. Where did Dr. Al Rabeeah make his remarks?

A3. He spoke during a panel discussion on reform for impact, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, on September 28, 2025.

Q4. What is the UN80 initiative?

A4. The UN80 initiative refers to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, which serves as an opportunity to reflect on and reform the global system, including humanitarian operations, to better meet contemporary challenges.

Q5. Why is humanitarian system reform needed?

A5. Many humanitarian projects have closed, leaving millions without support and forcing aid workers to leave due to increasing challenges. Reform is needed to restore trust, motivation, and dignity in the system.

Q6. How many countries has KSrelief helped?

A6. KSrelief has extended its work to 108 countries, demonstrating its broad global reach and commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Q7. How many projects has KSrelief implemented?

A7. KSrelief has carried out more than 3,600 projects, ranging from emergency relief to development programs, in cooperation with numerous partners.

Q8. What are the desired outcomes of the proposed reforms?

A8. The reforms aim to make the humanitarian system more efficient, accountable, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most and that workers are supported.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to humanitarian aid?

A9. Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, provides extensive humanitarian aid globally, funding and implementing projects that address immediate needs and support long-term development, aligning with its Vision 2030.

Q10. What challenges is the humanitarian community facing?

A10. The community faces project closures, reduced funding, and increased fragility, leading to a loss of support for millions and the departure of experienced aid workers.

Q11. Why is geographic representation important in humanitarian systems?

A11. Fair geographic representation ensures that decision-making and aid distribution are equitable, reflecting the diverse needs and perspectives of affected regions, which is critical for effective reform.

Q12. What role does accountability play in the reforms?

A12. Accountability is crucial to ensure that humanitarian funds and efforts are used effectively and achieve intended outcomes, building trust among donors, beneficiaries, and the public.

Q13. How does KSrelief cooperate with other organizations?

A13. KSrelief works with over 328 partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, to coordinate efforts, reduce duplication, and maximize the impact of joint humanitarian actions.

Q14. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah call for in his concluding remarks?

A14. He called for learning from the past to build a better future, reiterating that Saudi Arabia will continue its pioneering role in building a global humanitarian system that ensures equal opportunities for all.

Q15. How does this align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. Vision 2030 emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global role, including humanitarian leadership. Reforming the humanitarian system supports the Kingdom’s goals of sustainable development and international cooperation.

Q16. What is the significance of the 80th UN General Assembly session?

A16. It provides a platform for discussing global issues, including humanitarian reform, and marks the UN’s 80th anniversary, prompting reflection on how to improve its effectiveness.

Q17. How might the reforms affect humanitarian workers?

A17. Reforms aim to restore motivation and dignity for aid workers by reducing challenges and improving working conditions, thereby encouraging them to stay and continue their vital work.

Q18. What are KSrelief’s main areas of focus?

A18. KSrelief focuses on health, education, food security, and emergency relief, among other areas, addressing both immediate needs and long-term development priorities.

Q19. How can the international community support these reforms?

A19. By committing to collective responsibility, coordinating actions, and ensuring transparency and inclusivity, the international community can help build a more resilient humanitarian system.

Q20. What is the expected impact of the reforms on beneficiaries?

A20. The reforms aim to deliver aid more efficiently, ensuring that millions of people in need receive timely, appropriate support, ultimately improving their lives and dignity.

---