Saudi Arabia raises over $1.1b at Donors’ Conference for displaced persons in Sahel, Lake Chad
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), hosted a Donors’ Conference in Jeddah that successfully raised over USD 1.1 billion in pledges aimed at supporting displaced persons and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
This remarkable funding commitment was made possible by contributions from more than ten donor countries, agencies, and organizations dedicated to addressing the escalating humanitarian needs in these crisis-affected areas.
The conference, organized in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who are grappling with various crises and natural disasters.
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During his address at the conference, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the generosity exhibited by the donor community.
He stated, “These contributions not only demonstrate solidarity but also empower humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving support, contributing to greater security and resilience for affected populations.”
Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to expanding aid efforts in partnership with international stakeholders, ensuring that assistance reaches those in urgent need.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha remarked that the conference serves as a testament to international unity.
He noted, “The presence of so many committed nations and organizations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation,” highlighting the importance of dialogue among humanitarian leaders and the foundation for coordinated support for displaced individuals.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also commended Saudi Arabia and the OIC for their leadership in organizing the event.
He acknowledged the potential of the region and the severe challenges it faces due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions, and economic strain. With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions, urging an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and unhindered access for aid efforts.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to the region, Saudi Arabia pledged an additional USD 30 million, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to USD 51 million. This pledge reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting communities in crisis and advancing global humanitarian objectives through KSrelief, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading force in international humanitarian aid.
