RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 26th February 2018: Global leaders and representatives from the world’s leading international humanitarian organizations have united for the 1st Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, in Saudi Arabia, now being held (26 – 27 February 2018) at InterContinental Hotel, Riyadh. The four main discussion topics at the forum will be: Humanitarian Assistance, Humanitarian Financing and Capacities, Innovation and Reform in the Humanitarian Sector, and Localizing of Aid.  The forum aims to address challenges faced by the international aid and relief community in meeting the world’s growing need for increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and patron of the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Centre (KSrelief) officially opened the first International Humanitarian Forum to take place in the Kingdom in Saudi Arabia and launched the first Saudi Aid Program in the region.

H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief in announcing the platform, said: “Today, KSrelief is honored to launch the Saudi Aid Platform, under the guidance and support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Platform is the first of its kind in the region to reflect the Kingdom's relief, humanitarian, and development efforts with other Saudi ministries and relevant entities, designed to the highest international standards.”

“Today, KSrelief also announces the launch of the inaugural electronic issue of KSrelief's new scientific publication, the International Humanitarian Journal, which is concerned with scientific, humanitarian aid relief research; its goal is to support areas in need of humanitarian and relief aid and to further the development of humanitarian action.” 

“KSrelief has built strong partnerships with 120 United Nations agencies and national and international organizations, many of whom are in attendance at this first international humanitarian who will contribute to the aim of making the center an international resource for humanitarian research and studies and volunteer work. These partnerships are integral to promoting the value of humanitarian work and stressing the Kingdom's leading role in this regard, in alignment with the Kingdom's 2030 Vision. “

“The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, which is honored to be named after the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques take his Majesty's name, has been able, within a short period, to help alleviate human suffering in many crisis-affected communities in 40 countries across four continents, through 341 humanitarian aid and relief projects implemented with 120 partners. KSrelief reflects the humanitarian dimension of this generous country and its leadership, providing aid without ulterior motives in partnership with United Nations agencies and other international and national NGOs.”

“King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has always been involved in relief work, with a pioneering role in both philanthropy and humanitarian action. One of these successful efforts is this 1st Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, according to his guidance and directives.”

“Decision makers in humanitarian work from a number of countries, including the Kingdom and other GCC countries and participants from United Nations agencies and international and regional and national organizations over the next two days will contribute to the outcomes of this forum. The Forum has four main sessions, more than twenty side events, and many workshops featuring many speakers all of who are leaders and experts in various aspects of humanitarian work, and who will share their experiences and practical knowledge with us. The forum also includes an exhibition for those who are interested in humanitarian work.'

“We commend the role of United Nations agencies and other international organizations in participating in preparations for this forum. We also commend the efforts of our Saudi universities for their continuous support, which is embodied in their scientific contributions and in the participation of their cadres and experts; they will help to achieve some of his Majesty's aspirations and will also help to develop studied scientific recommendations.”

“With much appreciation, we would like to note the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian

Aid & Relief Centre staff, who have dedicated themselves to the performance of their tasks without hesitation. We hope that these contributions and efforts will be seen as an extension of the efforts of the international humanitarian community and will help to support mechanisms for the financing of humanitarian work, to encourage and support initiatives and innovation and calls to increase local community support to alleviate human suffering globally.”

He concluded: “We cannot but express our appreciation to his Majesty, on behalf of all the of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre, and all those who are interested in this important work. We extend our thanks and appreciation to Your Highnesses and Excellencies who participated in, contributed to and supported this forum, our distinguished guests, United Nations agencies, international, regional, and national organizations and local companies for your exceptional efforts in supporting and developing humanitarian and relief work.”

The two-day forum program will cover: Humanitarian Assistance; Humanitarian Financing and Capacities; Innovations and Reform in the Humanitarian Sector; and Localizing Aid.

For further information on the 1st Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and Kind Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre visit: rihf.ksrelief.org