Guterres at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center: Strengthening the humanitarian partnership

In a move reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations in the humanitarian field, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his accompanying delegation paid an official visit today, Thursday, to the headquarters of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Riyadh. He was received by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the Center, in the presence of the Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Wasil, and several other Center officials.

Talks to enhance joint humanitarian work

The visit included extensive talks between Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and the UN Secretary-General, focusing on issues of mutual concern in humanitarian and relief affairs. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and various UN agencies to ensure aid reaches those in need amidst escalating global crises. This visit comes at a crucial time, as the world faces unprecedented humanitarian challenges requiring concerted international efforts, a role the Kingdom plays as an active and reliable partner of the international community.

Figures reflecting the scale of Saudi generosity

During the meeting, Guterres viewed a comprehensive presentation documenting the center's journey since its inception. To date, it has implemented 3,881 projects in 109 countries worldwide, with a total value exceeding US$8 billion. These projects have spanned a variety of vital sectors, most notably food security, health, shelter, and education.

The center's unique initiatives were highlighted, such as:

• The “Masam” program: The Saudi project for demining in Yemen, which has contributed to saving thousands of lives and clearing Yemeni lands.
• Prosthetic limb centers: restoring hope to the injured and amputees in conflict zones.
• The Child Reintegration Project: known as (Kafak), which is concerned with rehabilitating Yemeni children who were previously recruited by militias.
• The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins: which is a landmark in humanitarian medicine globally.

A tour through the corridors of humanity

Following the talks, the UN Secretary-General toured the permanent exhibition in the center's lobby. Guterres paused before the interactive map illustrating the geographical reach of Saudi aid and listened to moving human stories presented through audio and written displays. He also experienced a virtual reality headset that transported visitors to moments from the daily lives of refugees and displaced persons, reinforcing their understanding of their suffering and the urgent need to support them.

Meeting with volunteers and international partners

In a gesture of appreciation for national talent, Guterres met with a number of Saudi doctors volunteering in the center's outreach programs and listened to their inspiring experiences in providing healthcare to those in need in the world's poorest countries. He concluded his visit by touring the offices of partner international organizations and agencies located within the center's headquarters, where he received briefings from their representatives on the ongoing coordination and joint work with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, underscoring Riyadh's role as a global humanitarian hub and a center for international charitable work.