KSrelief Supervisor General Participates in High-Level Side Event 'Integrated Approach Among Humanitarian Action, Development and Peace' in New York
New York, September 28, 2024, SPA -- Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah participated yesterday in a side event titled " The Integrated Approach Among Humanitarian Action, Development and Peace in New York, Strengthening Cooperation to Deliver on the Promise of the 2030 Agenda" held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The event was 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).
Dr. Al Rabeeah said in a speech on the occasion: "We are meeting today at a critical juncture in our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The fact that only 17% progress has been made towards these goals halfway through the 2030 Agenda highlights the urgent need for action. He added: "Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic pressures, food insecurity, and natural disasters have impacted our efforts, but conflict remains the greatest threat. Countries like Sudan are suffering from hunger, health crises, and the devastating consequences of ongoing violence and instability, as is the case in Gaza and other regions".
He added, "To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, focusing on building resilience and ensuring sustainability. Access to humanitarian aid, especially in conflict zones, is one of the biggest challenges. 2023 was a tragic year for humanitarian workers, with over 280 losing their lives in 33 countries". To address these complex issues, we must fully embrace an integrated approach that brings together humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors to ensure stronger cooperation between relief and development efforts and peace building, thereby contributing to resilience and reducing fragility in affected communities.
The KSrelief's Supervisor General said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is contributing to addressing these urgent humanitarian needs, not only through providing aid but also by addressing root causes through diplomacy and strategic interventions. As an example of the Kingdom's commitment to the integrated approach, he mentioned the evacuation of over 8,000 people of 110 nationalities from Sudan, along with a financial commitment of over $125 million in humanitarian aid.
He pointed out that "initiatives such as the Jeddah Declaration aim to protect civilians and ensure the safety and access of humanitarian workers to deliver aid in a timely manner. The ALPS Group Talks in Switzerland have reopened critical humanitarian access routes and secured commitments to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children. These efforts highlight our commitment to both immediate response and long-term solutions".
Dr. Al Rabeeah touched on the situation in Yemen, stating "Our cooperation with the UNDP is an example of this integrated approach, through initiatives focusing on livelihoods, solar energy projects, and social cohesion programs. Furthermore, our partner, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), is implementing important development projects to ensure building resilience and a better future for the Yemeni people. This comprehensive strategy allows us to adopt an integrated approach to providing aid during conflicts while promoting long-term growth and stability".
The Supervisor General emphasized that partnerships also help strengthen collective efforts, such as the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the strategic dialogue on humanitarian aid and development between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. He said that these partnerships highlight Saudi Arabia's commitment to maximizing impact and sharing knowledge to strengthen humanitarian interventions in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. "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", he said.
--SPA
