Geneva,
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Donor Support Group held its regular expert-level meeting yesterday, chaired by the Kingdom of Norway in Geneva, with the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by Dr. Aqeel Al Ghamdi, Assistant Supervisor General of Planning and Development at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).
The meeting discussed various topics, including the progress made in implementing OCHA’s Strategic Plan for 2025 and the Flagship Initiative aimed at improving humanitarian coordination. Dr. Al-Ghamdi praised the initiative and emphasized the need to integrate humanitarian and development efforts for sustainable support.
The Humanitarian Program Cycle for 2025 and updates on analyzing humanitarian needs and allocating resources were also discussed. Dr. Al-Ghamdi stressed the importance of involving local communities in the planning process.
He expressed concern about the funding gap in OCHA’s budget for 2025 and called for sustainable solutions to funding its humanitarian activities. He also advocated for strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable groups.
In a special session addressing the humanitarian situation in Sudan, Dr. Al-Ghamdi reviewed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to support the country. The Kingdom organized a high-level event at the recent United Nations General Assembly, during which more $500 million were pledged for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region, including a $25-million contribution from the Central Emergency Response Fund.
Saudi Arabia is committed to providing $115 million to support Sudan, focusing on food aid, health services, water, and sanitation, in addition to shelter and food supplies for the displaced and refugees, he noted.
The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership between donor countries and OCHA to ensure necessary funding and achieve a comprehensive and sustainable humanitarian response to crises worldwide.
— SPA
