MBRGI Highlights Commitment To Humanitarian Action At Global Refugee Forum Progress Review In Geneva

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) participated in the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in Geneva, Switzerland, from 15th to 17th December 2025. This meeting was organised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with support from the Swiss Government. Saeed Al Eter, CEO of MBRGI, emphasised the importance of unified global efforts to assist refugees and internally displaced individuals worldwide.

Al Eter praised the UNHCR and its partners for their significant contributions to addressing forced displacement challenges. He stated, "We are confronting a multifaceted and escalating crisis. It has become evident that our current strategies, as vital as they are, will prove insufficient on their own to confront the magnitude of this growing challenge. It is therefore imperative that we embrace new, creative approaches to developing innovative and scalable solutions."

MBRGI's commitment to global humanitarian action was highlighted by Al Eter, who stressed enhancing cooperation with UN organisations. "MBRGI affirms its commitment to enhancing our partnership with the UNHCR and with the international private sector, to develop innovative and effective solutions that create a tangible impact in addressing the refugee crisis," he added.

Since 2021, MBRGI has been a key contributor to funding UNHCR's programmes. By the end of 2024, MBRGI had provided AED136 million (approximately US$39.5 million), benefiting over 750,000 refugees and displaced persons across Asia and Africa. In January 2025, MBRGI pledged an additional AED36.7 million ($10 million) for sustainable projects for displaced communities through UNHCR.

The MBRGI delegation in Geneva was led by Saeed Al Attar and included Dr. Fuzan Al Khalidi and Ibrahim Al Balooshi. They held high-level meetings with officials from various organisations like UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, WHO, Euroclear Group, Tent Partnership for Refugees, and Grundfos Group. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation to aid refugees and displaced populations.

The meetings aimed at improving coordination among UN agencies and humanitarian institutions to expand programme reach. Key objectives included easing host community burdens and securing necessary funding for escalating refugee needs worldwide.

MBRGI's Extensive Humanitarian Impact

In 2024 alone, MBRGI spent over AED2.2 billion benefiting approximately 149 million people in 118 countries under five main pillars: Humanitarian Aid & Relief; Healthcare & Disease Control; Spreading Education & Knowledge; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Empowering Communities.

Within its Humanitarian Aid & Relief pillar alone, spending exceeded AED944 million reaching more than 37 million people globally.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

The Global Refugee Forum is the largest gathering on refugee issues worldwide since its inception in 2019. Held every four years it brings together UN Member States alongside stakeholders including international organisations civil society financial institutions academia private sector participants announce new pledges share expertise inspire further action responsibility-sharing integrated responses.

Launched in 2015 MBRGI consolidates over thirty initiatives institutions aiming tackle pressing global challenges invest human capital empower vulnerable communities spreading education combating poverty disease promoting tolerance.

The partnership between MBRGI and UNHCR began in 2021 with total pledges amounting approximately AED173 million ($47 million) since then while total aid provided various international organisations reached AED464.5 million.

With inputs from WAM