Saudi Arabia Participates In OCHA Donor Support Group Meeting To Enhance Humanitarian Coordination

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Donor Support Group recently convened in Geneva. The meeting, chaired by Norway, included participation from Saudi Arabia, represented by Dr. Aqeel Al Ghamdi of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). Discussions focused on OCHA's Strategic Plan for 2025 and initiatives to enhance humanitarian coordination.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi highlighted the significance of integrating humanitarian and development efforts for sustainable support. He expressed concerns about the funding gap in OCHA's budget for 2025, urging for sustainable solutions to finance its activities. Emphasizing accountability, he called for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

In a dedicated session on Sudan, Dr. Al-Ghamdi outlined Saudi Arabia's ongoing support efforts. At a recent United Nations General Assembly event, over $500 million was pledged for Sudan and the region. This includes a $25-million contribution from the Central Emergency Response Fund. Saudi Arabia is committed to providing $115 million, focusing on food aid, health services, water, sanitation, and shelter for displaced individuals.

The meeting also addressed the Humanitarian Program Cycle for 2025 and updates on analyzing humanitarian needs and resource allocation. Dr. Al-Ghamdi stressed involving local communities in planning processes to ensure effective outcomes.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi praised OCHA's Flagship Initiative aimed at improving humanitarian coordination. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between donor countries and OCHA to secure necessary funding and achieve comprehensive humanitarian responses globally.

The gathering concluded with a call to strengthen partnerships between donor nations and OCHA. This cooperation is crucial to ensuring adequate funding and achieving sustainable humanitarian responses worldwide.

With inputs from SPA