UN Secretary-General António Guterres Engages With KSrelief Leadership During Riyadh Visit

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently visited the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. During his visit, he met with Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, an Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor-General, along with other senior officials. Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil was also present.

Guterres engaged in discussions with Al Rabeeah about shared interests in humanitarian and relief efforts. They explored ways to enhance collaboration between KSrelief and various UN organizations. A presentation highlighted KSrelief's extensive projects, which have reached 3,881 initiatives across 109 countries, valued over $8 billion.

The center's projects include specialized programs such as Prosthetic Programs and the Masam Project for landmine clearance in Yemen. Other initiatives focus on reintegrating Yemeni children affected by conflict, voluntary medical programs, and the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme. Digital platforms for humanitarian documentation and registration are also part of their efforts.

Guterres toured a permanent exhibition at KSrelief's main hall. The exhibition features an interactive map displaying countries benefiting from KSrelief projects. Audiovisual storytelling stations share impactful humanitarian stories, while a screen highlights volunteer programs. Visitors can write humanitarian messages in a designated section.

The exhibition includes virtual reality goggles that offer insights into the daily lives of refugees and displaced individuals. Guterres met several Saudi medical volunteers involved in missions outside the Kingdom. He listened to their personal experiences in executing the center’s volunteer projects.

Following this, Guterres visited offices of KSrelief’s partner organizations and international agencies. Representatives briefed him on their collaborative work with the center, providing insights into joint efforts aimed at addressing global humanitarian needs.

This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships between KSrelief and international bodies to address pressing humanitarian challenges worldwide.

With inputs from SPA