Saudi Gazette report

Riyadh — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman opened the 1st Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum here on Monday.

Organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), the two-day forum brings together professionals and key decision-makers from across the international humanitarian community.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Royal Court adviser and Supervisor General of KSRelief, said: “In May 2015, you directed the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to be a leading international humanitarian center to convey the precious values of our homeland derived from the teachings of our tolerant religion, and embody the humanitarian role of the Kingdom and its universal message calling for peace and rejecting terrorism and destruction.”

He said the Center, since its inception, has been able to contribute in alleviating the suffering of affected communities in 40 countries in four continents through 330 relief projects.

“Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken on a pioneering humanitarian role in serving the international community around the world.

The Kingdom realizes the significance of its role in alleviating human suffering and ensuring that all people are given the opportunity to live healthy, dignified lives.

Addressing a high-level panel discussion on “Humanitarian Assistance”, Al-Rabeeah said, “With the increasing global need and lack of resources, technology should be employed to reduce cost of logistics, and to facilitate providing aid.”

King Salman and the audience watched a film entitled “The Humanitarian Situation in the World”.

Following that, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres delivered a recorded speech in which he thanked the Kingdom for organizing Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum.

He said, “As needs increase more than ever, we must do more to assist afflicted people and ensure the protection of civilians.

The crises in Syria, Iraq, Libya and occupied Palestinian territories have caused a great deal of suffering.

Humanitarian workers face many obstacles to reach the needy, including threats to their lives.”

The King also inaugurated the electronic platform for Saudi aid.

Speakers at high-level panel discussions in the two-day forum will address key issues in humanitarian planning and delivery, and encourage participants to develop new strategies for reaching the greatest possible number of people in need.