Written by: His Excellency Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Sri Lanka
World Humanitarian Day, which falls on August 19th of each year, represents an important international event to highlight the values of solidarity and mutual support among peoples and to highlight the efforts made to assist communities affected by disasters and crises. On this occasion, I am pleased to emphasize that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established its global standing as a leading model of humanitarian action, based on its religious principles and established values that place people at the center of development and the goal of peace.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has established the principle that the Kingdom’s development approach aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable renaissance with people at its center. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister has emphasized that human development is the foundation of development and peace. This wise leadership vision has positioned the Kingdom among the world’s largest donor countries.
Over the past decades, the Kingdom, through its humanitarian institutions, most notably the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), has provided aid worth more than 530 billion Saudi riyals and implemented more than 7,983 projects in 173 countries around the world, covering 47 diverse sectors, including development, relief, education, and health.
Since its establishment, KSRelief has become a key tool for providing organized and integrated support. The center has implemented thousands of programs and initiatives in partnership with United Nations organizations and international and regional bodies. These efforts have contributed to alleviating the suffering of affected populations in various regions of the world, including major humanitarian crises in many countries.
The Kingdom’s celebration of World Humanitarian Day embodies its ongoing commitment to its humanitarian responsibilities and affirms its continued leadership on the international stage. The Kingdom does not view humanitarian work as a secondary option. Rather, it considers it a constant approach and an integral feature of its foreign policy, and a noble message it sincerely conveys to all of humanity. The Kingdom will continue its continuous giving, based on its deeply rooted values and ambitious vision, to truly remain at the forefront of nations that put people first.
