4th RIHF: KSrelief Addresses Challenges to Global Humanitarian Efforts
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia is hosting the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF), from February 24-25, 2025, in the capital city of Riyadh.
The RIHF, organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) in partnership with the UN, is gathering humanitarian leaders, donors, practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing humanitarian efforts and come up with innovative solutions that help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum
The KSrelief Supervisor General, Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, noted that the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum coincides with the 10th anniversary of KSrelief establishment, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Speaking during a media roundtable session, Al-Rabeeah said that the 4th RIHF brings together experts and humanitarian workers from across the world to discuss and address the global challenges to humanitarian work.
The forum features high-level panel discussions with top local and international researchers and specialists to explore topics such as the role of humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts and disasters, humanitarian access and supply chains, and addressing displacement in an era of increased conflicts and natural disasters.
The RIHF also includes dialogue sessions, workshops, and other events. Furthermore, KSrelief will sign several agreements with UN and international organizations, in line with Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, Al-Rabeeah said.
AI Hackathon
In collaboration with Alfaisal University, KSrelief organizes the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Humanitarian Relief Hackathon, as part of the 4th RIHF activities.
The hackathon aims to utilize AI-driven solutions to address critical humanitarian challenges in healthcare. The event gathers tech and humanitarian experts to develop innovative solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on three main pillars: AI, healthcare and innovation.
RIHF Objectives
Held under the theme “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” the 4th RIHF aims to foster dialogue and communication among leaders, policymakers, humanitarian workers and researchers to exchange expertise, ideas and best practices in humanitarian work. It also aims to improve the Humanitarian, Development, and Peace Nexus (HDPN) to promote sustainable development.
Moreover, the forum focuses on accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in the humanitarian field, harnessing scientific research and data quality governance to enhance humanitarian work, and encourage young people to engage in volunteering and humanitarian work.
RIHF Esteemed Guests
The 4th RIHF features notable attendees and speakers, including the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud.
They also include the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; the President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), Abdullah Al-Ghamdi; and the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, among others.
KSrelief Humanitarian Efforts
Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has led Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts across many countries. So far, KSrelief has implemented 3,355 projects in 106 countries in collaboration with 466 partners, with a total cost surpassing $7 billion.
According to KSrelief latest data, the top countries receiving KSrelief aid are Yemen ($4.5 billion), Palestine ($512 million), Syria ($476 million), and Somalia ($235 million). KSrelief projects focus on critical sectors, including food, education, health, water and sanitation, benefiting millions of people in need.
In November 2024, KSrelief and Al-Rabeeah received global health and humanitarian leadership awards from the National Council on US-Arab Relations in recognition of their relief efforts. Al-Rabeeah said that this award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s significant role in relief efforts through KSrelief.
