The recent high-level meeting of the donor group supporting the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) convened in Oslo, led by Norway. Among the attendees was Dr. Aqeel bin Jumaan Al-Ghamdi, representing Saudi Arabia as the Deputy Supervisor General for Planning and Development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Also present was Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Ghamdi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian responses through constructive partnerships and collaborative planning. He highlighted the importance of reinforcing humanitarian principles to create a sustainable impact that addresses the needs of affected communities, framing this within the context of a comprehensive assessment of field humanitarian work.
The discussion encompassed an in-depth examination of the “Humanitarian Reset Initiative,” a key reform agenda currently under consideration. Dr. Al-Ghamdi articulated Saudi Arabia’s support for this initiative, identifying it as a crucial step toward redirecting humanitarian efforts to empower local communities, bolster resilience, and foster evidence-based long-term responses. He stressed the need for a direct link between strategic planning and on-the-ground practices to achieve meaningful and enduring impacts.
Throughout the discussions, Saudi Arabia conveyed its vision for enhancing partnerships with OCHA. The Kingdom called for broader coordination mechanisms and increased transparency to facilitate multi-year planning and collective accountability. This perspective resonated well with several donor nations, which acknowledged the significance of these approaches in improving the quality of humanitarian responses and strengthening trust among active stakeholders.
On the financial front, Dr. Al-Ghamdi insisted on the necessity of resource sustainability by diversifying funding sources and adopting flexible, innovative models. As a prominent donor to OCHA, Saudi Arabia advocates for instruments that allow for swift responses to ongoing crises, such as flexible and direct funding mechanisms, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of humanitarian emergencies and competing priorities.
The meeting also addressed the pressing issues surrounding civilian protection and humanitarian principles. Dr. Al-Ghamdi reiterated Saudi Arabia’s respect for international humanitarian law, which forms the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s humanitarian approach. He highlighted several innovative initiatives launched by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in conflict-affected areas, aimed at enhancing humanitarian access and supporting the most vulnerable populations, thereby reflecting a tangible commitment to protection and human dignity.
Concluding the meeting, the presidency of the donor group was officially transferred from Norway to Germany. In this regard, Dr. Al-Ghamdi expressed gratitude for Norway’s active role and congratulated Germany on assuming the presidency. He conveyed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to further collaborate with the new presidency and international partners to continue advancing the multilateral humanitarian framework.
This high-level assembly marked a pivotal moment in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs across the globe, reinforcing commitment among donor nations to work collectively and transparently. It reflected a united front in navigating the complexities of humanitarian aid in a world increasingly marked by crisis and the imperative to uphold dignity and safety for all vulnerable populations. The exchange of ideas and strategies at this gathering sets a promising foundation for future humanitarian initiatives that prioritize empowerment, resilience, and effective response mechanisms, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
