As the world celebrates the International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4th, attention turns to shining examples that translate this principle into tangible action. In this context, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre stands out as a leading arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presenting a unique global model of solidarity and mutual support, and reaffirming the Kingdom's deeply rooted humanitarian mission.
Historical background: A legacy of institutional giving
Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts are not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long historical legacy of giving. However, the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in 2015, by order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, marked a qualitative leap in the structure of Saudi relief work. The Center aims to unify and organize the Kingdom's foreign aid, ensuring its delivery to those in need worldwide with the highest levels of professionalism and transparency, in accordance with international standards, and with full commitment to the principles of neutrality and non-discrimination based on religion, race, or color.
Global achievements: Numbers speak for themselves
These figures reflect the scale of the Kingdom's role on the global humanitarian stage. Throughout its history, the Kingdom has implemented more than 8,749 humanitarian and development projects in 175 countries, with a total value exceeding US$145 billion. Since its establishment, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has spearheaded this effort, implementing 4,183 projects in 113 countries, valued at over US$8.3 billion. These projects have encompassed vital sectors such as food security, health, shelter, education, and water and sanitation. Countries like Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia are among the primary beneficiaries of these projects, reflecting the Kingdom's rapid response to pressing regional crises.
Importance and impact: Promoting stability and building bridges
The impact of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center extends far beyond the provision of emergency assistance. Regionally, its projects contribute to alleviating humanitarian crises in conflict zones, supporting livelihoods, and fostering stability. Internationally, these efforts have strengthened the Kingdom's position as an active and reliable partner in the international community, a fact underscored by official data from the United Nations Financial Tracking Service (FTS), which consistently ranks the Kingdom among the world's largest donors of humanitarian aid. This role enhances the Kingdom's soft power and builds bridges of brotherhood and friendship with the peoples of the world.
Quality initiatives and international recognition
The center's work extends beyond traditional aid to include impactful initiatives, most notably the "Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins." This program, which has successfully performed 67 complex separation surgeries for twins from 28 countries since 1990, has not only become a landmark in medicine and humanitarian work but also prompted the United Nations to designate November 24th as World Conjoined Twins Day. In recognition of these efforts, the center has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Arab League's Award for Family and Child-Friendly Institutions in appreciation of its support for Palestinian families, and the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award. Furthermore, it has obtained ISO 8000-1:2022 certification for data quality, underscoring its commitment to the highest standards of governance and transparency.
