Strategic coordination to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen
In a proactive step aimed at strengthening humanitarian work and coordinating international efforts, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center hosted an extensive discussion session at its headquarters in Riyadh, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The meeting focused on outlining the 2026 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, and was attended by a select group of local and international partners.
The session saw high-level participation, including representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, along with a United Nations delegation led by the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis. Representatives from UN agencies, donor organizations, and foreign embassies accredited to the Kingdom also attended, reflecting the significant importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis.
Background of the crisis and the importance of humanitarian intervention
This meeting comes amid the complex humanitarian crisis that Yemen has been experiencing for years. The conflict, which began in 2014, has cast a long shadow over all aspects of life, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to UN reports. The conflict has led to the internal displacement of millions of people, the near-total collapse of infrastructure and basic services such as health, education, and clean water, and has exacerbated a food insecurity crisis that threatens the lives of millions. Under these circumstances, international humanitarian support has become a vital lifeline for the Yemeni people.
The Kingdom's pivotal role through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center
Since its establishment in 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has played a leading role in providing humanitarian assistance to Yemen, and is one of the largest donors and supporters of relief efforts there. The Centre has implemented hundreds of projects in vital sectors including food security, health, shelter, water and sanitation, education, and protection. This session is being held as part of the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen and alleviating the suffering of its people, and to underscoring the importance of proactive planning and collaborative action to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most effectively and efficiently.
Meeting objectives and expected impact
The session aimed to provide a technical and consultative platform to build a shared understanding of the key priorities and operational mechanisms of the 2026 plan. Through these early discussions, participants seek to facilitate the plan's adoption and secure the necessary funding, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian services. Locally, the plan is expected to improve the living conditions of millions of Yemenis. Regionally and internationally, this coordination enhances regional stability by addressing a major source of tension and demonstrates a model of effective cooperation between major donor countries and UN agencies in responding to complex global crises.
