In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Saudi Fund for Development signed a memorandum of understanding to provide a $10 million grant from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The grant aims to provide safe and sustainable drinking water to communities affected by conflict in the Republic of Sudan. The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, with the participation of the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations, Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan.
Background to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan
This grant comes at a critical time for Sudan, which has been experiencing a devastating conflict since April 2023 that has led to the collapse of the country's vital infrastructure. The war has displaced millions from their homes, both within Sudan and to neighboring countries, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The water and sanitation sector has been among the hardest hit, with water treatment plants and distribution networks destroyed in many cities, most notably the capital, Khartoum, depriving residents of access to clean water and leaving them vulnerable to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Project objectives and local impact
The memorandum aims to address these challenges directly and sustainably. Project objectives include the rehabilitation and expansion of main water networks, with a focus on improving the Nile River water supply system in Khartoum. To ensure sustainability and reduce operating costs, the stations will be converted to solar power. The project also focuses on strengthening local technical capacity and engaging the community to guarantee the continuity of services. This support is expected to significantly improve access to clean water for thousands of families, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, enhance public health, and build the resilience of local communities to environmental and humanitarian challenges.
In this context, the advisor emphasized the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support Sudan, noting that “access to safe drinking water is a fundamental pillar of health and quality of life.” He added that this grant, in partnership with UNHCR, “contributes to strengthening infrastructure and providing sustainable solutions that meet urgent needs and support long-term development.”.
The importance of partnership and its regional and international dimensions
For his part, the UNHCR representative emphasized that “this generous financial support not only addresses urgent water needs but also strengthens the resilience and self-reliance of people in conflict zones.” This initiative is of regional importance, as stabilizing the humanitarian situation within Sudan helps alleviate the refugee pressure on neighboring countries. Internationally, this partnership highlights the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a key player in global humanitarian action and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex crises.
It is worth noting that the development relationship between the Saudi Fund for Development and the UNHCR extends for more than a decade, during which the Fund financed 18 development projects in 8 countries with a value exceeding $85 million, reflecting a firm commitment to supporting humanitarian issues and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
