In a session chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah, the Cabinet commended the broad and outstanding public engagement with the national initiatives launched by the Kingdom. The Cabinet highly valued this response, which reflects the inherent generosity of Saudi society and its deeply rooted values of solidarity and giving, affirming that this momentum strongly supports charitable work and amplifies its humanitarian and developmental impact throughout the Kingdom.
Background and context of national initiatives
These initiatives are an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, which not only focuses on economic transformation but also aims to build a vibrant society and responsible citizens. The Vision has given special attention to developing the non-profit sector, increasing its contribution to the GDP, and encouraging volunteerism and charitable work. A prime example of these initiatives is the National Platform for Charitable Work (Ihsan), launched to serve as a reliable and secure link between donors and those in need. Utilizing the latest technologies to ensure transparency and ease of access, Ihsan has achieved record-breaking fundraising figures since its inception.
Local significance and expected impact
Domestically, this widespread engagement demonstrates the success of the government's strategy to foster partnerships between the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The Cabinet's commendation of this engagement is not merely an expression of appreciation, but also a message of encouragement to citizens and residents to continue their active role in the development process. These initiatives contribute to strengthening national unity, providing a robust social safety net, and addressing numerous social challenges such as housing, healthcare, and education for the most vulnerable groups, ultimately leading to a more stable and prosperous society.
Regional and international dimensions
The success of these national initiatives reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s regional and international standing as a leading nation in humanitarian and charitable work. While the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) focuses on providing assistance to affected countries worldwide, domestic initiatives such as “Ihsan” and “Jood Housing” demonstrate the Kingdom’s deep commitment to the social well-being of its citizens. This integrated model, combining domestic and international giving, presents a positive image of the Kingdom and enhances its soft power and global influence as a driving force in philanthropy and sustainable development.
