RIYADH: One of the UN’s leading voices on humanitarian affairs and development is visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time to speak at a specialist event in Riyadh. 

Achim Steiner, a Brazilian environmentalist and the UN Development Programme’s Administrator, will participate in this week’s International Humanitarian Forum. He will use his speech to go over the organization’s plan for development in humanitarian affairs with Saudi Arabia.

Steiner will also discuss strengthening the relationship between UNDP and Saudi Arabia.

The forum aims to strengthen dialogue between humanitarian workers and will be attended by leading figures, donors, practitioners, and researchers to discuss legislative, informational, and logistical mechanisms for delivering aid.

The UNDP has worked in partnership with and supported Saudi Arabia for more than 40 years.

This year will be the third session of the forum organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

It fulfills one of the many Sustainable Development Goals for Vision 2030 as well as bringing government officials together for vital discussions on the future of international wellbeing.

Global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice will be discussed by those in attendance.

Prominent figures due at the forum include: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan; Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar; Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the UN Martin Griffiths; EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic; Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi; and Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel.

Key organizations taking part include the World Health Organization, World Food Programme, International Organization for Migration, the UN Development Programme and UN Children’s Fund.