RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, spoke at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, highlighting the need for humanitarian reform, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Al-Rabeeah discussed the current challenges facing the humanitarian community, noting that the closure of many projects has left millions without support and has forced humanitarian workers to leave their positions.

He emphasized that reform must go beyond the executive level to include accountability, transparency and inclusiveness.

The Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, views the UN’s 80th anniversary as an opportunity to renew its collective commitment and promote sustainable reform, Al-Rabeeah added.

He stressed the need to ensure the system’s efficient operation, align it with development priorities, and ensure equitable geographic representation.

Al-Rabeeah noted that enhancing the impact of reforms is crucial for better operational outcomes.

He affirmed, “We will continue to strengthen these partnerships so that our humanitarian efforts meet the needs of affected communities,” highlighting the importance of engaging local leaders.

He reported that KSrelief’s work has spanned 108 countries through more than 3,600 projects, implemented in collaboration with over 320 partners.

Al-Rabeeah called coordination a “collective responsibility” and reiterated that the Kingdom, through KSrelief, will continue its pioneering role in building a global humanitarian aid system that guarantees everyone the opportunity to live in peace, security and dignity.

KSrelief provides aid, including food baskets, medical care and school supplies, to 95 countries around the world.

This week, it began new programs in Yemen, Sudan and Lebanon to deliver food, provide care to burn victims and tackle unemployment.