Saudi: Donors' Conference to support displaced persons in Sahel, Lake Chad Region convenes in Jeddah

The Donors' Conference to Support Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region opened today in Jeddah, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

In his address, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Ibrahim Taha emphasized the importance of the conference, calling it a testament to the solidarity between the OIC and international partners in rallying support for displaced populations facing dire circumstances in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. He highlighted that the event’s primary goal is to secure essential funding to support affected nations and create a forum for dialogue and consultation among key humanitarian stakeholders.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thanked Saudi Arabia and the OIC for hosting the conference. He noted both the potential and challenges of the Sahel and Lake Chad region, recognizing its capacity to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals while acknowledging that conflict, climate change and economic strain have led to severe humanitarian crises, with over 30 million people needing immediate assistance. Guterres called for urgent support for humanitarian efforts, alongside long-term investments to address root issues such as poverty, inequality, climate adaptation and peacebuilding. He urged all parties to end hostilities, ensure civilian protection and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access.

A documentary illustrated the region’s humanitarian challenges and the pressing needs of displaced communities.

The conference aims to mobilize resources for humanitarian and development initiatives, raise awareness of the complex crises in the Sahel and Lake Chad and foster strong partnerships for an enhanced and sustained humanitarian response. Saudi Arabia’s event hosting aligns with its established commitment to alleviating the suffering of vulnerable communities worldwide and supporting international humanitarian relief efforts.