· The SFD funded project connects refugee shelters to the clean power grid in Azraq refugee camp, providing electricity to around 54,000 refugees/10,000 households

· The Saudi contributions amount to USD 300, in support to Syrian refugees and host countries

A delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), headed by its CEO Mr. Sultan bin AbdulRahman Al-Marshad conducted a field visit on Wednesday 8 July 2021 to officially inaugurate the clean power grid project at Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan. The project is funded by the Government of Saudi Arabia through SFD, and implemented in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The visiting delegation was joined by Jordanian officials, as well as representatives from UNHCR.

The clean power grid project in Azraq camp is a first of its kind in the world in the field of renewable energy, it connects around 54,000 Syrian refugees living 10,000 households with clean energy. In addition to supplying the marketplace and other public and communal locations with clean electricity.

During the visit, SFD CEO Mr. Sultan bin AbdulRahman Al-Marshad stated “Our partnership with UNHCR dates to over a decade, during which we were able to support thousands of refugees around the world. Through SFD, Saudi Arabia contributed USD 300 million to support Syrian refugees and host governments, at which 17 projects, amounting to USD 78 million were implemented in collaboration with UNHCR. SFD’s support to Syrian refugees in Azraq Camp is not limited to this project, it includes the allocation of USD 3 million in cash grants, to provide healthcare support for over 37,000 refugees.” he added.

Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries praised the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, being one of the top donors to UNHCR, and for SFD’s efforts as a key partner to support refugees, displaced persons and returnees; improving their lives around the world.

Mr. Khalifa highlighted the importance of such sustainable projects and the positive impact it has on refugees daily lives “We are proud of a decade of humanitarian partnership with SFD, a partnership that supports UNHCR’s protection, humanitarian and development efforts to refugees in Jordan, the region, and the world. This project is also another step forward towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are at the core of our strategic vision.” he added.

The Saudi Ambassador to Jordan stated “This project, which aims at providing a clear power grid to refugees in Azraq refugees camp, reflects the massive efforts made by the Saudi government, under the leadership of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz, Crown Prince, to support, our brothers, the Syrian refugees, and their host communities. This is through SFDs strategy and work, which is the biggest and one of the most important entities in providing development assistance, to ensure and achieve stability and prosperity for many developing countries, through social and economic support.”