Riyadh, May 24, 2022

Today, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) received, at its headquarters in Riyadh, a delegation from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) headed by Dr. Erfan Ali, Regional Representative of UN-Habitat for the Arab Region, accompanied by Dr. Ayman Elhefnawi, Acting Country Manager at UN-Habitat Saudi Arabia, Mr. Oumar Sylla UN-Habitat Acting Regional Director for Africa, as well as other officials.

Dr. Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Sakran, the Executive Director of the Strategy Sector, welcomed the delegation of UN-Habitat. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest, including development projects in developing countries, and cooperation between SFD and UN-Habitat. The delegation also presented an overview of its projects in promoting sustainable human settlements development in social and environmental fields and providing adequate shelter for developing communities.

The visit included a tour through SFD’s exhibition center, showcasing the most prominent development projects and programs supported by SFD in 84 developing countries around the world, as well as photos of the beneficiaries.

The delegation praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in development work, which extends over the past years, pointing to depth of the relationship between SFD and UN Programs, benefiting more than millions of refugees around the world. This cooperation has contributed to alleviating the difficult conditions in various countries and made difference in quality of lives of the beneficiaries in light of the increasing needs and humanitarian crises that extend for many years.

Dr. Al-Sakran pointed out that these meetings would contribute to unifying efforts and achieving SDGs, given that the two parties are working effectively on development projects in various countries based on great experiences and competencies. In addition, international organizations play a role in raising level of coordination that will positively reflect on the various development programs and their sustainability.

It is worth noting that the Kingdom has a proven track record in the field of development support through the Saudi Fund for Development in supporting multiple programs in various development fields for international organizations.