ICRC Participates in the Third Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum to Address Humanitarian Challenges

The RIHF brought humanitarian leaders, donors, practitioners, researchers, and others together to promote dialogue on legislative, informational, and logistical mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid. The forum addressed humanitarian challenges and sought innovative, practical solutions in accordance with international humanitarian principles and standards in line with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the forum, ICRC’s Director General Robert Mardini participated in a panel discussion on Conflict, Forced Displacement, and Risks Exploitation. He highlighted the vulnerability of countries embedded in a conflict increasingly exposed to the climate crisis and emphasized the importance of helping communities build resilience to absorb the shocks of compounded crises.

Special Envoy Balthasar Staehelin participated in the panel discussion on Data Collection and Analysis to Support Humanitarian Work, where he spoke about the importance of data protection and evaluating humanitarian data through the lens of each organization's respective mandate. On the sidelines, Staehelin held a fruitful discussion with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority innovation team about the humanitarian nexus and data protection.

The ICRC also presented on Digital Dilemmas and climate change and conflict in the RIHF exhibition section, where they answered questions about the ICRC mandate and activities in the region. Over two days, the interactions at the ICRC booth were positive and engaging, with a large number of visitors from different backgrounds.

The ICRC's participation in the RIHF highlights its commitment to promoting humanitarian action and addressing humanitarian challenges worldwide. The forum provided a platform for constructive dialogue and innovative solutions to address the growing humanitarian needs resulting from protracted and new conflicts compounded by multifaceted crises.