RIYADH, Feb 21: Saudi Arabia on Monday opened an international humanitarian forum, attended by Kuwait, which brings together some of the most prominent contributors towards humanitarian causes from around the globe. The gathering, held in conjunction with the United Nations and sponsored by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, comes at a time where crises and disasters are rife, particularly in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria earlier this month, said Saudi Royal Court advisor Dr. Abdullah Al-Rubaie.

The talks underline the need of ratcheting up global cooperation on humanitarian endeavors, added the Saudi official, saying such a measure was necessary to ensure a more timely and effective response to any humanitarian crisis. In his speech, UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths highlighted the “mounting” humanitarian needs on a global scale, citing a worsening food crisis sparked by the Russia- Ukraine war. Representing Kuwait, the country’s Red Crescent Society deputy chief Dr. Anwar Al-Hasawi said Kuwait makes it a point to participate in such events that provide an opportunity for the “exchange of know-how” in the global humanitarian arena.

The Kuwaiti official went on to cite some notable contributions the venerable charity has made towards humanitarian causes, chiefly its response to the earthquake that rattled Turkiye and Syria recently, which saw immediate Kuwaiti aid pour into the affected areas, he undrlined. Renowned international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Organization for Migration, amongst others, are taking part in the gathering. (KUNA)