Founding Day is a national event that honours the individuals who contributed to the success of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding three centuries ago by Imam Mohammad bin Saud.
Unfortunately, this year the festivities coincided with the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey. Despite this, the Kingdom responded to the call for brotherhood and solidarity, extending support and aid to both nations during this challenging time.
The response was an expression of kindness and human sympathy towards our neighbouring countries.
This month, The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) organised the Third Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF), after the success of the first forum.
“The volume of aid provided by the Kingdom has reached $95 billion US dollars, from which 160 countries around the world have benefited over seven decades.”
— Foreign Minister at Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. #RIHF pic.twitter.com/Jib7ecmKrb
— Foreign Ministry(@KSAmofaEN) February 20, 2023
RIHF provides a platform for distinguished leaders, donors, workers, and researchers in the humanitarian field to engage in dialogue on legal and intellectual frameworks, field practices, and challenges associated with humanitarian work.
The objective was to foster innovative and practical solutions in line with the principles and standards of humanitarian work and to support the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Noble causes
These two events bolstered Saudi Arabia’s role on the international scene — especially in the Islamic world — and its contributions and support to noble causes. They were the embodiment of human solidarity.
This shared sense of identity and purpose is frequently expressed with enthusiasm, as we seek to find joy, pleasure, and pride in invoking cherished national memories. This collective experience helps to boost our self-esteem. Global tragedies and natural disasters also elicit empathy and a sense of togetherness, prompting a recognition of a shared destiny.
The Kingdom's immediate response to the earthquake was more than just material aid; Saudi volunteers also travelled to the site of the disaster to aid the survivors, reflecting its earnest commitment to supporting the victims during their darkest times.
Amidst the earthquake in #Syria and #Turkey, KSRelief has dispatched #Saudi rescue teams, 8 aid planes and 11 trucks carrying 104 tonnes of essentials. Sahem by KSRelief, a public platform to gather donations, has received £80 million from international donors. pic.twitter.com/cV6YDLP1EF
— Saudi Embassy UK (@SaudiEmbassyUK) February 15, 2023
