Saudi Arabia Showcases Global Humanitarian Contributions at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, Deputy Speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, praised Brazil’s recent initiative to establish the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty, noting that Saudi Arabia has actively supported the alliance since May 2024. His remarks came during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers in Brasilia, themed “Parliaments for a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet,” as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Leading the Saudi delegation, Al-Sulami highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global humanitarian efforts and announced that Riyadh would host the UN Conference on Land and Drought in December. He outlined the Kingdom’s robust approach to reducing poverty and hunger domestically, emphasizing government initiatives, the Shoura Council’s role, and the establishment of a social safety net through various support programs, the Social Development Bank, and active charitable organizations.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia has been a prominent contributor, providing nearly $133 billion in development assistance to 171 countries since 1975, supporting 7,090 humanitarian and development projects worldwide. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre currently oversees 1,700 projects focused on alleviating global poverty and hunger.
In addressing workplace equality, Al-Sulami highlighted Saudi Arabia’s adherence to International Labour Organization Conventions 100 and 111, which promote equal pay and employment opportunities regardless of gender. By 2023, female participation in the labor force reached 37%, surpassing Vision 2030 goals.
Saudi Arabia has also extended significant support to Gaza, contributing $187 million in emergency relief and $1.6 billion in humanitarian aid. Additionally, in a landmark move, the Kingdom launched the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution with Arab and Islamic countries, the EU, and Norway, holding its first meeting in Riyadh on October 30, 2024. This initiative aligns with efforts from the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held on November 11, 2023, and further advances discussions set for November 11, 2024. These actions aim for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The P20 Summit in Brazil addressed pressing global issues, including the role of parliaments in fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality, as well as in fostering sustainable development. Saudi delegate Iman Al-Jubreen presented a working paper on women’s representation in leadership, detailing the Kingdom’s strides in women’s empowerment and its influence on decision-making processes.
This summit underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation, poverty eradication, workplace equality, and sustainable development.
