UN chief Antonio Guterres today called on world leaders to step up humanitarian efforts and show solidarity with millions of people in strife-torn countries like Syria to bring global peace and stability. Addressing the first Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF) , the UN Secretary General said conflicts in Syria and Libya had led to horrendous crises. "Humanitarian efforts work and I call on global leaders to show solidarity and bring stability in these countries, Guterres said in a video message. His remarks came as more than 500 people were killed since February 18 in heavy shelling by Syrian army in eastern Ghouta., which is controlled by Islamist and jihadist fighters. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the two-day Riyadh conference. A galaxy of global heads and professionals from 65 organisations, including the UN, are particiapating in conference that seeks to formulate new practical and efficient responses to changing humanitarian needs. Sponsored by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), the event will help build on the conclusions of previous international forums and generate commitments to reduce suffering and deliver assistance more efficiently to those in need, a statement said. King Salman participated in the event and felicitated the organisers of the KSRelief, but did not address the gathering at the sprawling conference hall at the intercontinental complex. He launched the electronic edition of KSReliefs international humanitarian journal during the forum.
The journal highlights the humanitarian work of the Saudi Kingdom. The conference would have some 25 sessions and will be attended by several heads of UN agencies including the UN and the WHO. Earlier, Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSRelief said that the organisation had implemented 328 humanitarian projects in 38 countries. The majority of our programs have focused on Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Somalia. KSreliefs 119 humanitarian partners include UN member agencies as well as many other international and national NGOs, he said.
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