UNICEF’s highlights in the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF) 2025
Historic Commitment of US$200 million from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNICEF for the Global Polio Eradication
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The Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF), led by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), stands as a key platform for fostering collaboration across humanitarian, development, and peace initiatives, setting global benchmarks for humanitarian efforts. UNICEF’s active participation in the past has greatly enhanced the forum, contributing valuable insights and strategies to achieve sustainable solutions for children.
This year’s forum, which was held on 24 and 25 February 2025, marked the anniversary of KSRelief’s establishment in 2015 and its partnership with UNICEF since then. This longstanding partnership led to transformative impacts for millions of beneficiaries, including vulnerable children, women, and displaced communities across the globe.
UNICEF’s key achievements at the 2025 RIHF
KSrelief ‘s Supervisor General His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, signed an agreement of US$500 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) of which US$200 million will be allocated to UNICEF.
This new commitment will help vaccinate 370 million children against polio every year for the next five years, protecting them from paralysis and death, and build stronger health systems to achieve and sustain a polio-free world.
The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND)’s Chairman His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Talal of and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell signed two new agreements to advance impact for children in Syria, Lebanon and Morocco.
These agreements are focused on expanding collaboration in early childhood development and disability inclusion.
World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)’s Secretary General His Excellency Dr. Saleh Babear and UNICEF Director of Emergency Programmes Lucia Elmi signed a general collaboration agreement. This agreement aims to contribute to UNICEF emergency response for Lebanon and expanding aid for children and their families in Gaza, Syria and beyond.
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UNICEF’s sessions at RIHF 2025
UNICEF participated and co-organized four high-level sessions with KSrelief and other key organizations. These sessions are:
Resilient, Innovative, and Localized – The Future of Humanitarian Supply Chains:
A high-level panel discussion with World Food Programme, IMC, UNOPS, Gavi - the Vaccine Alliance, and SARC on building resilient, innovative, and localized humanitarian supply chains, highlighting successful case studies and actionable strategies.
Read more about it: Link
Vaccinating Against Adversity: Ending Polio and Strengthening Health Systems amid Humanitarian Crises: This session discussed how polio eradication efforts are integrated within broader humanitarian initiatives and the impact of conflict, climate disasters, and weak health infrastructure on vaccination programs.
Read more about it: Link
Rehabilitation & Reintegration: Challenges & Opportunities:
This session brought together experts humanitarian leaders including Save the Children International, Plan International & the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre (AUCTC),
to address rehabilitation and reintegration for children and adults affected by conflict.
Read more about it: Link
The Role of Foundations in Driving Collective Action for Children & Vulnerable Communities in MENA: Gulf and global foundations leaders explored how philanthropy can bridge emergency response and long-term recovery for crisis-affected communities and discussed how to strengthen localized responses, and secure sustainable financing for critical interventions.
Read more about it: Link
UNICEF’s representation at RIHF exhibition
UNICEF offered the booth’s visitors a virtual experience and took them on a journey into KSRelief funded projects and UNICEF’s work in other countries to see the positive impact on children’s lives across the globe.