ICRC at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum: A Voice for Humanity
Riyadh, 24-25 February 2025 – Senior humanitarian leadership gathered from around the world recently in Saudi Arabia for the Fourth edition of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF). The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) played a key role in a series of events aimed at influencing the future of global humanitarian response. At the heart of ICRC’s participation was Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl, who took the stage to advocate for humanitarian diplomacy, access to people in need, and respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Humanitarian Diplomacy in Focus
At a high-level panel on Humanitarian Diplomacy in Conflicts, ICRC Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl emphasized the vital role of humanitarian negotiations in securing access, protecting civilians, and upholding IHL amid today’s complex conflicts.
“War isn’t just about frontlines or shifting alliances. It’s the moment you flee your home, unsure if you’ll ever return. It’s the decades spent searching for a missing loved one. It’s the cold corridor of detention, where screams echo around you,” he said.
Speaking alongside key principals of leading humanitarian organizations and representatives of States, Krähenbühl delivered a compelling intervention, highlighting the urgent realities of conflict and the need for stronger, coordinated humanitarian responses.
He stressed the importance of engaging with all parties to a conflict — including those on opposing sides — to secure access and alleviate human suffering. He also pointed to the growing role of regional actors in advancing humanitarian outcomes, citing Saudi Arabia’s recent mediation efforts as a key example.
Strengthening Saudi-ICRC Cooperation
On the sidelines of RIHF, Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl met with key Saudi officials to strengthen partnerships and enhance humanitarian cooperation. In his meeting with H.E. Waleed El Khereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, focused on the strategic partnership between the ICRC and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Kingdom’s mediation efforts. Building on these diplomatic engagements, he also met with H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, to explore ways to bolster joint humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile, his meeting with Dr. Jalal Al Owais, President of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, reaffirmed the shared commitment to humanitarian action and improving emergency response mechanisms.
A New Milestone: KSrelief-ICRC Agreement Signed
A major highlight of RIHF 2025 was the signing of a new agreement between ICRC and KSRelief, bringing Saudi Arabia’s total contribution to ICRC operations in 2024 to $12 million. This milestone cements Saudi Arabia’s membership in the ICRC Donor Support Group, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to global humanitarian action.
Marking 75 Years of the Geneva Convention
As part of RIHF, ICRC co-hosted a special event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. DG, Krähenbühl delivered a keynote speech emphasizing that wars today are testing the limits of IHL, making its protection more crucial than ever.
“The Geneva Conventions are not outdated relics. They are living documents, forged from the horrors of war, ensuring the dignity of people in crisis. We cannot afford to let them be ignored or rewritten.”
The event, held in collaboration with KSRelief, the Saudi Standing Committee on IHL, and the Embassy of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sparked meaningful discussions on the future of IHL and its role in protecting civilians in conflict zones.
Engaging the Public: ICRC’s Presence at the Forum
The ICRC exhibition at RIHF attracted a wide audience, from government officials to students, showcasing key humanitarian themes such as digital dilemmas, climate and conflict, and harmful narratives in war. The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on humanitarian challenges and the ICRC’s vital work in the region.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment to Humanity
As RIHF 2025 concluded, humanitarian leaders left with a renewed commitment to navigate the future of humanitarian response. The ICRC’s presence at the forum reinforced its mission to protect lives, uphold humanitarian principles, and strengthen global partnerships.
As conflicts and crises evolve, the ICRC remains committed to the protection and assistance to those in need, ensuring that humanitarian principles remain a priority
