Geneva/Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNCHR) has named the Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, as Patron, in recognition of his efforts and the kind contributions of RHF to support UNHCR’s humanitarian responses in the past years in several emergency situations.
This came on the margins of the Global Refugee Form (GRF) held in Geneva and co-hosted by UNHCR and the Government of Switzerland.
Through its partnership with UNHCR over the past years, and considering Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed leadership, RHF supported UNHCR’s humanitarian efforts in responding to several displacement emergencies, which positively impacted the lives of thousands of internally displaced people in Syria and Afghanistan, Syrian refugees in Jordan, and refugees from Ukraine.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Mustafa as UNHCR Patron in appreciation of his dedication towards helping displaced people and refugees in need, anywhere they may be.” He added:” Nowadays, the world is witnessing unprecedented levels of forced displacement, standing at more than 114 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. To address their needs, UNHCR relies on its partners, such as the RHF to support its ability to deliver life-saving assistance and long-term development to the displaced populations and their host communities,” Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries said, while welcoming Dr. Mustaf Al-Sayed’s support and cooperation and congratulated him on this occasion.
A Patron is an honorary title given to those who support UNHCR and forcibly displaced people by dedicating time to raise awareness about the challenges they face, and the efforts invested to overcome them. Additionally, to encourage engagement, support, and help raise funds for UNHCR’s life-saving work.
The Global Refugee Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugee issues, bringing together UN Member States with relevant stakeholders, international and local organizations, civil society, financial institutions, academia and the private sector. The second GRF convenes in Geneva from 13 to 15 December 2023, providing an opportunity to build on and highlight the progress made by Governments and other stakeholders towards the implementation of pledges and initiatives announced at the first GRF in 2019. It also offers a platform for participants to announce new pledges and share learning to inform and inspire further responsibility-sharing and facilitate comprehensive responses.
