Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al-Budaiwi, said the GCC countries collectively are the fourth-largest donor of humanitarian and relief aid worldwide, contributing $14 billion in assistance between 2020 and 2025.
Speaking at the Doha Forum for Peace and Development, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Al-Budaiwi stressed that peace and development are inseparable, saying the absence of one undermines the other.
He highlighted that in 2024 alone, GCC countries contributed $3.04 billion, ranking first among Global South donors according to UN OCHA data.
Al-Budaiwi also cited major humanitarian initiatives, including Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Center which donated $25 million to the World Food Program for Yemen, the UAE’s $828 million aid package for Gaza, and Kuwait’s hosting of the 2018 Iraq Reconstruction Conference.
He further pointed to the GCC’s role in diplomacy and mediation, including efforts in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, ceasefire initiatives in Gaza, US-Iran dialogue, Sudan conflict resolution, and regional reconciliation with Syria.
Al-Budaiwi praised Qatar’s organization of the forum, underscoring the importance of dialogue, pluralism, and humanitarian engagement in addressing today’s transnational challenges. He affirmed the GCC’s vision to remain a hub for trade, culture, and dialogue while serving humanity through practical solutions.
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