Sultan Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a $10 million grant provided by Saudi Arabia through the Fund. The agreement was signed alongside Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and Hassan Hamed, Sudan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and international organizations in Geneva. The grant aims to provide safe and sustainable water to conflict-affected communities in Sudan.
The memorandum aims to rehabilitate and expand major water networks in Sudan, including improving the water supply system from the Nile River in the city of Khartoum, retrofitting operations to run on solar energy and eveloping technical capacities, encouraging local community participation to ensure project sustainability, facilitating access to water to reduce the risk of diseases and epidemics and nhancing public health and bolstering resilience against environmental challenges.
Sultan Al-Marshad emphasized Saudi Arabia’s efforts through the SFD to support Sudan in accessing safe drinking water, which he described as a pillar of health and quality of life. He noted that this grant, in partnership with the UNHCR, contributes to strengthening the water sector infrastructure and provides sustainable solutions that meet urgent needs while supporting long-term development.
Filippo Grandi stated: “When individuals have access to basic services, they can stabilize and move forward.” He noted that this generous financial support not only meets immediate water needs but also enhances resilience and self-reliance for people in conflict zones, developing the vital systems that communities depend on. He stressed that sustainable solutions require strong and continuous partnerships.
This memorandum is part of Saudi Arabia’s developmental efforts to alleviate suffering, reduce risks associated with contaminated water, and support community health. It aims to assist the most vulnerable populations, enabling them to access basic services that restore dignity and improve the quality of life in Sudan.
The developmental relationship between the SFD and the UNHCR spans over 10 years. During this period, the Fund has financed 18 developmental projects in 8 developing countries, totaling more than $85 million and benefiting over 5 million people. This long-term cooperation embodies shared goals in the fields of sustainable development.
