CFC and KSRelief Explore Partnership to Link Humanitarian Aid with Sustainable Development
Riyadh, 8 February 2026 – In a productive meeting focused on supporting the world’s most vulnerable communities, Ambassador Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), met with His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief). The discussions centered on exploring how humanitarian relief and long-term commodity development can work in synergy.
Ambassador Belal thanked KSRelief for its vital global humanitarian efforts, which assist millions regardless of background. "KSRelief's remarkable work in saving lives and CFC's focus on building sustainable livelihoods for commodity producers present a natural alignment," stated Ambassador Belal. "We believe there is significant value in exploring how our respective expertise can complement one another."
The dialogue covered critical challenges facing smallholder farmers in global value chains, particularly the loss of income when commodities are exported in raw form. Ambassador Belal also outlined the increased need for development finance in the post-COVID era, noting CFC's expanded project pipeline aimed at creating resilient livelihoods.
In response, Dr. Al Rabeeah acknowledged the shifting global landscape and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing both resources and innovative ideas to alleviate suffering. He expressed interest in building partnerships that can help translate immediate relief into longer-term sustainability.
A constructive step from the meeting was Dr. Al Rabeeah’s advice to his team to work with CFC to explore joint pilot initiatives. This collaborative approach aims to develop practical, mutually agreeable projects that can make a tangible impact.
KSRelief also took note of CFC’s ongoing initiatives, including the Absolute Sixteen (A16), sixteen Landlocked LDCs that need continued support, and Humanizing the Value Chain (HVC) initiatives, ensuring that farmers, workers, and rural communities are recognized as central actors in global trade. He noted that sustainable global markets depend on producers being able to earn stable and fair incomes, build resilience to shocks, and participate meaningfully in value chains.
The meeting concluded with a shared interest in continued dialogue and a mutual resolve to work toward a partnership that enhances sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities worldwide.
About CFC:
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an intergovernmental financial institution that provides financing for projects in commodity value chains in its Member States, with a focus on sustainable development and poverty reduction.
About KSRelief:
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is a humanitarian aid agency based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It implements life-saving and life-sustaining projects worldwide across sectors such as food security, health, education, and water and sanitation.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]