Concluding visit to Kuwait, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi calls for scaled-up support to address growing needs of displaced populations

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has concluded an official visit to the State of Kuwait, urging the international community to scale up support for vulnerable forcibly displaced populations. His call comes as global displacement reaches a record 123 million amid evolving humanitarian challenges and acute funding shortfalls that place millions at risk.

During his visit, Grandi met with his Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Grandi commended Kuwait’s commitment to support forcibly displaced populations and expressed gratitude to the government and people of Kuwait for their solidarity and ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Grandi also met with His Excellency Waleed Al-Bahar, Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and signed two grant agreements amounting to USD 5.7 million to support displaced Sudanese and host communities in Sudan and Chad.

The first agreement, valued at USD 2.5 million, will enhance access to education, clean water, and health care for over 300,000 people affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern Sudan. The second, valued at USD 3.2 million, will strengthen resilience and improve living conditions for 50,000 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad through durable shelters, solar-powered street lighting, and clean water systems.

Together, these grants reaffirm UNHCR’s long-standing partnership with KFAED in responding to humanitarian crises across the region.

‘’We deeply value our partnership with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, a valued supporter in times of need,” said UN High Commissioner Grandi. ‘’These agreements will improve the lives of tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees and displaced families by providing shelter, clean water, and access to education and health care.’’

The High Commissioner concluded his visit with a meeting with representatives of Kuwaiti partners, charitable organizations, the private sector, and prominent philanthropists, underscoring the importance of strengthening partnerships to enhance support for the most vulnerable displaced populations in the region and beyond.

His visit comes at a time when the humanitarian landscape remains complex, marked by evolving needs and widening funding gaps. Grandi emphasized the urgent need for greater international solidarity to address escalating humanitarian challenges and to strengthen support for vulnerable forcibly displaced populations.