Saudi Arabia played ‘critical role’ in global COVID-19 response

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José Manuel Barroso, Gavi Board Chair. (Supplied)
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Updated 04 April 2022
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Saudi Arabia played ‘critical role’ in global COVID-19 response

  • Saudi Arabia made crucial efforts to help close the global vaccine equity gap, says Gavi board chair

RIYADH: The chair of the board of vaccine group Gavi, José Manuel Barroso, said Saudi Arabia played a critical role in the global COVID-19 response, and made crucial efforts to help close the global vaccine equity gap.

COVAX, the global COVID-19 vaccine initiative, co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, alongside key delivery partner UNICEF, is raising urgent funds to support lower-income countries’ COVID-19 vaccination needs, and Barroso conducted a number of virtual meetings with senior Saudi officials to discuss it.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Barroso, who is also the former prime minister of Portugal and president of the European Commission, said: “I indeed had the pleasure of attending virtual meetings with key officials at the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia and the leadership of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to discuss COVAX’s ongoing fundraising effort. CEO of Gavi Dr. Seth Berkley spoke to officials at the Ministry of Health to discuss how Saudi Arabia’s support could contribute to our efforts to break COVID in 2022.

Decades before the pandemic, Saudi Arabia invested in its healthcare systems and focused on increasing the number of healthcare workers. This investment and preparation meant that when the pandemic hit, Saudi Arabia was better equipped than most countries to handle the virus.

José Manuel Barroso

“I also had a very positive virtual meeting with Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where we agreed to work together on shared objectives for global good and solidarity,” he added.

“Saudi Arabia has played a critical role in the global COVID-19 response. In November 2020, as the chair of the G20 Summit in Riyadh, the country succeeded in mobilizing donors to commit sizable funding to respond internationally to the COVID-19 pandemic, amounting to over $825 million including vaccines, medical supplies and medical equipment for 33 countries.

“This money has helped protect millions of lives, but the pandemic will continue to evolve and we must be prepared.”

There is sufficient supply to meet countries’ COVID-19 vaccine demands, but seeing a new COVID variant emerging every four months, it is absolutely critical that the world avoid the scenario of 2020 when money had to be raised before doses could be secured, Barroso said.

“We have learned the importance of securing funding ahead of time, especially should variant-adapted vaccines be required or if additional annual booster shots are needed. To mitigate against this risk, COVAX is seeking to secure contingent funding of $2.7 billion so that we are ready to place orders for additional vaccines as soon as they are needed.

“This ability to move rapidly is essential not only from a vaccine equity standpoint, but it is also necessary from a health security standpoint. Our focus is also on helping countries protect as many people as possible, which is why we are seeking $1 billion for in-country delivery, to improve both the rollout and uptake of vaccines,” said Barroso.

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, together with the rest of the GCC states, can also extend stronger support to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

“Of the 92 countries eligible to receive donor-funded vaccines through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment, 37 are OIC member states and over 740 million, or over 60 percent of all COVAX vaccine doses, have been delivered to these nations. With Ramadan beginning, it is an opportune time to demonstrate solidarity with low and low-middle income countries,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia allocated $150 million to support the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment, $5.3 million was pledged by KSrelief, and we have also received $2.3 million from the Gamers Without Borders initiative of Saudi Esports. This support, pooled together with funding from other donor countries has enabled COVAX to deliver over 1.4 billion doses worldwide, protecting millions of lives across 144 countries, including 83 lower-income countries and territories.

“Efforts like this are helping to close the global vaccine equity gap, and there has been an increase in global vaccine coverage in recent months.”

However, the world urgently needs to make sure vaccines end up in arms at a faster rate, so as not to leave space for the virus to mutate, he added.

With additional support, he said, Gavi and COVAX can help countries remove barriers preventing vaccine uptake by providing technical assistance, funding for vaccinators and health workers and support to build delivery systems, as they have done over the last few months disbursing over $600 million of delivery funding.

On Saudi Arabia’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barroso said: “Decades before the pandemic, Saudi Arabia invested in its healthcare systems and focused on increasing the number of healthcare workers. This investment and preparation meant that when the pandemic hit, Saudi Arabia was better equipped than most countries to handle the virus.

“This is a great lesson for the world and demonstrates the importance of investing in our health systems and preparing for future pandemics and disease outbreaks. With over 62 million vaccine doses administered, and strong community awareness of COVID-19, Saudi Arabia’s response to the pandemic should be applauded.”

Adding that the pandemic is far from over, he noted: “We are living through the worst pandemic in a hundred years, and while the global vaccine equity gap has started to close, there are still ample differences in vaccine coverage between the poorest and the highest-income countries. There have been over 6 million official deaths from COVID-19 with the global economy shrinking by $12.5 trillion.

“This is not the time for the world to become complacent; we have seen a new variant emerge every four months. In fact, a sub-variant of the highly transmissible omicron version of coronavirus, known as BA.2, is now dominant worldwide, prompting surges in many countries in Europe and Asia,” he added.

Barroso said COVAX has built a global procurement, shipment and delivery system to improve vaccine equity and bring COVID-19 vaccines to lower-income countries, resulting in the delivery of over 1.4 billion doses to 144 countries.

Transparency has been a fundamental part of the process of COVAX management, he added, adding COVAX regularly updates and consults with key partners and governments, and holds targeted briefings.


Syrian pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport

The first flights of pilgrims from the Syrian Arab Republic for 2025 Hajj season arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Updated 8 sec ago
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Syrian pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport

RIYADH: The first flights of pilgrims from the Syrian Arab Republic for the 2025 Hajj season have arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

This Hajj season is the second since pilgrimage for Syrians resumed in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus, and the first following the implementation of a new regime under the leadership of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in January, marking a new era of relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

All entry procedures were completed in an orderly and trouble-free manner, a reflection of the Kingdom’s continuous efforts for providing a safe journey for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The General Directorate of Passports has eased entry procedures by utilizing multilingual personnel to assist pilgrims from around the world, and supplying advanced technologies at entry points.

The directorate has reaffirmed its preparedness to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims at all of the Kingdom’s international airports, land border crossings, and seaports.

It has also stressed that it is working in cooperation with all relevant authorities in the Kingdom to guarantee a smooth and honorable pilgrimage for all.


Saudi King praises outcomes of Trump’s visit

Updated 42 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi King praises outcomes of Trump’s visit

  • The Cabinet highlighted the signing of a Strategic Economic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States

King Salman praised on Tuesday the outcomes of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Kingdom, calling the results a historic step forward for bilateral relations, especially in strategic and economic sectors.

Chairing the weekly Cabinet session in Jeddah, King Salman expressed appreciation for President Trump’s acceptance of the Kingdom’s invitation and his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he said would elevate cooperation between the two countries to “an unprecedented level.”

The Cabinet highlighted the signing of a Strategic Economic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as the announcement of major investment agreements totaling more than $300 billion.

In the same session, ministers also welcomed Washington’s positive response to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to lift sanctions on Syria. The Cabinet voiced hope that easing sanctions would support reconstruction and long-term stability in the war-torn country.

The Council reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinian people and called for sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza. It also praised recent achievements by Saudi students at the International Science and Engineering Fair and reviewed developments in the Kingdom’s industrial and humanitarian sectors.


Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

Updated 20 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

  • Executive program promotes artifact exchange, heritage preservation, youth engagement, joint cultural exhibitions

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has signed an executive program with the Cite de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris to enhance cooperation in the fields of museums and music.

The agreement, which align with the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two countries.

It was signed by Museums Commission acting CEO Ibrahim Alsanousi and Philharmonie de Paris CEO Olivier Mantei.

Key areas of cooperation are artifact loans, shared collections, and the exchange of historical musical instruments with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah.

The program also covers collaborative traveling exhibitions and cultural events.

Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News: “This partnership is the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cultural collaboration and enriching our national institutions through global expertise.

“It directly supports the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the cultural ecosystem, promoting artistic education, and ensuring that our museums become vibrant centers of learning and creativity.

Khazindar added: “The Museums Commission’s strategy emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in realizing that vision — especially through initiatives that engage youth and families in meaningful cultural experiences.”

The program includes the development of training and educational initiatives for children and families, such as workshops and interactive installations adapted from the Philharmonie’s programs for young audiences.

It also facilitates the exchange of expertise through researcher visits, seminars, and collaborative academic publications related to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Alsanousi emphasized the importance of the agreement, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

He said: “Music plays a vital role in cultural identity, and this partnership will support the transformation of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum into an interactive and inspiring hub for musical education and engagement.”

Mantei praised Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision and affirmed that the partnership reflects a spirit of constructive cultural exchange.

He also highlighted the agreement as a foundation for future projects that promote artistic and societal dialogue between the two countries.

Tayeb Altayeb, acting director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, said: “This is a transformative step in the development of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum. It allows us to bring world-class musical artifacts and educational experiences to our audiences while honoring the legacy of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic musical pioneers.

“Through this, the museum will evolve into an interactive cultural hub that not only preserves Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage but also inspires future generations to explore and engage with music as a vital part of our national identity.”


KSrelief, UN sign $5m deal to rehabilitate 33 bakeries in Syria

Updated 59 min 9 sec ago
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KSrelief, UN sign $5m deal to rehabilitate 33 bakeries in Syria

  • Food security vital as Syria citizens return
  • Set to create 500 jobs in the bakery sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has signed a $5 million agreement with the UN Development Programme to rehabilitate damaged bakeries in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the fourth European Humanitarian Forum held in Brussels on May 19 and 20, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It was signed by KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and the UNDP’s Administrator Achim Steiner. 

Under the project, 33 damaged bakeries across various Syrian governorates will be rehabilitated, the SPA reported. 

This includes basic restoration, installation of new production lines, maintenance of existing ones, and the rehabilitation of two mobile bread production units.

The project aims to bolster food security in regions with large numbers of returnees, displaced persons, and host communities by restoring the operations of government-run bakeries.

Through rehabilitation and increased production capacity, it will help meet the essential needs of the population, according to the SPA.

Additionally, the project is expected to create 500 jobs in the bakery sector, supporting local economic recovery.

This initiative is a part of the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, led by KSrelief, to enhance food security and alleviate hardships faced by people worldwide, in cooperation with UN humanitarian agencies. 

KSrelief’s participation in the forum reflected its commitment to strengthening global humanitarian efforts in the medium and long term. 

The forum’s participants included humanitarian leaders from various countries and organizations. It featured discussion sessions and interactive workshops focused on humanitarian priorities and geopolitical challenges.

It also served as a platform to reinforce respect for international humanitarian law, ensure access to aid, and enable the protection of humanitarian workers.


Saudi explores quality higher education practices at Tokyo conference

Updated 20 May 2025
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Saudi explores quality higher education practices at Tokyo conference

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission participated in the 18th International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education from May 13 to 16 in Tokyo.

The conference was titled “The Big Bang Theory: The Quality Assurance Paradigm Shift.”

Hosted by the Japan University Accreditation Association, the event facilitated collaboration between institutions on quality practices amid rapid technological advancements and evolving societal needs.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ETEC’s participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to engage with international counterparts and explore leading global practices in education and training.