Maha Akeel

The humanitarian world is in a state of shock and upheaval. The impact of the decision by the Trump administration to downsize the US Agency for International Development and cut funding to international organizations is still reverberating. And with some European countries also cutting their aid spending, recipients of these funds are desperate to find other sources.

Ramadan is traditionally the month of giving. As it is now in its blessed last 10 days, Muslims are giving more and paying their zakat (2.5 percent of their wealth), including through international organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and UNRWA.

Throughout the year, but particularly during the holy month, Saudis donate generously through the official channels and charity organizations. The Saudi government has always taken the lead in donating to various humanitarian projects around the world, organizing campaigns to raise funds for Palestine and supporting reconstruction and development efforts in disaster-hit areas, whether in Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye or Somalia. These generous endeavors will probably increase.

In the past, Saudi initiatives and campaigns were not well documented or publicized. Today, there is more emphasis on transparency, alignment with global governance norms and increased humanitarian assistance.

Nationally, the Ehsan platform was established to empower the nonprofit and development sector in Saudi Arabia and expand its impact. It allows people to donate in different fields by providing multiple and fast options for donation.

Internationally, the Saudi Aid Platform, launched in 2018, is a central database that........

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