The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) today signed a $2.5 million grant agreement with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to support the Somalia Humanitarian Fund during the 2025-2026 period. The signing took place during the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington.

Signing Ceremony Details:

• Signatories:

  • For KFAED: Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar

  • For UN OCHA: Director of Financing and Partnerships Division Lisa Doughten

Key Objectives:

• Support implementation of Somalia's Humanitarian Response Plan

• Provide direct funding to humanitarian partners in Somalia

• Enable life-saving interventions through small-scale projects targeting priority needs

• Enhance coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian response

Implementation Framework:

✓ Funding will be channeled through local humanitarian partners
✓ Focus on rapid, targeted assistance for most vulnerable populations
✓ Aligns with Somalia's urgent humanitarian priorities

Historical Context:

This marks the fourth collaboration between KFAED and UN OCHA in humanitarian relief, with previous support including:

• $4.6 million provided since 2017 through UNDP for three humanitarian projects

• Most recent: $2.5 million grant (signed September 30, 2023) for Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund (2024-2025)

"This contribution reflects Kuwait's strategic partnership with UN agencies to address critical humanitarian needs worldwide," stated Acting DG Al-Bahar during the signing.