Aid to education
Saudi Arabia’s development cooperation is driven by its foreign policy and its principles to assist developing countries.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) provides loans to developing countries, with no geographical restriction. Loan agreements are made directly with the governments of developing countries to ensure the financing of priority development projects determined by the government.
Humanitarian assistance forms an important part of Saudi Arabia’s overall aid and is managed by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).
KSRelief reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic by funding humanitarian and relief projects in fragile countries including Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen, in the form of grants through UN agencies and national and international organizations.
The Saudi Fund for Development also provided low interest rate loans to countries around the world and contributed to global initiatives such as the World Health Organization’s special COVID-19 Fund; the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; and other international and regional health organizations and programs. Saudi Arabia chaired the G20 meetings in 2020.
Saudi Arabia and GPE
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially joined GPE in 2024 and is represented through its ministry of education.
At the 4th GPE replenishment conference in London, the country became a first-time donor to GPE with a pledge of US$38 million.