The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) pledged AED36.7 million ($10 million) to support sustainable projects and programs organized by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to aid forcibly displaced communities. This brings the total contributions by MBRGI to AED163.6 million since 2021.
MBRGI and UNHCR formalized the pledge in a cooperation agreement during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, assistant secretary general at MBRGI and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, signed the agreement in the presence of His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, secretary general of MBRGI.
“This pledge to support sustainable projects for refugees and displaced communities reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness has emphasized the vital need to support vulnerable communities worldwide, offering assistance to alleviate suffering, empower individuals and instill hope,” stated Al Gergawi.
Empowering communities in need
The agreement reflects MBRGI’s commitment to strategic humanitarian support and empowering refugee and displaced communities through sustainable projects and programs that seek to improve their living conditions. The agreement with UNHCR also underscores MBRGI’s commitment to continuously improving the living conditions of refugees and displaced communities worldwide. It also demonstrates MBRGI’s dedication to supporting international efforts in this area.
“This collaboration with UNHCR aligns with MBRGI’s ongoing strategy of fostering strong partnerships with UN humanitarian organizations and programs. We aim to bolster their efforts in alleviating suffering and empowering communities in need,” added Al Gergawi.
For his part, UNHCR’s Grandi expressed his gratitude to MBRGI for their continued support and vital humanitarian role in enabling the UN Refugee Agency to fulfill its mission of supporting vulnerable and forcibly displaced communities.
“The strategic partnership and ongoing collaboration between UNHCR and MBRGI are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of projects and programs for displaced people worldwide. Given the increasing scale and complexity of forced displacement and the subsequent rise in the need for food, medicine and other essential support such combined efforts are more critical than ever,” Grandi said.
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MBRGI establishes proactive agenda for cooperation
During a meeting with Grandi, Al Gergawi discussed joint efforts within their strategic partnership and explored avenues to strengthen this collaboration. Discussions focused on enhancing support and empowerment for forcibly displaced communities worldwide by addressing essential needs and improving the services provided to enhance their living conditions.
MBRGI continues its close collaboration with UNHCR through increasing contributions. Since 2021, MBRGI’s support has made a tangible difference in the lives of over 700,000 refugees and forcibly displaced people in 13 countries.
At Davos 2025, MBRGI established a proactive agenda that focuses on advancing cooperation with international humanitarian organizations and programs. This agenda aims to support international efforts by developing sustainable frameworks that enhance the response to the needs of vulnerable and underprivileged populations worldwide.
