Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner for Refugees, honors Mr. Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, and names him as UNHCR Patron. © UNHCR/Will Swanson
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced today naming Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, as Patron, recognizing his commitment to support humanitarian causes. This announcement came during the Global Refugee Forum in presence of UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Fillipo Grandi, at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva.
A Patron is an honorary title given to those who support UNHCR and forcibly displaced people by dedicating time to raise awareness about the challenges they face, and the efforts invested to overcome them. Additionally, to encourage engagement, support, and help raise funds for UNHCR’s life-saving work.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, Jamal Al-Nouri has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Society’s philanthropic partnership with UNHCR over the past five years. Al-Nouri’s support yielded substantial financial commitment through the Kuwait Society for Relief. He mobilized resources which resulted in a US$1 million towards cash assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons in Yemen, benefitting 4,472 families, with an additional US$ 333,000 allocated for similar assistance in Iraq, reaching 763 families.
In addition, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society executed three consecutive fundraising campaigns in Kuwait from 2020 to 2023, raising around US$ 1.6 million. These funds were dedicated to providing cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Jordan and supporting shelter interventions to refugees in Lebanon, through UNHCR.
UNHCR’s Representative in Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, stated: “Today’s announcement of Jamal Al-Nouri as UNHCR Patron is a token of appreciation for his commitment to supporting UNHCR’s efforts in responding to the growing needs of displaced people worldwide and particularly in the MENA region, through Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society.” She added: “Through our partnership, we were able to help thousands of refugees and internally displaced people with vital cash assistance, shelter provisions, and livelihood activities in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, and countries across East and West Africa, and we hope to further enhance our collaboration in the future.”
Upon receiving his UNHCR Patron title, Jamal Al-Nouri expressed his appreciation for the partnership with UNHCR, and said: “I am deeply honored to receive UNHCR’s title as their Patron. This recognition supports my commitment to serve and uplift the lives of refugees and internally displaced persons across the world. Through the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, we aim to make a meaningful impact by working alongside UNHCR to provide support and relief for those in need with a plan that focuses on providing sustainable solutions for the challenges that’s facing refugees and internally displaced persons.”
The Global Refugee Forum is held every four years and is the world’s largest international gathering on refugee issues, designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees. It provides an opportunity for States and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices, and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
