UNRWA Interim Commissioner-General Commends Egypt's Support to UNRWA During First Visit

Christian Saunders, Interim Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), concluded a three-day visit to Egypt, his first official visit since assuming the role, during which he met with senior Egyptian officials, diplomats and partners to discuss the future of UNRWA, the Agency’s operational and financial challenges, and broader regional developments.

During the visit, Saunders met with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Dr. Amal Emam. He also held discussions with representatives of partner countries, including H.E. Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Egypt, who hosted a dinner with ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries, as well as representatives of the League of Arab States. Saunders furthermore participated in a high-level discussion convened by H.E. Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Ambassador of Spain to Egypt, bringing together ambassadors from EU Member States and other partner countries to discuss developments across the region.

Saunders expressed appreciation for Egypt’s longstanding support for UNRWA and its continued efforts to facilitate humanitarian action and support regional initiatives aimed at addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Saunders briefed interlocutors on UNRWA’s operational and financial situation, highlighting the significant challenges facing the Agency and the impact of funding shortfalls on the continuity of essential services for millions of Palestine refugees across its five fields of operation.

He underscored UNRWA’s continued role as the backbone of service delivery for Palestine refugees, emphasizing the Agency’s extensive operational capacity, established infrastructure and experienced workforce. He also underscored the importance of ensuring continued access education, healthcare, relief, social services, and psychosocial support at a time of heightened humanitarian needs.

As part of his vision for the period ahead, Saunders stressed the importance of investing in young people through education, skills development and opportunities that will enable them to build more secure and self-reliant futures, highlighting the crucial role of UNRWA in supporting livelihoods. He emphasized that sustained political and financial support for UNRWA remains essential to preserving hope, stability, and dignity for future generations.

"UNRWA continues to be a lifeline for more than 3 million Palestine Refugees across Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. UNRWA educates around 500,000 children and provides healthcare services to nearly 2.5 million patients. But services alone are not enough. Young Palestine Refugees need skills, jobs and opportunities to build their futures with dignity and hope. Investing in education and livelihoods today is an investment in resilience and opportunity for generations to come.”, said Saunders.

Saunders also emphasized the importance of constructive and forward-looking dialogue on the future of UNRWA, reaffirming the Agency’s critical role in supporting recovery efforts and contributing to regional stability.