"Working together for humanity: Alwaleed Philanthropies' commitment to advancing human rights and creating lasting change through global & local partnerships and impactful initiatives."

Human rights impact everyone, every day. At Alwaleed Philanthropies, we are committed to advancing human rights and driving social change globally. Our efforts are reflected in the partnerships we build and the projects we support, which transcend gender, race, and religion. We focus on promoting dignity, equality, and opportunity for all, regardless of background. Our work addresses key human rights challenges, from gender equality to access to education and healthcare, ensuring lasting change through sustainable solutions. We believe in collaboration and work alongside local and global partners to create a more just and equitable world. Together, we strive to make human rights a reality for all.

A powerful example of our commitment to human rights is the “Waeya” initiative in Saudi Arabia, which empowers women by providing legal education and support. By offering accessible legal services, particularly in rural areas, “Waeya” helps women navigate legal challenges, including domestic violence. In 2023 alone, the initiative provided over 11,000 legal consultations and supported 1,150 cases, making a significant impact on the lives of many women in need. This is just one example of the many initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to fostering social change and advancing human rights for everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, “Waeya” made remarkable strides despite the global challenges. The “Waeya 6” initiative continued its mission by offering remote legal training to female lawyers across Saudi Arabia. In partnership with the Human Rights Commission and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Waeya” trained over 205 female lawyers, enhancing their skills and legal knowledge to better support women in need. At the same time, “Waeya” continued providing legal consultations through its app, allowing women to receive free legal advice remotely. This digital platform became a lifeline during the pandemic, helping to resolve over 200 legal cases related to domestic violence and other issues. Additionally, more than 150 other women received vital legal support, ensuring their rights were protected even during uncertain times. “Waeya’s” combination of accessible legal services and professional development for female lawyers reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering women and fostering a more just society.

In addition to supporting women’s rights, we continue to invest in initiatives that create lasting change for individuals and communities. The 2023 “Mustaqbal- II” project in Yemen, in collaboration with EFE (Education for Employment), helps 500 students secure jobs and engage in self-employment training, empowering young people to build sustainable livelihoods. Similarly, the 2023 “Ejada” Program, in Jordan, completed in partnership with Save the Children, transforms education by focusing on teacher wellbeing and student development, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. These projects exemplify how we are driving lasting social change and improving lives around the world.

The fight for human rights, however, cannot be carried out by governments and organizations alone. Each of us plays a vital role in advancing justice, equality, and dignity. On Human Rights Day, we must renew our commitment to these values. Whether advocating for the rights of marginalized communities or standing up against discrimination in our daily lives, every action counts. At Alwaleed Philanthropies, we also focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected by crises. In the aftermath of the 2023 devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, our dedication was to enhance the health and well-being of both refugees and host communities. These projects were carried out in partnership with the International Medical Corps, working together to provide vital medical support and improve access to healthcare for those affected by the disaster. Our efforts include installing solar systems, providing medical equipment, lab supplies, and physical therapy, as well as offering essential mental health and psychosocial services. These projects exemplify how we are driving lasting social change and improving lives around the world.

As we reflect on the progress we've made, it's important to recognize that the journey toward universal human rights is ongoing and full of potential. Human Rights Day is not just a moment of reflection—it is a call to action. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring dignity and equality for all. Working together for humanity, we can make a lasting impact, turning human rights from ideals into a reality for everyone, everywhere.