Saudi princess named goodwill ambassador to the United Nations

Princess Lamia hopes to create better living environments for people in the Arab world

Princess Lamia bint Majid is the first UN-Habitat regional goodwill ambassador for the Arab world. Reem Mohammed / The National

A Saudi royal who spearheaded numerous global initiatives to support people in need has been named the first UN-Habitat regional goodwill ambassador for the Arab world.

In her new role, Princess Lamia bint Majid said she hoped to make “big changes” in a region often associated with humanitarian crisis, conflict and gender inequalities.

Collaborating with UN-Habitat, a programme that funds projects for urban development, Princess Lamia said she wanted to make Arab cities more inclusive, safe and resilient.

From more affordable housing options to better access to education, she said creating a stable living environment would lead to more stability in the region.

“This is a very important moment for me because I understand the challenges facing the Arab world," said Princess Lamia.

“Partnering with an agency like the United Nations is where real change comes because of access to greater resources.”

Princess Lamia said there was a distinct lack of “numbers, research and data gathering” in the Arab region.

“Because of that, it can be hard to identify the gaps that need focus, whether for more housing or better job opportunities for youth," she said.

“This collaboration opens a lot of doors for knowledge-sharing, which in turn will pave the way for a better understanding of the regional situation.”

An ongoing shift in the Arab world from rural communities to urban areas due to social, political and environment factors has resulted in rising levels of urban poverty and inequality.

“Cities are often the source and reason for many global challenges and successes,” she said.

“The population is still growing so we need to address these issues now.

“I don’t want future generations to fear about having a roof over their heads.”

Referring to her new ambassador title as a “motive to do more”, Princess Lamia said she would support the UN’s efforts to promote “accessible and affordable housing” in densely populated cities in the region.

She also said she would spearhead reconstruction projects to rebuild houses and communities in the countries most affected by regional conflict.

Erfan Ali, the regional director for UN-Habitat, described Princess Lamia as a “champion for empowering those left behind” and said she was uniquely qualified to inspire and promote “transformative and impactful action” in the region.

The Saudi royal is secretary general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, a Saudi organisation set up to empower women, fight poverty and offer support to those in need worldwide.

In December 2017, the foundation announced a $50 million partnership with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to prevent measles-related child fatalities and rubella-triggered disabilities through vaccinations.

“I am greatly honoured to have been appointed as the first ever UN-Habitat Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Arab world," said Princess Lamia.

“Using the experience and lessons I have gained through my work with Alwaleed Philanthropies, I will continue to face the world’s most pressing issues around urbanisation and its implications on societies, economies and environments.”