For the first time ever, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is partnering with Gamers Without Borders (GWB) to be one of six humanitarian organizations benefiting from the prize of the largest charity e-sport and gaming tournament in the world.

The Saudi Esports Federation is hosting the 6-weeks event under the theme ‘Gaming For Good’ this year in Saudi Arabia, bringing together gamers from all around the world to compete and dedicate their prize money to support some of the most pressing humanitarian causes in the world, including the cause of refugees and forcibly displaced populations. The support will help UNHCR respond to the increasing humanitarian needs and provide the most vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people with life-saving assistance, such as shelter, food, water, and healthcare.

Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries lauded the innovative partnership and stated: “It is our pleasure to partner with Gamers Without Borders, and to engage with millions of gamers and viewers worldwide, in hope to support the critical needs of more than 100 million forcibly displaced people around the world.” He added: “This partnership is a testament to the fact that humanitarian engagement transcends platforms and borders, and affirms the importance of our collective efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

On his part, Turki AlFawzan, CEO of Saudi Esports Federation said: “We are committed to building on the great passion of the esports community, both in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally, to be a force for good and contribute to the aid of the world’s most urgent humanitarian needs. In the first two editions of Gamers Without Borders, we focused our efforts on vaccine distribution around the world in the fight against COVID-19. This year, we are contributing to the aid of a variety of more pressing needs around the world.”

In the past two years, Gamers Without Borders became the world’s largest charitable e-sports and gaming tournament by donating a total of US$ 20 million for COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution.

UNHCR and the Saudi Esports Federation had signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2021 to enhance their cooperation in the humanitarian sector, and to support UNHCR’s programmes to assist refugees and displaced populations around the world.