Today, we are gathered not for a pleasant occasion, not for a ceremony.

Rather, we are gathered here because, at this very moment, the conflict in Sudan – now nearing its third year – is raging.

A war waged with utmost brutality against the people of Sudan.

Over the past three years, it has caused the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time.

We all know the numbers of displaced persons, the reports of war crimes, the pictures reflecting the horror that the people of Sudan are living in.

And yet, we have to consider: Behind every number, within every report, and on every picture – is a human being.

They have names, they have identities and they once had plans for their future.

Don’t they have the right to live in peace?

We all share a humanitarian responsibility towards the people of Sudan.

This catastrophe is not getting the public attention it should.

We will not stop working to change that. This is why, after Paris, after London, we meet today here in Berlin.

This conference is not an end in itself.

It’s a necessity in light of the suffering in Sudan.

It’s a necessity appealing to our responsibility as the states and actors who are able to create change.

To send the message to the people of Sudan that we stand by their side.

It gives me confidence that all of us have decided to be part of this message, together.

This extraordinary crisis requires more than our attention – it requires action.

Because the situation in Sudan will be far more challenging as we look to the future.

I know that this is hard to imagine.

Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East are deepening the crisis for the people in Sudan and the Region, who are already living in unbearable circumstances.

In this regard, our deepest respect goes out to the neighbouring countries that are caring for those who have sought refuge with them.

To share the burden they carry, we must therefore scale up our assistance and pressure the warring parties to ensure humanitarian access to people all across Sudan.

Let us join forces so that humanitarian assistance and humanitarian diplomacy can save lives.

In this spirit, Germany pledges 212 million euro of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and the neighbouring countries.

We encourage other countries, organisations and private-sector actors to join in the response.

I welcome the efforts by Minister of State Serap Güler to encourage additional financial contributions from the German business community. The private sector has an important role to play.

But more is needed to facilitate meaningful support.

In Sudan, our assistance would not reach those in need without the backbone of the humanitarian response: the Sudanese frontline responders.

There would be no support to the people in need without their commitment, without them risking their lives between frontlines on a daily basis.

It is on us to strengthen this backbone and scale up their vital support to people across Sudan, through our political and humanitarian support.

Looking around, I’m really grateful that all of you are here.

Thanks to your commitment this can become much more than a productive meeting.

It can become a moment of hope for the people of Sudan.

Let us seize this moment together.