Kuwait in a Week Oct 16- 23- 2025

  Kuwait Reaffirms Commitment to Eradicating Poverty, Urges Stronger Global Action

The State of Kuwait recently delivered a powerful statement at the United Nations, calling for a substantial intensification of global efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve equitable development, and address the dual challenges of sustainable financing and climate change. Speaking before the general debate of the Second Committeeof the UN on Economic and Financial Affairs, Kuwait's Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission to the UN, Rashed S. Al-Abhoul, declared that eradicating poverty in all its forms remains Kuwait's ultimate goal. He voiced deep concern over the slow pace of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that a decade after their adoption, only 35 percent have made tangible progress, while nearly half are stalled. This stagnation has contributed to an alarming annual financing gap now exceeding $4 trillion.

The diplomat highlighted the accelerating climate crisis, citing that disasters like floods and droughts are causing an annual contraction of about 5 percent in some economies. To counteract these systemic failures, Kuwait advocated for the establishment of robust partnerships, the promotion of facilitated financing, and the urgent alleviation of debt burdens for developing nations. Al-Abhoul stressed that the existing international financial system is no longer capable of coping with the scale of current challenges, making a comprehensive reform essential to create a fairer and more transparent global financial architecture. He pointed to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), established in 1961, as an institutional model of solidarity, having financed over a thousand projects in more than a hundred countries. Furthermore, Kuwait used the platform to strongly condemn the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon by the Israeli occupation, demanding the immediate lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid and ensuring its safe delivery, emphasizing that the next five years must be marked by tangible and measurable achievements.

  Interior Ministry Wins 2 Arab Awards for Anti-Drug Efforts

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior (MoI) achieved notable regional success by securing twoprestigious awards from the Arab Interior Ministers Council (AIMC) for its excellence in anti-narcotics efforts. The honors were announced during the 39th Arab Conference of the Heads of Anti-Narcotics Agencies held in Tunis. The MoI was recognized for its exemplary achievements in two key areas: best operational cooperation and best information sharing among Arab drug control groups at both the Arab and international levels. Kuwait’s delegation was led by the Chief of the General Directorate for Drug Control at the MoI, Brigadier General Mohammad Qabazard, whose participation underscored Kuwait's active role in regional security coordination.

The annual prizes reflect Kuwait’s commitment to strategic and effective countermeasures against drug trafficking, which remains a significant transnational threat. The conference agenda featured high-level discussions on vital topics, including a proposal for establishing an annual Arab Anti-Drugs Week and a detailed analysis of current global drug trends, production, and smuggling routes.

The meeting brought together heads of Arab drug control agencies, representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Criminal Information Center for Combating Drugs, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA). The participation of such diverse international bodies highlights the complex, cross-border nature of the narcotics problem and the necessity of unified regional responses. Brigadier General Qabazard was accompanied by Colonel Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and First Lieutenant Abdulhadi Al-Attar, demonstrating a comprehensive, institutional approach to drug control and intelligence within the ministry. These awards validate the MoI’s advanced capabilities and its dedication to joint Arab action in safeguarding the region from the menace of drugs.

  Red Crescent and ICRC Urge Ethical Use of AI in Humanitarian Action

The humanitarian sector is increasingly focused on the imperative for the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conflict zones and humanitarian response, a conversation critical to Kuwaiti organizations like the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). The InternationalCommittee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a key partner for the KRCS, has emphasized that while an increasingly digitalized world offers immense opportunities—such as using AI to deliver medical services, provide life-saving information, and restore family links in armed conflicts—it also presents severe dangers. The ICRC explicitly warns against AI-employed cyber operations targeting civilians or essential civilian infrastructure.

A particularly worrisome development is the use of AI to spread harmful information, such as deepfake technology, which can seriously impact conflict-affected populations, trigger displacement, and influence the intensity of hostilities. The organization stresses that technology must always adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, and Independence. To guide this complex intersection, the ICRC published its AI Policy in 2024, promoting a value-based framework.

The core argument is that the digital space is not a lawless area, and both states and technology companies bear the primary responsibility for ensuring that AI tools comply with IHL and humanitarian ethics. This global call to action directly influences how the KRCS and its regional partners, anticipating the upcoming Gulf Red Crescent AI Conference (News 9), explore AI's power while establishing necessary ethical boundaries to protect human dignity.

  GCC Officials Seek to Enhance Cooperation and Judicial Excellence

Kuwait recently hosted the inaugural Gulf conference titled “TheFuture of Judicial, Legal and Legislative Cooperation in the Gulf CooperationCouncil,” a high-level meeting dedicated to strengthening regional legal and judicial systems. The event brought together the heads of Supreme and Cassation Courts from all GCC member states. Counselor Dr. Adel Bouresli, President of Kuwait’s Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation, stressed the urgent necessity of forging a unified Gulf judicial and legislative system capable of rapidly adapting to international and regional developments.

The conference was designed to be a tangible execution of the vision of GCC leaders to boost joint Gulf action and promote integration across all sectors. Key objectives included deepening the principles of justice and equity, significantly enhancing judicial efficiency, and developing the competencies of judges and support staff.

Discussions were robust, addressing critical operational challenges such as the swift implementation of judicial rulings, the efficient extradition of criminals, and the integration of modern technologies and Artificial Intelligence into judicial processes to maintain legal security.

The GCC Secretary General, Mr. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, had previously affirmed during the 35th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Justice in Kuwait that the collective efforts to upgrade the region's justice system had already earned GCC states advanced positions globally.

 This dual focus on legislative cohesion and technological adoption underscores a unified commitment across the GCC to developing a modern, robust, and collaborative judicial framework capable of confronting sophisticated, transnational legal and criminal challenges.

  Kuwait Reiterates Commitment to Joint Gulf Environmental Action

Kuwait has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to joint Gulf environmental action as a core component of its strategy to tackle regional climate challenges and foster sustainable development. This commitment was highlighted in the context of official regional and international dialogues, specifically in the Joint Statement of the 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the European Union (EU). The statement underscored a shared goal: to build sustainable and diversified economies that benefit local populations and contribute effectively to global climate action, in line with the ParisAgreement.

Kuwait and its GCC partners committed to deepening collaboration in several crucial areas. These include expanding the use of renewable energy, hydrogen, and energy efficiency technologies, as well as the application of abatement solutions like carbon capture and storage. Ministers stressed the critical need to scale up urgent action to address the compounding crises posed by climate change, including biodiversity loss, desertification, drought, and pollution.

Kuwait's active role reinforces its own national agenda, including Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and its National Determined Contribution (NDC) update, which details its goals for emission reduction and integrating sustainable practices. The ongoing collaboration with partners like the EU, facilitated through the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership, serves as a powerful mechanism for promoting multilateralism, sustainable prosperity, and anchoring environmental stewardship within an international rules-based order, demonstrating Kuwait's dedication to its ecological responsibilities.

  Kuwait, Turkey Reaffirm Ties

Kuwait and Turkey recently cemented their strong bilateral relationship with a high-level visit by the TurkishPresident to Kuwait, culminating in the signing of four major cooperation agreements.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was received with an official ceremony and held critical bilateral and inter-delegation meetings at Kuwait's Bayan Palace with the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The agreements formalized during the visit spanned critical sectors for both nations' future growth: maritime transport, energy cooperation, direct investment incentives, and the mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates.

The energy memorandum was signed by the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister and Kuwait's Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, signaling a joint effort to enhance energy security and collaboration.

Economically, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on direct investment incentives between the two countries' investment promotion authorities (KDIPA for Kuwait) is poised to encourage greater cross-border investment and economic diversification. As a symbolic gesture of friendship and technological progress, President Erdoğan presented the Emir with a model of Türkiye's homegrown electric car, TOGG.

This high-profile visit, which was the Turkish President's first stop on a multi-country Gulf tour, reinforced the historical and strategic partnership, establishing a concrete framework to expand economic, trade, and logistical links between Kuwait and Turkey for the coming years.

  Kuwait's Warming Climate Reshaping Youth's Daily Life

Kuwait’s extremeclimate, characterized by summers with average temperatures nearing $46.2^\circ C$, is creating tangible limitations that fundamentally alter the daily life and future outlook of its youth.

As the country is highly vulnerable to the pervasive impacts of climate change, young people face increasing constraints on outdoor activities, which are vital for physical health and social well-being, as periods of extreme heat become longer and more frequent. Beyond the immediate heat stress, the warming climate is intensifying environmental hazards, including more frequent and severe dust storms, which negatively affect air quality and public health. Long-term threats, such as rising sea levels and the exacerbation of water scarcity due to increasing groundwater salinity, cast a shadow over future stability.

While Kuwait is actively investing in climate change mitigation, such as constructing the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park and setting a national goal of 15% renewable energy by 2030, the country’s high dependence on the oil industry slows the pace of necessary environmental shifts.

For the next generation, this reality demands resilience and adaptation, placing the imperative for sustainable practices and a transition to diversified economic models directly upon them. The continuous need to manage personal activity against intense heat, coupled with the potential economic shifts, makes climate action a crucial factor influencing the quality of life and choices available to Kuwaiti youth.

  Kuwait, Bangladesh Hold First-Ever Consultations to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Kuwait and Bangladesh recently held their first-everPolitical Consultation in Dhaka, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations and setting a path to strengthen cooperation across numerous sectors. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait for Asian Affairs, and Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

The consultations, conducted in a spirit of historic friendship—dating back to Kuwait's early recognition of Bangladesh in 1973—resulted in the agreement to institutionalize the dialogue by holding the sessions biennially, alternating between the two capitals. Both nations committed to boosting cooperation in political, economic, defense, labor, development, and cultural fields.

In terms of defense, discussions included enhancing training, disaster response, and cyber security collaboration. Economically, the focus was on significantly increasing trade and investment, with Bangladesh inviting Kuwaiti investors to explore its Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks, particularly in energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food sectors. To facilitate this, they agreed to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and convene a Bangladesh–Kuwait Business Forum in 2026.

The delegations also acknowledged the valuable ongoing assistance from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and agreed to explore new cooperation in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, while also discussing the enhancement of manpower cooperation in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

  Kuwait to Host First Gulf Red Crescent AI Conference

Kuwait is preparing to host a major regional event, theFirstGulf Red Crescent Conference on Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Scheduled for later this month, the two-day conference represents a crucial initial step toward formulating a unified Gulf vision for the strategic and ethical integration of AI into humanitarian operations and regional cooperation. The conference is themed: "Towards New Horizons in Humanitarian Work and Development Media - Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence," and is designed to explore AI's potential to dramatically enhance the speed, transparency, and effectiveness of humanitarian and relief programs across the GCC member states.

A core element of the gathering will be the launch of a Gulf digital initiative, which is intended to create shared digital platforms and establish region-wide best practices for using AI in crisis management and aid distribution. Furthermore, the conference will host a specialized Gulf workshop aimed at training media personnel in humanitarian and relief reporting.

This workshop will cover essential skills, including effective humanitarian reporting during crises, practical field coverage techniques, and hands-on training for producing impactful digital humanitarian content and documentation. By focusing on AI and digital transformation, Kuwait is reinforcing its leadership role in humanitarian innovation and demonstrating a clear commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve aid delivery and community development throughout the Gulf.

  Zionist Violations Threaten Regional Stability, Global Order, GCC Warns

The Arabian Gulf Group at the United Nations, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), issued a scathing indictment of the continued Israeli occupation violations, warning they not only jeopardize regional security but also actively undermine the fundamental principles of the world order.

The statement was delivered by Kuwait's Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission to the UN, Rashed Al-Abhoul, before the Second Committee during a session on the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory. The GCC argued that the occupation’s actions are severely diminishing the prospects for sustainable development and lasting peace. Al-Abhoul detailed the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the Gaza Strip, citing widespread infrastructure destruction, the killing of thousands of civilians, soaring poverty and unemployment rates, and the complete collapse of essential services.

This suffering, he noted, has spread to the WestBank, including occupied East Jerusalem, where Palestinians endure discriminatory policies, home demolitions, land confiscation, and escalating illegal settler attacks. The Gulf Group expressed deep concern over the systematic destruction in Gaza that has deprived countless children of their right to education. Reaffirming the GCC’s unwavering stance, Kuwait reiterated firm support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The international community was called upon to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities to end the occupation, lift the siege on Gaza, halt all violations, and ensure accountability in line with international humanitarian law.

  Kuwait Lauded for Supporting Arabic Education in Asia

Kuwait has long been recognized for its extensive and foundational support for the spread and quality of Arabic education across Asia, a role consistently highlighted by its diplomatic and charitable efforts.

This commitment is primarily executed through major institutions like the KuwaitFund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and numerous active Kuwaiti non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Kuwaiti charities, such as the Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society, routinely channel funds towards educational infrastructure, explicitly listing projects for "Building Schools" in Asian nations like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This support often extends beyond physical construction to the sustenance of education itself, involving the funding of translation and publication of Arabic educational materials, the sponsorship of Arabic language teachers and Islamic scholars, and the provision of scholarships for Asian students to study the language and cultural sciences.

The Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation (KAPF) and the Social Reform Society also contribute significantly to international educational projects, viewing the Arabic language as a crucial tool for cultural exchange, strengthening bilateral relations, and preserving heritage.

By ensuring that Arabic remains accessible as a language of knowledge across the continent, Kuwait enhances its cultural diplomacy and reinforces its reputation as a global humanitarian and educational patron, an effort that frequently garners praise from regional and international partners.

  Kuwait Schools Celebrate Greening Week to Promote Environmental Awareness

Schools throughout Kuwait enthusiastically participated in the annual GreeningWeek, a national initiative championed by the Ministry of Education to significantly elevate environmental awareness and reinforce conservation practices among students.

The initiative was distinguished by active, hands-on participation from both students and school administrators who collectively planted trees and other vegetation within school premises, effectively transforming their spaces into greener, more vibrant areas.

This practical activity aligns perfectly with the Ministry's commitment to sustainability and contributing to the "Green Kuwait" vision, which seeks to expand the country's green spaces and foster environmental stewardship. The week's programming included various educational activities designed to illustrate the crucial role of afforestation in improving air quality and actively combating the effects of climate change, directly connecting students’ local actions to global environmental health.

A popular feature was the plant-growing competition, which successfully fostered creativity, cooperation, and a sense of responsibility among the students. The Greening Week serves as a powerful, practical demonstration of the collective effort required to safeguard Kuwait's natural resources for future generations.

By embedding environmental values into the school year, the Ministry aims to cultivate a lasting culture of environmental citizenship and social responsibility among its youth, making conservation an inherent part of their education and daily lives.

  Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation Supports Landmark Project by “Bilad Al-Khair” to Educate and Care for Students with Special Needs

The Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation (KAPF), the leading body for managing and investing religious endowments (Awqaf) in the state, has recently thrown its financial weight behind a crucial project by the BiladAl-Khair Society aimed at the education and care of students with special needs in Kuwait.

This support demonstrates the vital role of Awqaf funds in addressing specialized social and charitable needs. Bilad Al-Khair, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social integration and moral values, has made the support of people with determination a core pillar of its mission.

The specific project backed by KAPF is designed to provide essential educational resources, care services, and tailored support specifically for this student population. This includes financing for specialized educational equipment, assistive technologies, and potentially covering tuition fees for students from financially disadvantaged families, as detailed in the society's "Education bag" fundraising category.

By directing Awqaf capital to this cause, the KAPF is directly helping to bridge educational accessibility gaps, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that students with special needs receive quality education and the opportunity for meaningful societal integration. This collaboration underscores how institutional charitable giving in Kuwait is effectively mobilized to achieve tangible, long-term human impact, aligning fully with the national vision of social justice and welfare for all citizens.

  Social Reform Society Launches Its 8th Sustainability Report for 2024: A Journey from Institutional Giving to Lasting Human Impact

The Social Reform Society (Islah) in Kuwait recently unveiled its 8thannual sustainability report for 2024, titled “Renewed Giving Fruitful Development,” signaling a major commitment to institutional transparency and developmental progress.

The report chronicles the Society's strategic pivot from traditional, reactive humanitarian relief to a model focused on long-term developmental impact, consolidating its efforts under the umbrella of sustainable development, consistent with the UN framework. Secretary-General Hamad Al-Ali affirmed that charitable work in Kuwait is no longer seasonal but operates as an institutional system grounded in governance, transparency, accountability, and measurable results.

The report details institutional performance and charitable projects both locally and internationally—spanning over 24 countries—with a clear focus on achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty, education, health, and climate action. A prominent highlight is the Society's comprehensive digital transformation, including the launch of smart platforms by its humanitarian arm, Namaa Charity, to manage donations securely and enable donors to track the impact of their contributions in real-time.

Al-Ali emphasized that this digital innovation is the new gateway to sustainability, deepening public trust. Furthermore, the report showcases the Society's pioneering adoption of external Sharia auditing—the first such permanent institutional practice in Kuwait—to ensure financial and administrative integrity, reinforcing accountability in line with global best practices in governance and ethics.

  Al-Nouri Charity Inaugurates Major Development Projects and Lays the Foundation Stone for the Largest Kuwaiti Hospital in Kyrgyzstan

The SheikhAbdullah Al Nouri Charity Society, a prominent Kuwaiti NGO, has reinforced Kuwait's global humanitarian leadership with the inauguration of major development projects and the simultaneous laying of the foundation stone for what is anticipated to be the largest Kuwaiti hospital in Kyrgyzstan.

This vital project highlights the extensive reach of Kuwaiti charitable work in improving global healthcare infrastructure. The planned Kuwait Hospital in Kyrgyzstan is a comprehensive facility, spanning 2,200 square meters and designed to accommodate 150 beds. Crucially, it will operate under the supervision of the local Ministry of Health and is committed to providing free medical services to impoverished patients.

The hospital is expected to serve over half a million people across multiple underserved areas lacking proper healthcare access. Its medical scope is broad, featuring departments for internal medicine, cardiology, emergency care, general and reproductive surgery, and specialized clinics for ophthalmology, dentistry, neurology, and urology.

By initiating a project of this scale, the Al-Nouri Charity is addressing a fundamental humanitarian need, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive high-quality medical attention without financial barriers.

The hospital is a tangible, life-saving example of how Kuwaiti donor contributions are translated into essential, permanent infrastructure in developing nations, upholding Kuwait’s enduring commitment as a global humanitarian center.

  Islamic Cooperation Office at the Social Reform Society Organizes a Beach Cleanup Campaign at Al-Watiya

The recent beach cleanup campaign organized by the IslamicCooperation Office at the Social Reform Society (SRS) at Al-Watiya beach exemplifies the ongoing and essential partnership between Kuwaiti civil society and governmental bodies in environmental stewardship.

This local initiative is part of a broader, sustained effort to maintain the cleanliness of the nation's coastline, a commitment recently highlighted when the Kuwait Municipality praised the high level of participation from the private sector and civil society in public cleanup drives, such as the "Our Beaches Are Beautiful,

“Let's Preserve Them” campaign. The SRS campaign mobilizes volunteers to conduct hands-on cleaning and waste removal at Al-Watiya, effectively linking the Society's social reform mandate to practical environmental action. These community-led initiatives are vital for fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and social participation among citizens and residents. The goal is two-fold: immediate waste removal and long-term public education about the environmental and social importance of clean beaches, as well as protecting marine life from pollution.

By actively participating in these efforts, the Islamic Cooperation Office reinforces the idea that stewardship of the environment is a collective religious and social responsibility, strengthening the partnership between NGOs, government agencies, and the public for the sustained protection of Kuwait's precious coastal areas.