Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative in Kuwait, Dr Asad Hafeez
Attendees at the panel discussion on water scarcity around the world at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. – KUNA photos
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KFAS hosts high-level panel on global water scarcity crisis
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held a panel discussion on Tuesday addressing the pressing global issue of water scarcity, shedding light on its far-reaching consequences and highlighting potential solutions. The session was attended by representatives from the UAE Embassy in Kuwait, the United Nations and its agencies, along with regional and international experts.
In a press statement, KFAS emphasized the urgent need for water scarcity to be treated as a global priority, citing its direct threat to human security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. The panel was inaugurated by UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Al-Neyadi, who underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling the escalating crisis. Dr Al-Neyadi referenced a UAE-sponsored research paper presented in 2023, titled “Consecutive Repercussions: Water Scarcity – The Hidden Threat to the World’s Security and Prosperity.” The paper outlines the urgent need for coordinated global action, warning that more than 2.2 billion people are already affected by insufficient access to water.
“The accelerating severity of water scarcity is an alarming global development that demands a unified and decisive response,” Dr Al-Neyadi said. He warned that inaction could result in humanitarian disasters, including mass displacement, economic collapse and armed conflict. He outlined the wide-ranging consequences of water scarcity, such as inadequate access to clean drinking water, food insecurity, deteriorating sanitation, disease outbreaks and ecosystem degradation. “No country is immune to the cascading effects of this crisis,” he added.
Dr Al-Neyadi also pointed to key drivers exacerbating the crisis, including rapid population growth, urbanization, inefficient agricultural practices, insufficient infrastructure for water distribution and desalination, and the impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. Despite its critical importance, water scarcity received only 6 percent of media and public discourse between July 2022 and July 2023, he noted, underscoring the objective of the session to raise awareness on this global issue.
He proposed a multi-pronged approach to mitigation, including investment in water storage and transport infrastructure, adoption of technologies such as desalination, wastewater reuse, atmospheric water extraction, and cloud seeding. He also advocated for improved irrigation techniques, public education on water conservation, and adoption of water-efficient appliances. Representing the United Nations in Kuwait, Acting Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative Dr Asad Hafeez described water scarcity as “one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time,” especially for arid regions such as the Gulf.
Dr Hafeez highlighted ongoing UN initiatives, including the appointment of the first-ever Special Envoy for Water and the prioritization of water issues at international conferences such as COP16 on desertification and COP29 on climate change. He pointed to the UN’s Integrated Monitoring and Response Initiative, which has strengthened data collection and tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).
Citing positive developments, Dr Hafeez noted that water-use efficiency increased by 19 percent between 2015 and 2021, while access to safely managed drinking water rose from 69 percent to 73 percent. However, he cautioned that the world remains off track to achieve SDG 6 by 2030, with 2.2 billion people still lacking access to clean water and over 5.3 billion lacking adequate sanitation.
He also pointed out that global water stress levels have risen by 3 percent since 2015 and that only 43 of 153 countries with shared water basins have effective cooperation agreements in place. Additionally, water-related development aid declined by 5 percent between 2015 and 2022, further hampering global progress. “To close these gaps, we must act across five priority areas,” Dr Hafeez stated, highlighting the need for better-targeted investments, robust data systems, enhanced capacity-building, adoption of smart technologies, and strengthened cross-border governance.
He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing water security in Kuwait and globally, calling for inclusive efforts to secure sustainable water access for future generations. The session concluded with a series of panel discussions featuring diplomats, researchers, and water experts from organizations including Kuwait University, the World Bank, the United Nations, and KFAS, fostering dialogue on regional and international strategies to mitigate water scarcity. — KUNA
MANAMA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated a new cohort of Kuwaiti medical graduates from the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), affirming their crucial role in strengthening Kuwait’s healthcare system. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the graduation ceremony of 61 Kuwaiti students, Sheikh Thamer stressed that the future of Kuwait’s health sector depends greatly on their contributions. “These graduates represent the future, the builders of today and the hope of tomorrow,” he said, urging them to continue their journey of excellence and uphold Kuwait’s name with pride in the medical field.
“Today, we celebrate a group of young doctors taking their first steps in the noble path of humanitarian service after years of dedicated effort,” he said. He also expressed confidence in the responsibility and commitment of Kuwaiti youth, praising the Kingdom of Bahrain for its continued support and care for Kuwaiti students throughout their studies. Sheikh Thamer extended his appreciation to Arabian Gulf University, led by Dr Saad Al-Fahid, for its efforts in equipping students with high-quality medical education. He also lauded the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Bahrain, headed by Dr Mohammed Al-Daghim, for its role in closely following up on student affairs and ensuring a supportive academic environment.
In a similar statement, Dr Al-Daghim congratulated the graduating students, commending their academic performance and the fruitful cooperation with AGU that helped foster a conducive learning environment. The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, concluded with the distribution of certificates amid a distinguished academic presence. Student Rashid Al-Asousi was honored with second place in his graduating class. The event was attended by prominent figures including Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi, President of Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahraini Minister of Education Dr Mohammed Juma, Acting Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education Lamia Al-Mulhim, along with parents and faculty members. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Wednesday issued a decision to revoke the licenses of 12 private pharmacies and permanently shut them down after they were found in violation of the Pharmacy Profession and Drug Circulation Law. The ministry has referred the cases to the Public Prosecution to ensure accountability and uphold drug safety standards. In a statement, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the closures were carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, General Administration of Customs, Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority of Manpower. The ministry reiterated that drug safety is a red line and that any breach will be met with firm action.
Investigations revealed that the pharmacies were operated by two commercial companies rather than by licensed pharmacists, in direct contravention of Law No. 28 of 1996, which governs the practice of pharmacy and drug circulation in Kuwait. The ministry further disclosed the discovery of an unlicensed warehouse operated by one of the companies in the basement of a residential building. The warehouse, which supplied medicines and medical products to the pharmacies, was not registered or approved by the Ministry of Health.
The violations were uncovered during an extensive inspection campaign led by the Drug Inspection Department under the Drug Control Sector. The campaign, which spanned three consecutive days, targeted the implicated pharmacies, companies, and the illegal warehouse. Inspectors seized a number of unauthorized medicines not approved for circulation in Kuwait and documented serious breaches of health regulations.
Based on the findings, the Ministry confirmed that those responsible were referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action, including charges related to practicing the pharmacy profession without a valid license. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strict regulatory oversight and warned that it will not tolerate any violations of pharmaceutical laws or safety regulations. It praised the joint efforts of all participating government agencies and called for continued coordination and field inspections to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical system in Kuwait. — KUNA
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