MANAMA: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to develop robust preventive mechanisms to shield children from the risks of the digital world, calling it a “top priority” for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. His remarks came during the opening of a high-level dialogue session in Manama on child protection in the digital era, jointly organised by the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Dr Al-Ajmi warned that cyberspace presents a growing challenge to society at large, and to children in particular. He stressed the importance of holding such dialogue sessions to exchange expertise and best practices among Gulf countries, while identifying online threats that could endanger children’s safety, behavior and mental wellbeing. “These sessions are crucial for shaping joint action that safeguards future generations,” he said, adding that fostering awareness and resilience among children is key to building stronger societies.
Participants are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the event, Dr Al-Ajmi noted that Kuwait’s participation reflects its current chairmanship of the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs. He highlighted the need for intensified cooperation and shared strategies among Gulf states to address the accelerating pace of digital transformation and its impact on youth. “The swift evolution of technology demands collective efforts and unified visions to ensure children’s safety in the digital realm,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and public education initiatives that outline both the benefits and risks of digitization—particularly among children.
Dr Al-Ajmi expressed hope that the dialogue would yield practical recommendations to be reviewed by the Executive Office in coordination with GCC ministries, contributing to future strategies in the field of child protection. He further noted that Kuwait remains committed to reviewing and applying successful regional practices. The Ministry of Social Affairs, he said, continues to prioritize childhood development through various dedicated centers and clubs, offering programs that protect children from external risks and cultivate their talents.
Also speaking during the session, Director General of the Executive Office of the GCC Labor Ministers Council, Mohammed Al-Obaidli, affirmed that protecting children from digital risks is a core element of social development and essential for fostering balanced societies. “Digital transformation has touched every household, every family, and every child,” Al-Obaidli said. “While we embrace the advancements it brings, we must remain alert to the social challenges it poses—especially to our youngest and most vulnerable.”
He called for a proactive approach that not only protects children but equips them to navigate the digital world safely within a nurturing family and community environment. He added that regional cooperation provides a vital opportunity to develop integrated and sustainable social policies that support children’s holistic development.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Nassar, delegate of the GCC Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, highlighted the progress achieved by Gulf countries in the field of child protection, including legislative advances and international cooperation. He stressed that safeguarding children in digital spaces is a strategic imperative, calling for enhanced global partnerships and technical assistance for countries facing such challenges. Al-Nassar also praised the diverse experiences of GCC states as valuable models that could inform regional and global initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection in cyberspace. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s defense and security institutions stepped up regional coordination on Thursday with back-to-back high-level meetings and agreements involving the United States and France. In separate engagements, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and National Guard both held talks with international counterparts to strengthen joint efforts on military training, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.
The Kuwait National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Gendarmerie to boost coordination in military and security fields, including joint training and the exchange of expertise. The agreement was signed by Lt Gen Hashem Al-Rifaie, Undersecretary of the National Guard, and Olivier Gauvin, French Ambassador to Kuwait.
Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla.
According to a statement from the National Guard, Al-Rifaie emphasized the Kuwaiti leadership’s commitment—under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah—to deepening ties with France across multiple sectors. Al-Rifaie conveyed the National Guard’s appreciation and highlighted the “long-standing, distinguished historical relations” between Kuwait and France.
Separately, Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, met with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen Michael Kurilla to discuss “a number of issues of mutual interest,” according to a statement from the Kuwaiti General Staff. The meeting, held at Lt Gen Al-Sabah’s office, covered regional and international developments, and ways to expand bilateral military cooperation. The two sides also “exchanged views on evolving security challenges in the region and how to strengthen joint military action to achieve regional security and stability,” the statement said. Both leaders praised the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the United States, which they said reflects “decades of collaboration and continuous coordination.” They stressed the importance of “continued coordination and intensified joint efforts to face security challenges.” — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait ranks among the top five importers of Indian mangoes, with trade valued at $3 million last year, according to Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika. His remarks came during a buyer-seller meet (BSM) hosted at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.
The event aimed to strengthen agri-food trade between the two countries by introducing new varieties of Indian mangoes and other value-added agro-products to the Kuwaiti market.
KUWAIT: Businessmen interact with vendors during a buyer-seller meet (BSM) hosted at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika attends the event aimed at introducing new varieties of Indian mangoes and other value-added agro-products to the Kuwaiti market.
While varieties such as Alphonso, Badami, and Sindoori are already well-known in Kuwait, Ambassador Swaika emphasized the festival’s goal of spotlighting lesser-known yet premium varieties from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh—the country’s largest mango-producing state—and West Bengal.
Among the featured fruits were Chausa, Mallika, Amrapali, Dussheri, Langra, and the distinctive Fazli mango, which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique origin and characteristics.
The promotional campaign was organized by the Embassy of India in Kuwait in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
A ten-member delegation of Indian exporters participated in the two-day program from Wednesday to Thursday, which included retail activations, B2B meetings, and public outreach events.
One of the highlights was Mango Mania, a large-scale showcase held at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Rai, where shoppers sampled an array of mangoes flown in specially for the occasion.
On Thursday, the Mango Festival at The Avenues mall drew a diverse crowd including Kuwaiti officials, foreign diplomats, members of the Indian diaspora, business leaders, and families. Visitors enjoyed live tastings and a curated menu of Indian mango-based recipes, celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage.
From July 25–27, the campaign continues across branches of the popular Indian restaurant chain Asha’s, further promoting mango appreciation among local and expatriate diners in Kuwait.
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