KUALA LUMPUR: Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Hourn, on Sunday underscored the growing importance of bilateral relations between ASEAN member states and Kuwait, commending the Gulf country’s development blueprint, Kuwait Vision 2035. In remarks to KUNA on the sidelines of preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summits, Dr Hourn described Kuwait’s engagement with ASEAN as a vital pillar in the evolving partnership between the two regional blocs.
He particularly lauded Kuwait’s active role in high-level regional dialogues and its forward-looking vision for sustainable development. Dr Hourn welcomed the anticipated participation of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who will represent His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the summits scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on May 26–27. The Crown Prince is expected to lead the Kuwaiti delegation as part of the country’s current chairmanship of the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council.
He noted the timing of Kuwait’s attendance as highly significant, citing it as a testament to the Gulf leadership’s commitment to sustaining the momentum initiated at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit held in Riyadh in 2023. That landmark event, which gathered leaders from all ASEAN and GCC member states, was widely regarded as a breakthrough in interregional cooperation. Highlighting Kuwait’s distinguished role in humanitarian affairs, Dr Hourn pointed to the country’s potential contributions to ASEAN’s ongoing efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar. Given Kuwait’s global standing as a humanitarian leader, he expressed confidence in its capacity to assist in non-political dimensions of the issue.
KUALA LUMPUR: People take photos in front of the logo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, 2025. – AFP
On the economic front, Dr Hourn reported steady progress in the ASEAN-GCC Economic Cooperation Agreement. He revealed that a cooperation framework, adopted by both sides’ leaders two years ago, has culminated in the recent completion of a preliminary feasibility study. This study will soon be shared with member states for review, paving the way for the identification of joint initiatives. While noting that it remains premature to finalize a free trade agreement, Dr Hourn described current developments as promising. He explained that ASEAN is presently focused on deepening economic integration among its own members while also nurturing bilateral partnerships with key external stakeholders, including the GCC.
Turning to ASEAN’s long-term strategic outlook, Dr Hourn elaborated on the association’s Vision 2045, which is structured around four core pillars: political-security cooperation, economic integration, socio-cultural community development and enhanced regional connectivity under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025). He described the vision as a comprehensive roadmap designed to navigate future regional challenges and transformations.
Dr Hourn further emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to its founding principles and values, affirming that the upcoming summits would serve to reinforce these tenets. ASEAN continues to engage with major global partners — among them China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia — while maintaining an active role in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a multilateral trade agreement encompassing 15 countries. He concluded by expressing optimism that the upcoming engagements in Kuala Lumpur will deepen mutual understanding and chart new avenues for ASEAN-GCC cooperation across strategic, economic, and humanitarian domains. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The newly formed Ahmadi Governorate Council held its first session on Monday, outlining plans for how it will support the governorate’s development and its community needs. The meeting was chaired by Governor Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, with representatives from government agencies and three citizen members present.
The council was established following the Cabinet’s approval in May 2025, under Decree No. 151 of 2024, which created Governorate Councils across all six of Kuwait’s governorates. These councils are designed to support governors in managing local affairs and improving public services.
Sheikh Humoud highlighted the council’s key role in advancing development efforts and improving public services in Ahmadi. “Our work plan includes monitoring government development projects in the governorate and enhancing the quality of public services,” he said. “We will also assess the needs for new facilities, address citizens’ complaints, and encourage initiatives aimed at improving our community.”
In addition to overseeing infrastructure and public service projects, the council will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Interior to maintain security and public order. It will also supervise environmental safety and public health efforts, and promote educational, social, and volunteer activities within the community.
To manage its work efficiently, the council formed specialized subcommittees during the session. These include the Public Services Committee, the Complaints and Suggestions Committee, and the Government Projects Follow-up Committee. Sheikh Humoud praised the strong cooperation from government bodies involved and emphasized their shared commitment to sustainable development across the governorate. — Agencies
KUWAIT: Participants in the sixth edition of Zain’s Summer Program continue their hands-on training journey across diverse work environments. The program remains focused on equipping them with practical skills and real-world experience to prepare them for the job market, all within a professional setting that mirrors the fast-paced private sector.
Recently, the students took part in an inspiring media experience, where they learned about the strategies and challenges of modern media and how to deliver messages creatively and artistically. The session featured Director Ya’arub Bourahma and young content creator Aws Ya’arub Bourahma, who shared their personal stories and valuable insights in media and content creation.
As part of its efforts to strengthen bonds and team spirit among the participants, Zain organized side entertainment activities such as kart racing and a shooting competition. These events were filled with excitement and friendly competition, providing an ideal opportunity to foster a lively atmosphere and deepen connections among the participants.
The students are currently undergoing practical training across three main tracks: Zain’s branches, media institutions Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, and a newly introduced operational and technical track with the program’s partner V-Thru. Participants are engaged in diverse fields including customer service, sales, digital marketing, content creation, journalism and logistics.
A total of 35 university students from various academic backgrounds are participating in the program, working part-time at their assigned placements through intensive tracks designed to hone their personal and professional skills, develop their leadership capabilities, and offer them real-world experiences aligned with the fast-evolving digital job market.
The Zain Summer Program is one of the company’s leading sustainable community initiatives, launched under the Future University Network – FUN platform. Year after year, it continues to provide real and inspiring opportunities to help shape a conscious and qualified generation of young national talent. Over the course of six successful seasons, the program has trained more than 220 students, contributing to the preparation of a creative and work-ready generation for the labor market.
New government entity to oversee all charity activities; Humanitarian law to be ready in 2-3 weeks
KUWAIT: Kuwait is launching a three-day donation campaign starting Tuesday, followed by the organization of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of Peru’s National Day celebration on Sunday, Al-Mashaan said charitable associations across the country will collect funds for the Gaza aid campaign, which will be entirely allocated to the purchase of relief materials through Kuwait Flour Mills Company. “All donations will go toward essential supplies, procured from a trusted local producer with the capacity to meet immediate needs,” he said. Once the donations are collected, the Ministry of Defense — specifically the Kuwait Air Force — will coordinate the transportation of aid using a Kuwaiti military aircraft. Shipments will be sent via two routes: to Al-Arish in Egypt, where they will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordination with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and to Jordan for further delivery to Gaza.
Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan
Unified charity system
Al-Mashaan also noted that Kuwait is in the final stages of approving a comprehensive law to regulate charitable work and strengthen oversight over the sector. A key feature of the law is the creation of a governmental ‘center’, dedicated to humanitarian work, serving as a unified authority overseeing all aspects of charitable activities.
The center will oversee the registration of charity associations, organize relief campaigns, monitor international donations, and issue all necessary approvals — streamlining processes and reducing the need for associations to navigate multiple government entities.
The new law, which has been developed over seven high-level committee meetings chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, is currently under legal review. It includes frameworks to regulate the operation of charitable societies and foundations, set standards for donation collection, and bring all charitable entities under the umbrella of the new center.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has tasked Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait with coordinating with the Fatwa and Legislation Department before the law is submitted to the Legal Committee for final approval. “We expect the law to be finalized within two to three weeks,” Al-Mashaan said. “However, implementing the executive regulations and launching the center will take more time and effort, especially with the transfer of staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs.”
He emphasized that in Kuwait’s charitable work, domestic needs will take precedence, followed by support for international causes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing a leading role in this process, particularly in monitoring international donations and ensuring accountability for overseas projects.