KUWAIT: Zain took part in the opening ceremony of the 10th season of the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program, held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), celebrating a decade of achievements and initiatives that have empowered thousands of young people under the long-standing strategic partnership between Zain and the non-profit organization LOYAC, which spans over 21 years. This special occasion shed light on the accomplishments of the program since its inception 10 years ago, as part of the collaboration between LOYAC and Babson College, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions in business and entrepreneurship.

Al-Duwaihees delivering Zain’s opening speech.

Zain played an active role in the initiative as a key supporter of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. The ceremony featured a welcome speech by Faisal Al-Duwaihees, Youth Empowerment and Community Partnerships Specialist at Zain Kuwait, alongside remarks from LOYAC and Babson officials and strategic partner representatives. The event also showcased inspiring presentations and testimonials from KON alumni, with a wide audience including current participants, past graduates, trainers, mentors and entrepreneurs.

KON is one of the most impactful youth initiatives that Zain proudly supports every year, given its tangible impact in nurturing the skills of participants aged 12 to 16. The program includes interactive workshops, training and mentoring sessions, and field visits, through which participants gain exposure to key concepts such as management, critical thinking, teamwork and tackling social and environmental challenges.

Zain expressed its pride in the strategic partnership with LOYAC, which has yielded a series of high-impact programs that have empowered Kuwaiti youth and equipped them with the tools to shape their futures. This aligns closely with Zain’s sustainability strategy focused on supporting education and entrepreneurship. In the weeks ahead, KON participants will continue their training journey, which will culminate in presenting their startup projects to a specialized judges panel comprised of experts and professionals from Zain and leading private sector companies. The most outstanding teams will be selected and honored during the closing ceremony later this year.

KUWAIT: The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting Tuesday morning at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Abdullah Al-Maousherji outlined the key outcomes of the meeting, including a review of the recent official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the French Republic on July 13 and 14.

The Cabinet was briefed on the official talks held between His Highness the Amir and French President Emmanuel Macron, which focused on enhancing the deep-rooted bilateral relations between Kuwait and France. The discussions addressed ways to expand cooperation across various fields to achieve mutual benefits and included consultations on regional and international developments. The Cabinet also noted the signing of two key declarations of intent during the visit: – A strategic investment partnership between Kuwait and France covering the period from 2025 to 2035. – An agreement to enhance cultural cooperation and celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2026.

His Highness the Amir and his delegation attended the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, marking the French National Day alongside President Macron. The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of His Highness’ meeting with French Minister of Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin and members of the French Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting, His Highness emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to attracting investment in key sectors, fostering strategic partnerships with major French companies, and transferring knowledge to develop national human capital and create job opportunities for youth.

Additionally, His Highness met with Professor Fabrice Barleset, CEO of Gustave Roussy Hospital, and international advisor Remi Theollet, where he underscored the importance of advancing Kuwaiti-French cooperation in the healthcare sector. The discussions focused on improving medical services, developing healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing treatment standards to raise the quality of life in Kuwait. The Cabinet also reviewed a number of letters received by the Amiri Diwan from heads of state of brotherly and friendly nations, which focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation and strengthening relations with Kuwait.

The Cabinet also examined a visual presentation delivered by Sheikh Ahmad Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Government Performance Follow-Up Agency, highlighting the Agency’s 2024 annual report. The report addressed six areas, including: Government agency compliance with Cabinet Resolution No. 713 of 2024; Ministerial decision follow-ups; Progress on major government projects; Public opinion assessments; Review of the Audit Bureau’s report on the 2023–2024 budget and other assigned tasks.

The Cabinet commended the agency’s efforts in enhancing government’s efficiency and directed all ministries and entities to address the report’s observations and implement its recommendations, while updating the agency on their progress. In a separate briefing, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel presented the launch of the second segment of the third phase of the Capital Market System Development Program. The Minister emphasized the program’s importance as a transformative initiative included in Kuwait’s national development plan.

The project, led by the Capital Markets Authority in cooperation with the Central Bank of Kuwait, Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait Clearing Company, and other financial entities, is designed to modernize financial infrastructure and elevate Kuwait’s classification to an advanced emerging market. The Cabinet praised the combined efforts of all stakeholders involved in this national financial initiative. The Cabinet also reviewed a presentation by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi on the Cultural Path Project in Kuwait City. The project aims to create a vibrant cultural and tourism hub that reflects Kuwait’s national identity and preserves historical heritage through an integrated urban development plan.

Minister Al-Mutairi explained that the design incorporates elements of Kuwaiti architecture, sustainable development, and modern transportation, while serving as a platform for cultural events and creative industries under Kuwait Vision 2035. The Cabinet referred the Cultural Path Project to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs and Public Services for further study and to provide recommendations. At the close of the session, the Council of Ministers reviewed several items on the agenda, approving a number and referring others to specialized ministerial committees for further evaluation and implementation. — KUNA

 KUWAIT:  Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) participated in the 85th annual Scientific Session of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), held in Chicago, representing Kuwait in one of the world’s leading events on diabetes research.

DDI Acting Director General Dr. Faisal Al-Refaei stated that the institute’s participation was the largest of its kind from the Arab region, featuring several scientific presentations and research posters from the institute’s research team.

Al-Rifai added that many research projects of common interest were also discussed during the meetings held on the sidelines of the conference between the institute – affiliated to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) – and some of the prestigious international bodies and universities participating.

The initiative is part of the institute’s broader strategy to expand international collaboration in advanced diabetes research, in line with efforts to combat the disease and its complications through scientific studies. — KUNA