KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, affirmed that combating human trafficking and safeguarding victims remains a strategic priority, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to its humanitarian values and international obligations. Her remarks came following a symposium organized by the Human Rights Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the title, “The Role of the Permanent National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.” The event was attended by representatives of relevant national bodies, ministry staff and Kuwaiti diplomatic missions in labor-exporting countries.

Sheikha Jawaher highlighted that the symposium aligns with Kuwait’s New Kuwait 2035 development plan, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable economy, develop human capital, enhance justice and governance, and transform Kuwait into a global financial and commercial hub. It also complements the National Strategy for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (2025–2028), which focuses on strengthening prevention, protection and accountability measures, developing a national referral system, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, improving coordination and data collection, and fostering international cooperation and community awareness.

She commended the joint efforts of participating bodies, noting that the Ministry of Justice presented the legal and national framework for combating human trafficking and the national referral system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the role of Kuwaiti diplomacy as the first line of defense in monitoring cases and promptly referring them to competent authorities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior highlighted its investigative efforts, prosecution of cross-border criminal networks and coordination with relevant authorities to protect victims. The Public Authority of Manpower outlined labor inspection procedures, awareness campaigns, and measures to safeguard workers’ rights, while the Public Prosecution detailed investigation and prosecution mechanisms to ensure victims’ protection.

Sheikha Jawaher also praised the contribution of Kuwaiti diplomatic missions in labor-exporting countries, noting active participation by missions in Manila, New Delhi and Washington D.C., whose interventions reflected practical experience in addressing labor issues and combating trafficking at the international level. She reiterated Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, developing national capabilities and collaborating with regional and international partners in the fight against human trafficking. — KUNA

CAIRO: The Second Arab Forum for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning convened Tuesday with the participation of education experts and specialists from across the Arab world to explore ways of developing adult learning methods and approaches in the region. Speaking at the opening session, Director of the Department of Education and Scientific Research at the League of Arab States, Minister Plenipotentiary Dr Faraj Al-Ajmi, affirmed the Arab League’s commitment to eradicating illiteracy through the launch of the Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Lifelong Learning (2025-2034), in line with efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Al-Ajmi explained that illiteracy today extends beyond reading and writing to include functional, digital and cultural illiteracy—limitations that deprive individuals of their rights to education, employment and social participation, while hindering their ability to contribute effectively to national development. He noted that the new decade builds on the first Arab Literacy Decade (2015-2024), but takes into account regional and global crises that impeded the full realization of its goals.

He stressed that the aim is to nurture an Arab individual equipped with modern skills, describing adult education and lifelong learning as a civilizational and strategic project centered on investing in human capital—the true wealth of nations and the path to a more stable and prosperous future. Al-Ajmi added that such forums provide Arab states with guiding frameworks, practical solutions, and forward-looking plans to overcome challenges in adult education and to support sustainable learning systems.

Organized by the University in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Institute of Arab Research and Studies in Cairo, the forum seeks to strengthen joint Arab efforts to enhance education policies and promote sustainable, comprehensive development through the exchange of expertise and best practices.

Key discussions include the launch of the Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Adult Education and its implementation framework, a review of Arab efforts to align with international literacy frameworks, and an assessment of challenges in meeting global commitments such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Marrakesh International Framework for Adult Education. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday the outgoing Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika. During the meeting, Indian ambassador praised the minister’s efforts and contributions to strengthening the close ties between Kuwait and India and wished him continued success in his future assignments. Sheikh Hamad also received the representative of the Sultan of Bohra, Tamim Hussamuddin, along with his accompanying delegation, who extended congratulations on his new post. — KUNA