Connect with us

Latest News

As Arab League marks 80 years, Kuwait calls for stronger regional cooperation

Published

on

Al-Mutairi responds to criticism of the Arab League, emphasizing its role in strengthening Arab ties

KUWAIT: The Arab League has proven its ability over eight decades of political and geopolitical shifts to lead joint Arab action and effectively represent the true concerns of Arab peoples, said Kuwait’s permanent representative to the Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi on Saturday. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), marking the 80th anniversary of the Arab League’s establishment on March 22, Al-Mutairi described the “esteemed organization” as a cornerstone of multilateral Arab action, with a prominent international presence through cooperation with both regional and global organizations. Despite criticisms that the League doesn’t play as prominent a role as other organizations, Al-Mutairi stressed that the Arab League continues to play an active role in strengthening ties among Arab countries. He pointed out that the League has initiated many positive efforts in support of Arab positions, citing the essential role of its missions in key capitals in amplifying the voices of Arab nations.

He added that one of the earliest steps in Kuwait’s foreign policy after independence was joining the Arab League. This was done in recognition of the importance of aligning with a bloc that represents Arab identity and unites the region’s peoples. Al-Mutairi explained that Kuwait’s decision to join the League immediately after gaining independence in 1961 helped expand the country’s international presence, granting it membership in various regional and international organizations. This, in turn, played a significant role in presenting Kuwait’s true image and its strong capacity to contribute to the Arab League’s collective efforts. The ambassador further emphasized that the Arab League takes pride in Kuwait’s active role within its framework, particularly through initiatives that bolster joint Arab work. He highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing support for the League’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.

Al-Mutairi noted that Kuwait views the Arab League as the primary umbrella for Arab peoples and a key institution in preserving the region’s historical legacy. He described the creation of the League following the wars that affected the region as a means to foster greater coordination and cooperation among newly independent Arab nations, allowing them to shoulder the responsibility of defending the issues of the Arab peoples.

Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi

Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi

Need for cooperation

Over the past eight decades, Al-Mutairi emphasized, the Arab League has managed to overcome numerous challenges that could have hindered its role as a leading regional organization. It has remained significant both regionally and internationally, advocating for the region’s issues on global platforms. Discussing the challenges currently facing the Arab League, Al-Mutairi stated that the obstacles are not unique to the League but affect all international organizations. He stressed that the changes unfolding globally call for greater dynamism and enhanced cooperation between regional groups to navigate geopolitical shifts.

The ambassador particularly highlighted the League’s role in coordinating Arab efforts in response to regional challenges, with the Palestinian cause remaining a top priority. He noted that since October 7, 2023, the Arab League has been instrumental in convening numerous meetings at ambassadorial, ministerial, and summit levels to address the crisis. The most recent of these meetings was an extraordinary Arab summit hosted by Egypt in early March, which produced important resolutions in support of the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people. These efforts culminated in the development of the so-called Arab plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Ambassador Al-Mutairi concluded by asserting that Arab countries now fully recognize the immense responsibility they bear in uniting their stance amid the major changes facing the region. He emphasized the urgent need for effective cooperation and solidarity among Arab nations to navigate these challenges. The Arab League, established on March 22, 1945, just months before the creation of the United Nations, remains the oldest international organization. Its founding charter was signed by seven Arab countries: Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, with Cairo designated as its permanent headquarters. — KUNA

Latest News

410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

Continue Reading

Latest News

97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Oil Ministry highlights nuclear radiation risks, underscores preventive measures

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil affirmed that nuclear radiation remains one of the most serious health and environmental challenges of the modern era, emphasizing Kuwait’s strong commitment to addressing this issue through an integrated regulatory framework, well-structured emergency plans, and advanced scientific monitoring networks covering various regions of the country. These efforts aim to ensure the highest standards of environmental and public health safety.

This statement was made by Sheikha Tamader Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a health awareness seminar held Monday under the title “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The seminar is part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to raise community awareness and promote a culture of prevention among oil sector employees.

Sheikha Tamader lauded the efforts of governmental and technical agencies in enhancing public understanding of nuclear radiation dangers and preventive measures. She highlighted the role of such scientific forums in fostering a sustainable preventive culture across both public and private sectors. She added that the Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively conducting educational programs and specialized workshops to raise awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radiation leakage, while developing national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

She stressed that prevention begins with awareness, and investing in education, training, and readiness is key to protecting people and the environment. She called for continued support of scientific and awareness initiatives and the strengthening of institutional cooperation among state ministries and regulatory bodies to guarantee community safety and environmental sustainability. In a related address, Salem Al-Azmi, Head of Radiology at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and the preventive measures adopted locally and internationally.

Al-Azmi explained that nuclear reactors are among the world’s most important sources of energy due to their ability to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently, but they carry serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict controls. He described nuclear reactors as power plants that produce electricity through nuclear fission — a process where an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy that heats a coolant, usually water, to create steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electric generators.

He noted that while nuclear power plants operate similarly to conventional power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, the primary heat source in nuclear plants is atomic fission. He pointed out that nuclear energy has comparatively low environmental impact on Earth and natural resources.

Al-Azmi outlined the potential environmental hazards in the event of a radioactive leak, such as contamination of air, water, and soil with substances like cesium-137 and iodine-131. However, he reassured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation and mitigation plans are in place. He highlighted that potential effects on wildlife and agriculture, including temporary declines in crop and animal quality, can be managed and mitigated through safety protocols and environmental restoration.

Regarding preventive actions, Al-Azmi advised sheltering indoors in well-sealed spaces, which can reduce radiation exposure by half, using closed basements or airtight shelters, and wearing protective masks for the nose and mouth. He also presented information on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, noting that it is solely dedicated to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The reactor operates under full international supervision, is non-military, does not produce nuclear weapons, and is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. — KUNA

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .