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KFAS hosts high-level panel on global water scarcity crisis

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KUWAIT: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held a panel discussion on Tuesday addressing the pressing global issue of water scarcity, shedding light on its far-reaching consequences and highlighting potential solutions. The session was attended by representatives from the UAE Embassy in Kuwait, the United Nations and its agencies, along with regional and international experts.

In a press statement, KFAS emphasized the urgent need for water scarcity to be treated as a global priority, citing its direct threat to human security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. The panel was inaugurated by UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Al-Neyadi, who underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling the escalating crisis. Dr Al-Neyadi referenced a UAE-sponsored research paper presented in 2023, titled “Consecutive Repercussions: Water Scarcity – The Hidden Threat to the World’s Security and Prosperity.” The paper outlines the urgent need for coordinated global action, warning that more than 2.2 billion people are already affected by insufficient access to water.

“The accelerating severity of water scarcity is an alarming global development that demands a unified and decisive response,” Dr Al-Neyadi said. He warned that inaction could result in humanitarian disasters, including mass displacement, economic collapse and armed conflict. He outlined the wide-ranging consequences of water scarcity, such as inadequate access to clean drinking water, food insecurity, deteriorating sanitation, disease outbreaks and ecosystem degradation. “No country is immune to the cascading effects of this crisis,” he added.

Dr Al-Neyadi also pointed to key drivers exacerbating the crisis, including rapid population growth, urbanization, inefficient agricultural practices, insufficient infrastructure for water distribution and desalination, and the impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. Despite its critical importance, water scarcity received only 6 percent of media and public discourse between July 2022 and July 2023, he noted, underscoring the objective of the session to raise awareness on this global issue.

He proposed a multi-pronged approach to mitigation, including investment in water storage and transport infrastructure, adoption of technologies such as desalination, wastewater reuse, atmospheric water extraction, and cloud seeding. He also advocated for improved irrigation techniques, public education on water conservation, and adoption of water-efficient appliances. Representing the United Nations in Kuwait, Acting Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative Dr Asad Hafeez described water scarcity as “one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time,” especially for arid regions such as the Gulf.

Dr Hafeez highlighted ongoing UN initiatives, including the appointment of the first-ever Special Envoy for Water and the prioritization of water issues at international conferences such as COP16 on desertification and COP29 on climate change. He pointed to the UN’s Integrated Monitoring and Response Initiative, which has strengthened data collection and tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).

Citing positive developments, Dr Hafeez noted that water-use efficiency increased by 19 percent between 2015 and 2021, while access to safely managed drinking water rose from 69 percent to 73 percent. However, he cautioned that the world remains off track to achieve SDG 6 by 2030, with 2.2 billion people still lacking access to clean water and over 5.3 billion lacking adequate sanitation.

He also pointed out that global water stress levels have risen by 3 percent since 2015 and that only 43 of 153 countries with shared water basins have effective cooperation agreements in place. Additionally, water-related development aid declined by 5 percent between 2015 and 2022, further hampering global progress. “To close these gaps, we must act across five priority areas,” Dr Hafeez stated, highlighting the need for better-targeted investments, robust data systems, enhanced capacity-building, adoption of smart technologies, and strengthened cross-border governance.

He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing water security in Kuwait and globally, calling for inclusive efforts to secure sustainable water access for future generations. The session concluded with a series of panel discussions featuring diplomats, researchers, and water experts from organizations including Kuwait University, the World Bank, the United Nations, and KFAS, fostering dialogue on regional and international strategies to mitigate water scarcity. — KUNA

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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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

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

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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.

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