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API reaffirms commitment to sustainable development goals at regional program

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KUWAIT: Director General of the Arab Planning Institute (API) Dr Abdullah Al-Shami has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting regional and international efforts aimed at achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health, well-being and access to clean water. “These are interconnected goals, without which comprehensive development cannot be achieved,” he stated. Al-Shami made his remarks during the opening of a two-day regional training program titled “Health Vigilance, Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Waste”, jointly organized by the API and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).

He stressed that the topics addressed in the program extend beyond traditional environmental and health concerns and are deeply tied to the broader strategic challenges confronting sustainable development in the Arab region. “Environmental quality, health systems vigilance, and sustainable management of hazardous waste have become key indicators of a nation’s readiness to safeguard its people, resources and environment,” Al-Shami added.

He noted that the API views the program as a model of Arab institutional cooperation that blends strategic vision with practical expertise and scientific knowledge. “This reflects our belief in the importance of capacity building and knowledge exchange across Arab states,” he said. Al-Shami also underscored the program’s alignment with key SDGs, including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). He expressed hope that the gathering would serve as a platform to foster dialogue, promote awareness, and forge effective partnerships across the Arab world in the fields of environment, public health and sustainable development.

For his part, Director of the Science and Scientific Research Department at ALECSO Dr Mohammed Abu Darwish emphasized the need to strengthen meaningful partnerships to advance sustainable development in the Arab region. He warned that health and environmental challenges are no longer confined to developing nations, but are now global in scale, citing the rising incidence of diseases linked to air and water pollution, and the growing burden of hazardous medical waste, especially in the wake of recent pandemics.

Abu Darwish called for a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling these pressing issues, noting that the program aims to bring together a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers to formulate practical and actionable solutions. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society in responding to these challenges.

He noted that sharing successful experiences among Arab countries, while remaining open to global best practices, is key to building more resilient and sustainable health and environmental systems. Abu Darwish expressed hope that the program would achieve several key outcomes, including greater awareness of health vigilance, enhanced institutional capacities for monitoring air quality and managing hazardous waste, and the integration of these themes into educational and training curricula.

The two-day program features five dialogue sessions on each day. Topics on the first day include: Health Vigilance Towards a Sustainable Health System, Monitoring and Improving Air Quality, Sustainable Treatment of Medical and Hazardous Waste, Health Awareness, Environmental and Health Policies and Legislation, and Arab Experiences in Achieving Arab Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Medical Waste.

The second day will cover: Successful Global Experiences in Medical Waste Management, Incorporating Health Vigilance Concepts into Educational Curricula, Incorporating Medical Waste Management into Curricula, Innovative Solutions and Modern Technologies, and a continuation of Arab Experiences in Achieving Arab Air Quality and Sustainable Treatment of Hazardous Medical Waste. The Arab Planning Institute, established in 1980 and headquartered in Kuwait, is an independent, non-profit regional organization that works to advance economic and social development across Arab countries through capacity building, research, advisory services and knowledge exchange. — KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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