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

KUWAIT: The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji outlined the key discussions and decisions. At the outset, the Council of Ministers reviewed messages received by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from a number of leaders of brotherly and friendly countries on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various fields.

Support for Qatar

The Cabinet praised the address delivered on behalf of His Highness the Amir by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, which was convened to discuss the recent Zionist attack on Qatar. His Highness reiterated Kuwait’s firm condemnation of the aggression, stressing that Qatar’s security is an integral part of Arab and Islamic security, and offering condolences to Qatar for the victims, including martyr Bader Saad Al-Dosari.

The Cabinet stressed that the repeated violations by Zionist occupation forces threaten regional and international peace and stability, undermine international law, and risk driving the region into chaos. Kuwait renewed its call on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities, stop systematic aggression, and hold perpetrators accountable. The Council further praised Qatar’s continued efforts to support the Palestinian cause, mediate for a ceasefire, and uphold Palestinian rights based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. It also welcomed the final statement issued by the GCC Supreme Council in Doha, which strongly condemned the Zionist attack, affirmed full solidarity with Qatar, and directed the Joint Defense Council to convene urgently to activate collective defense measures.

UN General Assembly

The Cabinet was briefed on the upcoming official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince to New York to lead Kuwait’s delegation to the high-level week of the 80th UN General Assembly session. The delegation will include senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Amiri Diwan and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority.

Education readiness

The Council reviewed a detailed presentation by Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei on preparations for the 2025/2026 academic year. The briefing covered school rehabilitation, teaching plans, and technical readiness, alongside the opening of 10 new schools, including seven in Al-Mutlaa and specialized institutions for students with hearing impairments. The Cabinet was also informed about the electronic Balag system for monitoring school readiness, updates to curricula to strengthen national identity and new agreements with accredited suppliers for school cafeterias.

Development projects

The Cabinet reviewed the quarterly report on the 2025/2026 development plan presented by Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem. The report assessed 141 projects worth KD 1.3 billion, along with 63 draft laws under preparation in areas including privatization, infrastructure and the establishment of an international economic zone. The report also highlighted key challenges to implementation, including administrative, technical and regulatory obstacles.

Draft Decrees and Laws

The Council approved several draft decree-laws and amendments, including: Amending provisions of the law establishing the Public Authority for Minors’ Affairs to strengthen its investment mechanisms in coordination with the Public Investment Authority. Amending the law governing the General Secretariat for Endowments to reinforce oversight of investment strategies in line with Islamic Sharia. Canceling Law No 114 of 2014 on retirees’ health insurance due to inefficiencies, high costs and duplication of services. These draft laws will be referred to His Highness the Amir for approval.

Condolences

The Cabinet mourned the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Dr Emad Mohammed Al-Atiqi, commending his distinguished national service and contributions to Kuwait. Finally, the Council reviewed other items on its agenda, approving several measures and referring others to the relevant ministerial committees for further study. — 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