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Young Ambassador Program nurtures youth to be the voice of the voiceless

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By Christine Susan Shine

KUWAIT: The third edition of the Young Ambassador Program concluded on Tuesday, marking the culmination of seven months of immersive learning and international engagement. The initiative, jointly organized by the British and Canadian Embassies in Kuwait alongside the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Representative, remains a unique model hosted exclusively in Kuwait.

This year’s program brought together 39 high school students aged 14 to 18 from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds to delve into the world of diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and global challenges. Centered on the theme of “Sustainable Peace and Security,” the initiative explored pressing international issues including climate change, gender equality, disinformation, and cybersecurity—framed within the broader context of peacebuilding.

British Ambassador Belinda Lewis noted the significance of diversity in the program’s learning environment. “It’s often daunting to bring together young people with different perspectives, but that discomfort is where the real learning begins,” she said. Throughout the program, participants were mentored by diplomats and UN officials, worked in partnership with local embassies and institutions, and engaged in policy simulations, negotiation workshops, and thematic panel discussions. These sessions provided students with practical insights into international relations and the complexities of diplomatic dialogue.

“My daughter had to step out of her comfort zone. She worked with students from American, British and Arab schools—young people she had never met before, with different perspectives,” said Elsy, the mother of Kaelle Dib, a participant from a French school. “That kind of collaboration changes you. It helps build character and confidence,” she added.

The program’s curriculum also included public speaking and self-expression training, a cybersecurity session with the Kuwait College of Science and Technology, and discussions on gender-based violence in connection with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism campaign. Participants also visited Kuwait Times to gain firsthand insight into the media’s role in shaping diplomatic narratives and explored international institutions such as NATO and the United Nations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani praised the students’ engagement and potential. “Many of you told me this experience was life-changing. Diplomacy must evolve, and that means we need new voices. Your voice matters. What you do next, how you use this platform—that’s what excites me,” she said, expressing hope that similar models could be adopted globally.

UN Representative Ghada Eltahir highlighted the program’s broader relevance. “In a world increasingly fragmented, where global peace and security may seem like overwhelming tasks, these young diplomats hold the potential and responsibility to reimagine the frameworks of cooperation, multilateralism, and diplomacy,” she said. Ambassador Lewis also encouraged participants to carry the lessons of the program into their futures. “Keep talking to people, keep asking questions, and stay open to being challenged. That is what diplomacy demands,” she remarked.

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French ambassador hails Amir’s Bastille Day visit as a milestone in bilateral ties

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KUWAIT: During an interview with Kuwait Times, the Ambassador of France to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin reflects on the recent historic visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris for Bastille Day, a milestone in Kuwaiti French relations. The Ambassador offers insight into the growing partnership between the two countries and their shared vision for regional stability and cultural exchange.

Kuwait Times: His Highness the Amir’s visit to Paris on the occasion of 14 July marked a significant moment in the diplomatic history between France and Kuwait. How did you experience this moment as the Ambassador of France to Kuwait?

Ambassador Olivier Gauvin: The recent visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris on the occasion of the French National Day on 14 July was a landmark event in the history of our bilateral relations. For the very first time, a Kuwaiti Amir attended the military parade from the presidential tribune, alongside the President of the French Republic. In France, 14 July carries deep national significance, symbolizing the unity of the nation and the founding values of the Republic.

The participation of His Highness the Amir in the Bastille Day parade in Paris as Guest of Honor is thus a powerful symbol, reserved for our closest friends and partners. It reflects the strength of the friendship between our two countries and France’s appreciation of Kuwait as a trusted partner. This visit also took place on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, which we will celebrate in 2026. On this occasion, the Foreign Ministers of our two countries signed a Declaration of Intent aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation.

It provides for joint celebrations in both France and Kuwait. Events will be organized in both countries to promote Kuwaiti culture in France and French culture in Kuwait. As Ambassador, I am committed to actively promoting this anniversary throughout 2026, with the aim of further enhancing human and cultural exchanges between our two peoples.

Kuwait Times: In your view, what does this visit signify for political dialogue between the two countries?

Ambassador Gauvin: During this visit, His Highness the Amir was invited by the President of the Republic to a working lunch, which was attended notably by the Defense and Foreign Ministers of both countries. I welcome the intensification of these high-level exchanges. It is essential that France and Kuwait continue their political dialogue, based on our shared commitment to multilateralism, international law, and regional stability.

The discussions held on 14 July followed the visit of our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, to Kuwait on 24 April 2025. These high-level exchanges demonstrate our shared ambition to strengthen coordination in the face of regional crises, especially as Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC. The visit also aimed to pave the way for joint development financing, through enhanced cooperation between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the French Development Agency (AFD).

Both agencies have expressed a shared interest in deepening their partnership in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Syria, to address the needs of local populations for access to drinking water and healthcare services. The two development banks will continue their dialogue, with a view to co-financing initial projects in the 2025–2026 timeframe.

Kuwait Times: France and Kuwait share long-standing and structured defense cooperation. In your opinion, what are the pillars of this long-term relationship?

Ambassador Gauvin: Defense cooperation between our two countries is based on a solid and longstanding foundation. France and Kuwait have stood together during the most decisive moments, united by a clear commitment to sovereignty and security. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, followed by the liberation war, was a decisive turning point in our bilateral relationship. Eighteen thousand French soldiers fought alongside their Kuwaiti brothers-in-arms. This shared experience forged strong, lasting, and uniquely deep bonds, which are still keenly felt within the French armed forces today. Furthermore, our defense agreement signed in 1992 remains the oldest such agreement concluded by France in the Gulf region. It reflects a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and continuity—values that form the foundation of our cooperation and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Kuwait Times: In a regional context marked by persistent tensions, how does Franco-Kuwaiti security cooperation contribute to Gulf stability?

Ambassador Gauvin: The 21st century is characterized by the emergence of new and asymmetric threats—often multidimensional in nature. In this context, it is crucial to rethink and comprehensively modernize our defense tools. Strengthening the capabilities of our armed forces—whether through advanced training, innovative equipment, or high-value strategic technologies—is a central focus of our cooperation. Our defense and security partnership therefore carries strategic significance. It is built on officer training programs, joint exercises such as Pearl of the West and Arabian Breeze, and continuous operational dialogue between our armed forces.

This cooperation continues to grow, as shown by the upcoming Pearl of the West exercise scheduled for 2026—a large-scale quadrilateral exercise involving more than 500 French troops. During their recent meeting in Paris, our two heads of state welcomed the reinforcement of the security partnership, in particular the potential deployment of a French Gendarmerie liaison officer to the Kuwaiti National Guard. In a region that is constantly evolving, this cooperation remains highly relevant. It reflects our shared commitment to working together for security and stability in the Gulf.

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Workshop aims to boost governance in charitable sector

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KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, organized a specialized workshop on Tuesday titled “Introduction to Compliance Management: Practical Applications” as part of its ongoing “Tamkeen” initiative. The workshop aimed to strengthen the principles of governance and institutional compliance within Kuwait’s charitable sector.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), IICO Deputy Director General and Head of the Tamkeen initiative Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa said the workshop reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, transparency and sustainability. He noted that IICO was the first charitable institution in Kuwait to establish an independent compliance and governance department in 2022 — demonstrating a proactive approach to institutional development.

Al-Mutawa highlighted that the organization has successfully met all criteria of the institutional evaluation set by the Ministry of Social Affairs, including those related to organizational structure, risk management, governance and internal controls. He added that IICO continues to develop systems and policies aimed at achieving excellence in institutional performance.

He clarified that the workshop is part of a strategic roadmap to protect organizational reputation, minimize risks and enhance administrative efficiency in the charitable field. He also revealed plans to launch a new training program soon, which will certify “compliance specialists” working in charitable societies in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, providing them with the expertise needed to excel in the field.

For her part, Acting Director of the Department of Charitable Societies and Endowments at the Ministry of Social Affairs Iman Al-Enezi said the workshop is part of a broader strategic initiative to embed a culture of compliance and governance in charitable institutions. She noted that the Tamkeen initiative, launched in 2018, aims to qualify professionals working in the sector and adapt to ongoing administrative and technical developments.

Al-Enezi pointed out that since its inception, the initiative has conducted 46 training programs benefiting over 1,500 participants from various charitable organizations. She commended the efforts of IICO and the Tamkeen initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance institutional performance in Kuwait’s charitable and humanitarian sectors. The workshop was attended by senior officials from charitable associations and foundations, as well as representatives from the public sector, underscoring the joint efforts to prepare administrative cadres in line with international best practices. — KUNA

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Traveling abroad and need a physical Kuwaiti driving license? Here’s what to do

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KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait’s digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location):

1. Visit the traffic department (muroor):

Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies.

2. Request the application form:

Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach:

• A copy of your Civil ID

• A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app)

• Your previous physical license (if available)

3. Form submission and payment:

• Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping.

• Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee.

• Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply.

4. Final submission and collection:

Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.

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