KUWAIT: The departure of four women ambassadors from Kuwait’s diplomatic corps was marked on Wednesday with a farewell lunch hosted by Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana at her residence in Mishref. The gathering honored British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani, US Ambassador Karen Sasahara, and Head of the NATO Office at the NIRC, Nora-Elise Beck.

Ambassador Maryana described the gathering as more than a farewell — it was a tribute to the connections formed through shared purpose, respect and sisterhood. “It’s a bitter situation,” she said, referring to the departure of what she described as “four strong ladies.” British Ambassador Belinda Lewis who completed her tenure with a focus on education, security, and cultural exchange, expressed gratitude for the solidarity she found among fellow women diplomats. “I’ve learnt a great deal from so many of you, and I will take that sense of camaraderie and strength with me wherever I go.”

Lewis spoke candidly about the challenges that come with leadership roles and the comfort found in having a trusted circle of peers. “Sometimes we just have hard days,” she said. “There are times where I sit there and I’m not sure who to ask, and I’m nervous or scared that I’ll get it wrong. But knowing there are people you can turn to, who will listen and not judge you — that’s worth its weight in gold.” Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani reflected on her three-and-a-half years in Kuwait with a similar tone of gratitude. “So many people in this group have been instrumental in my learning about Kuwait, in my really feeling at home,” she said. “This isn’t just a network — it’s a group of women who lifted each other and helped each other grow.”

She also highlighted the practical value of having a supportive community. “Many of us are first-time ambassadors and working parents. Just hearing someone say, ‘You don’t have to show up to everything — I know you have things to do,’ made all the difference.” Nora-Elise Beck, who headed NATO’s presence in Kuwait, reflected on her experience as a woman in the security field, often having to counter gender-based assumptions. “I get asked, ‘As a woman, how do you do your job in security?’ And my response is always, ‘As a man, how do you?’” she said. “That kind of question wouldn’t even be asked of them.”

She added, “One of the reasons I’m able to do my job is because of the support I got from all the women in Kuwait.” Despite her extensive experience across the Middle East, Beck noted that the professional solidarity she found in Kuwait was unlike anything she had encountered before. “This kind of professional backing among women — I haven’t experienced it before. I hope it’s not unique to Kuwait. I hope we can replicate it in other environments.”

Although US Ambassador Karen Sasahara was unable to attend due to departure preparations, she was remembered fondly by her peers and honored for her leadership and warmth throughout her time in Kuwait. Ambassador Maryana concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message to the departing diplomats: “Though your time here will be finished soon, the mark you’ve left is lasting.”

KUWAIT: Head of the Voluntary Work Center (VCC) Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah extended her heartfelt gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his directive to establish two heritage markets modeled after Al-Mubarakiya market in the northern and southern regions of the country. In a statement to KUNA on Wednesday, Sheikha Amthal said the initiative reflects His Highness the Amir’s dedication to supporting the needs of citizens and promoting cultural and economic activity across Kuwait.

She noted that the heritage markets aim to serve residents in those regions while enriching Kuwait’s cultural landscape. His Highness has entrusted Minister of Information and Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi with overseeing the study and implementation of the projects, given their historical and national significance.

“We deeply appreciate His Highness the Amir’s generous and caring gesture, and his keen interest in addressing the needs of the northern and southern communities,” Sheikha Amthal said, praying for His Highness’ continued health and well-being, and for Kuwait’s ongoing security, prosperity and stability. She also expressed her appreciation to Minister Al-Mutairi for involving the Voluntary Work Center in the initiative, citing the center’s prior experience in developing Al-Mubarakiya market in collaboration with the Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait and the Kuwait Heritage Society.

“This project seeks to revive the spirit of traditional Kuwaiti markets while integrating modern elements that respect both cultural authenticity and contemporary needs,” she said. Sheikha Amthal further extended her thanks to Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari, as well as the Kuwait Municipality, for their role in designing and initiating the establishment of the northern heritage market in Jahra. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Zain took part in the opening ceremony of the 10th season of the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program, held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), celebrating a decade of achievements and initiatives that have empowered thousands of young people under the long-standing strategic partnership between Zain and the non-profit organization LOYAC, which spans over 21 years. This special occasion shed light on the accomplishments of the program since its inception 10 years ago, as part of the collaboration between LOYAC and Babson College, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions in business and entrepreneurship.

Al-Duwaihees delivering Zain’s opening speech.

Zain played an active role in the initiative as a key supporter of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. The ceremony featured a welcome speech by Faisal Al-Duwaihees, Youth Empowerment and Community Partnerships Specialist at Zain Kuwait, alongside remarks from LOYAC and Babson officials and strategic partner representatives. The event also showcased inspiring presentations and testimonials from KON alumni, with a wide audience including current participants, past graduates, trainers, mentors and entrepreneurs.

KON is one of the most impactful youth initiatives that Zain proudly supports every year, given its tangible impact in nurturing the skills of participants aged 12 to 16. The program includes interactive workshops, training and mentoring sessions, and field visits, through which participants gain exposure to key concepts such as management, critical thinking, teamwork and tackling social and environmental challenges.

Zain expressed its pride in the strategic partnership with LOYAC, which has yielded a series of high-impact programs that have empowered Kuwaiti youth and equipped them with the tools to shape their futures. This aligns closely with Zain’s sustainability strategy focused on supporting education and entrepreneurship. In the weeks ahead, KON participants will continue their training journey, which will culminate in presenting their startup projects to a specialized judges panel comprised of experts and professionals from Zain and leading private sector companies. The most outstanding teams will be selected and honored during the closing ceremony later this year.