KUWAIT: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, said on Sunday that higher educational institutions played a pivotal role in supporting Kuwait’s development plan (Vision 2035) by encouraging scientific research and creativity.

In a statement to KUNA on the occasion of the new academic year, Dr. Al-Jalal affirmed that higher educational institutions were keen on bolstering cooperation with various sectors to accommodate the needs of the job market and serve society.He asserted that the Ministry had made its mission to link the outputs of higher educational institutions with the job market, focusing on an optimized educational environment to enable students and teaching staff to excel.

The Ministry supports digital transformation in educational services as well as strengthening cooperation with international entities to enhance students’ experiences, he added.He expressed gratitude to the leaderships of academic institutions, who were keen on attending to the needs of students and providing them with optimal experiences and services. The Minister congratulated the students on the advent of the new academic year, wishing them the best of luck in their quest for knowledge and education. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education announced the launch of a national campaign under the slogan “Our Students Are a Nation’s Treasure” coinciding with the start of the new school year on Sunday. The initiative brings together 10 government agencies in a joint effort to protect students and provide a safe educational environment. In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry said the participating agencies include the Ministries of Interior, Information, Health, and Social Affairs, along with the General Fire Force, Juvenile Prosecution, Government Communication Center, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities.

The campaign aims to strengthen joint national action, safeguard students from security, behavioral and legal risks, and instill values of citizenship and belonging. According to the ministry, the campaign seeks to raise awareness among students on security, health and legal matters, while reinforcing positive behaviors that prevent risks. It also focuses on promoting psychological and physical well-being, equipping students with essential safety and prevention skills such as fire avoidance and safe handling of electrical appliances, and ensuring an inclusive environment for students with disabilities to succeed and integrate with their peers.

The campaign’s themes cover a wide range of issues, including traffic safety, rejection of school violence, promotion of tolerance, safe use of cyberspace, prevention of drugs and psychotropic substances, child protection and rights awareness, and the cultivation of educational and behavioral values that prepare a conscious generation to contribute to the country’s development.

The initiative targets students in public and private schools, special education institutions, as well as parents and teaching staff, to ensure comprehensive awareness across the educational community. Activities include lectures, awareness sessions, field visits, and media campaigns through traditional outlets and digital platforms.

The ministry stressed that the launch of this initiative reflects the unification of national efforts to shield students from risks and instill values of responsibility and adherence to the law. It also thanked Zain Telecommunications and Kuwait Finance House for their sponsorship, noting that their support reflects the importance of public-private cooperation under the goals of New Kuwait 2035.

Kuwait University

Meanwhile, Kuwait University announced it will receive 43,843 students at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year on Sunday, including 6,596 new admissions. The students are enrolled across 15 colleges offering a variety of scientific and literary specializations. In a press statement, the university confirmed its readiness for the new academic year, with facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, buildings, and parking areas fully prepared. It said all administrative and technical teams are mobilized to ensure a smooth educational process and a safe, supportive academic environment. Kuwait University extended its congratulations to faculty, staff, and students, wishing them a successful academic year marked by achievement and progress.- KUNA

NEW YORK: Kuwait’s UN ambassador warned Monday that Gulf states will not tolerate any attack on the security or stability of the region, calling it “a red line” during an emergency UN Security Council session.

Tareq Al-Bannai, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned “the cowardly and blatant (Zionist) criminal attack” that targeted a residential area where members of Hamas’ political bureau were holding a meeting in Doha, Qatar. The strike killed several people, including a Qatari citizen, and injured others.

Al-Bannai said the attack was “a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms” and “a serious threat to the security and safety of the Qatari people and residents in the country.” He warned that any repeat of such actions would face “collective, stronger positions and deterrent political and legal measures within the frameworks available in the international system.”

The Kuwaiti diplomat described the strike as part of “systematic policies and ongoing attempts by the occupying entity to destabilize security and stability in the region,” and stressed that reckless attacks on the Gulf will not be tolerated.

He reaffirmed Qatar’s right to respond firmly, saying the Gulf states support “protecting its people and defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Al-Bannai added that this right is guaranteed under the UN Charter and that a strong response sends “a deterrent message to anyone who attempts to violate the sovereignty of states.”

Al-Bannai also called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, insisting that perpetrators be held accountable. He emphasized the need for “decisive stances from regional and international blocs, including the UN Security Council,” and urged immediate steps to deter future attacks and activate accountability mechanisms to prevent repetition of such blatant violations.

The ambassador praised Qatar’s ongoing mediation and de-escalation efforts under the leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He highlighted Doha’s role in “resolving disputes peacefully” and its contribution to “safeguarding international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter.”

Concluding his statement, Al-Bannai affirmed that the GCC remains committed to strengthening global peace and security and reiterated support for Qatar in referring the attack to international mechanisms, calling on the world to hold those responsible accountable without delay. — KUNA