KUWAIT: The French Embassy in Kuwait on Sunday awarded Dr Aseel Mohammed Al-Raqam the French Order of Academic Palms, one of France’s oldest and most distinguished non-military honors. The ceremony was hosted at the residence of French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin, who presented the medal in recognition of Dr Al-Raqam’s outstanding academic achievements, research contributions, and her role in fostering cultural and intellectual cooperation between Kuwait and France.

Through her work at Kuwait University, Dr Al-Raqam, a professor of architecture, has played a leading role in advancing innovative educational programs, encouraging academic dialogue, and expanding opportunities for students and researchers to engage in international partnerships. Ambassador Gauvin commended Dr Al-Raqam’s accomplishments, describing the award as a celebration of her creativity and dedication. “Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 to honor members of the University, the Order of Academic Palms is the oldest non-military honorary distinction.

Dr Adel Al-Mumen

French ambassador Olivier Gauvin

It recognizes, both in France and abroad, those whose work serves education, research, the transmission of knowledge, and the spread of culture,” he said. Highlighting her innovative initiatives, Gauvin added: “Your creativity translates into innovative approaches, such as the co-creation of Kuwaitscapes, an educational card game aimed at raising awareness on the use of public spaces. You are also preparing a book on the history of urban practices in Kuwait.”

For her part, Dr Al-Raqam expressed pride in receiving the award, noting that it reflects not only a personal milestone but also recognition of Kuwait University and Kuwait’s broader role in promoting culture, education and knowledge exchange. “This medal is an incentive to continue giving in the service of our beloved country,” she said, while extending thanks to the French Embassy, Kuwait University and her family for their unwavering support. Dean of the College of Architecture Dr Adel Al-Mumen congratulated Dr Al-Raqam, describing her as “a very dedicated scholar who loves her work, research, and academia and who is committed to designing better cities.”

GENEVA: Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, on Monday reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) firm condemnation of the Zionist aggression against Qatar, warning that it sets a “dangerous precedent” threatening regional and international peace and security.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Al-Hayen delivered his remarks in his capacity as Chairman of the GCC Council of Ambassadors, after the council agreed to convene an emergency session on the attack based on a request submitted by the GCC. Al-Hayen stressed the need for urgent discussions to deliver a clear message that violations of state sovereignty and actions undermining peace and stability are “unacceptable” due to their grave political, security and humanitarian repercussions. He underlined that such violations also disrupt the environment necessary for promoting and protecting human rights.

“The Human Rights Council is mandated to examine situations that impact the protection of human rights and to address the wider consequences of gross violations of international law in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251,” he said. He added that safeguarding the principles of international law and upholding human rights is a collective responsibility forming the core mission of the council.

Al-Hayen explained that Qatari territory was attacked by Zionist forces on September 9, in what he described as “a flagrant breach of sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter.” The attack, he noted, drew widespread condemnation from regional and international parties, including the UN Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Security Council, which issued a presidential statement denouncing the aggression as a “dangerous escalation in a region already suffering from successive crises.”

He further highlighted Qatar’s constructive role in mediation and dialogue aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering stability, stressing that targeting a state playing such a positive role undermines international efforts to advance peaceful solutions. The Human Rights Council unanimously approved the request submitted by the GCC countries, alongside a similar request from Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to hold an emergency session on Zionist aggression against Qatar. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Head of His Highness the Crown Prince’s Diwan Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Monday received UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Hamed Al-Neyadi at Bayan Palace. They also received UAE Charge d’Affaires Counselor Hamad Al-Mansouri and the embassy’s military attaché Colonel Mohammed Al-Muhairi, who extended congratulations on their new posts. — KUNA