Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership praised at Red Crescent meeting

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership received strong praise on Thursday during the 21st meeting of the Committee of Presidents and Heads of Gulf Red Crescent Societies, held in Kuwait. Khalid Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), commended Kuwait’s global relief efforts and the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who presides over the current GCC Supreme Council session.

Al-Sunaidi expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s continued support of Gulf joint action, aimed at achieving progress and prosperity for citizens across the region. Highlighting the role of Red Crescent societies in responding to humanitarian crises, Al-Sunaidi also noted the growing number of volunteers across the GCC. He mentioned the honoring of 80 volunteers with the Volunteer Work Award as part of efforts to recognize contributions to the humanitarian sector.

Khalid Al-Sunaidi

Ambassador Khaled Al-Maghames

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Khaled Al-Maghames, Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, emphasized that the gathering sent “an important message to the world” about Gulf unity, cooperation, and collective humanitarian action. “Our societies have achieved tangible progress in humanitarian work thanks to the vision of GCC leaders,” Al-Maghames said, crediting strong leadership for major policy milestones and new initiatives in the field.

Al-Maghames stressed that increasing coordination between Gulf Red Crescent societies is critical for deepening understanding and strengthening ties among member states. He added that Kuwait, through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, remains at the forefront of emergency relief efforts — with active campaigns supporting Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and other crisis-hit nations.

The meeting’s agenda included reviewing current and future cooperation plans among national Red Crescent societies, developing joint humanitarian strategies, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations.

Participants also discussed internal action plans, training programs, a strategic media plan, and preparations for the upcoming GCC Red Crescent Day celebrations. In closing, officials reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing Gulf humanitarian collaboration and providing aid to those affected by crises around the world, with Kuwait playing a leading role in these efforts. — KUNA