KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) has launched a vital water supply initiative to support 50,000 displaced and affected families in Gaza, providing them with potable water amid worsening humanitarian conditions. The project, valued at over $68,000, is aimed at easing the daily struggles of families residing in shelters and residential neighborhoods across the Strip. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the IICO said the initiative involves the daily distribution of desalinated water via large tankers.

These tankers transport clean water from desalination plants to more than 200 camps and residential areas, with quantities tailored to the specific needs of each location. “This project addresses one of the most urgent humanitarian needs as Gaza continues to face severe water shortages and a collapsing water infrastructure,” the statement said. “Displaced individuals, many of whom are crammed into overcrowded shelters, are forced to wait in long lines for limited amounts of water, which often fall short of meeting their daily requirements.”

Charitable Organization implementing its ‘Water Supply’ project to serve 50,000 affected and displaced families in Gaza.- KUNA photos

The organization noted that the initiative not only seeks to provide immediate relief but also aims to improve living conditions and safeguard public health. “Access to clean water is a basic human right and essential to preserving life and well-being, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly,” the statement added. The IICO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people of Gaza and pledged to continue implementing projects that address urgent humanitarian needs in the region. — KUNA

GENEVA: Marking the 62nd anniversary of its accession to the United Nations on May 14, 1963, Kuwait on Tuesday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international law, multilateral cooperation and humanitarian principles—cornerstones that continue to shape the nation’s foreign policy and global engagement. Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, emphasized Kuwait’s principled and consistent approach to global diplomacy, noting the country’s deep-rooted humanitarian orientation anchored in universal values.

In remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ambassador Al-Hayen stated that Kuwait remains a steadfast partner to UN agencies, working diligently to foster peace, stability and the rule of law around the world. He underscored Kuwait’s dedication to easing the suffering of those affected by conflict and crisis, reaffirming its belief in the vital role of the United Nations.

“Kuwait continues to uphold international humanitarian law, defend human rights, and promote justice and dignity in conflict-affected regions,” said Al-Hayen, highlighting the country’s proactive role as a current member of the Human Rights Council. He reiterated Kuwait’s firm stance on key humanitarian issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, which he described as a central pillar of Kuwait’s foreign policy. Al-Hayen also criticized global double standards surrounding the Palestinian issue, affirming Kuwait’s principled and consistent support for the Palestinian people.

Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN headquarters in New York Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai

In New York, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai, echoed these sentiments, noting that Kuwait-UN relations have grown significantly over the past six decades. Speaking to KUNA on the occasion, Ambassador Al-Banai congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti people on this national milestone.

“On May 14, Kuwait proudly celebrates the anniversary of its entry into the United Nations as the 111th member state,” said Al-Banai, recalling the moment Kuwait’s flag was raised at the UN headquarters in New York in 1963. He emphasized Kuwait’s prominent role in humanitarian diplomacy, which culminated in 2014 when the UN named Kuwait an International Humanitarian Center and honored the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a “Humanitarian Leader.” “This global recognition was not coincidental,” he said. “It was the result of a long-standing commitment to humanitarianism, deeply rooted in Kuwait’s national philosophy of investing in human development.”

Ambassador Al-Banai also pointed to Kuwait’s strategic partnerships with several UN bodies, including the World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF, UNRWA, and the UN Development Program (UNDP). He highlighted the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development—established in 1961—as an early embodiment of Kuwait’s vision for global cooperation. “Kuwait’s humanitarian engagement is not seasonal nor reactive. It is a continuous, principle-driven commitment to fostering a safer, more dignified world,” he affirmed.

In Kuwait, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Ghada Al-Taher praised the Kuwait-UN partnership as a model of effective multilateral cooperation grounded in shared values and a commitment to sustainable development and humanitarian action. Al-Taher highlighted the historic support of UN Security Council Resolution 678, which endorsed Kuwait’s sovereignty and liberation following the 1990 Iraqi invasion—an event that reinforced Kuwait’s trust in international mechanisms and its dedication to multilateralism.

She noted Kuwait’s leadership during its non-permanent terms on the Security Council in 1978-79 and 2018-19, as well as its hosting of three donor conferences for Syria from 2013 to 2015. Al-Taher also pointed to Kuwait’s active role in supporting humanitarian and development initiatives in Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Gaza, and beyond. “Kuwait’s Vision 2035 aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said, noting ongoing collaboration on the upcoming Strategic Cooperation Framework 2025–2028, which will focus on youth and women empowerment, climate action, and the green economy.

In 2023, Kuwait continued its generous humanitarian efforts, delivering aid to Gaza, Syria, Turkey, Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Ukraine. Al-Taher also commended Kuwait’s participation at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, during which the Representative of His Highness the Amir advocated for fair representation within the UN system. She reiterated the UN’s strong commitment to its partnership with Kuwait toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable global order.

She further praised Kuwait’s progress in human rights, as recognized by the UN Human Rights Council through its endorsement of Kuwait’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), noting advancements in women’s rights, disability inclusion, and child protection. As Kuwait marks over six decades of membership in the United Nations, the nation continues to serve as a beacon of humanitarian leadership and multilateral diplomacy, steadfast in its mission to build a better world for all. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, welcomed John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, to Zain’s headquarters as part of his official visit to Kuwait. John Lee was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and China during his visit to Zain, which came as part of his wider visit to Kuwait from May 13–14.

His visit included meetings with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, and other senior government officials. Also in attendance were Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Advisor in the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister; Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait; and senior officials from both sides.

Bader Al-Kharafi stated: “We are committed to implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to advance Kuwait’s transformation into a regional hub for the digital economy and create an attractive environment for investment led by the private sector. This visit aligns with that wise vision, as Kuwait and Hong Kong enjoy longstanding friendly relations.” Al-Kharafi welcomed the Chief Executive and his accompanying delegation, adding: “The two regions collaborate across various investment, trade, and economic fields at both governmental and private sector levels. This visit presents an opportunity to expand those horizons.”

Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee

Al-Kharafi presenting Zain’s strategy during the meeting.

Bader Al-Kharafi addressing the delegation.

Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee exchange commemorative gifts.

Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee with the delegation and Zain’s leadership at the company’s HQ

He continued: “Hong Kong has long been recognized as one of the world’s most important international financial centers. Thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and favorable business environment, it stands as an ideal business hub. Moreover, it is a leader in innovation and among the top global centers for asset and cross-border wealth management.” Al-Kharafi added: “Our discussions with Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation explored ways to expand digital transformation initiatives, enhance telecom infrastructure, drive business growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration in 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and potential strategic partnerships.”

He further explained: “We also explored cutting-edge applications in ICT, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, and their impact on supporting digital economies. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most service-oriented economies and is deeply involved in R&D, particularly in AI.” He continued: “This visit was also an opportunity to present the highlights of our new five-year strategy, through which we aim to reinforce Zain’s regional leadership and steer the Group’s efforts toward building the largest tech conglomerate in the Middle East and Africa.”

The visiting delegation was introduced to Zain’s 40+ year journey of achievements in telecom and technology, and its decisive steps toward becoming a fully integrated digital service provider across the Middle East and Africa. They also explored Zain’s efforts to support government and enterprise clients and its impactful initiatives in sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and equity—areas in which Zain is recognized as a leader across its footprint. The Group also presented its strategic roadmap amid major shifts in the tech sector, led by its bold five-year strategy “4WARD,” which focuses on sustainability, capability building, and targeted growth.

Zain has built a strong legacy that positions it well for future market changes. It has launched major regional entities across several business areas, including: ZainTECH, the region’s leading brand in digital services, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), a game-changer in wholesale telecom, TASC Towers, the largest tower portfolio manager in the Middle East and Africa, Zain Ventures, the Group’s investment arm, Tamam, the Group’s micro-lending platform, Zain Cash, the digital wallet and money transfer service, BEDE, the fintech platform spearheading Zain’s regional financial services expansion, Dizlee, the API platform, and Zain Esports.

The “4WARD” strategy is anchored in four pillars: Customer Delight, Digital Zain, Purpose and Action, and Collaborative Growth. It offers a roadmap to expand Zain’s business footprint through sector diversification, synergy programs, and strategic partnerships—steps deemed crucial for long-term growth. The accompanying Hong Kong and Chinese delegation included senior government officials such as the Deputy Financial Secretary, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Commissioner for the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.

Also present were prominent business leaders, including the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Chairwoman of the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong), Vice Chairperson of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Managing Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Gaw Capital, and senior executives from Bank of China (Hong Kong) and various leading technology, financial and consulting firms.