Kuwait reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian action

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