KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya held a meeting on Sunday with senior aides at the Ministry’s headquarters in the Diplomatic Area, to review efforts aimed at enhancing the Ministry’s performance in accordance with the directives and vision of the country’s political leadership. The meeting was held in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions focused on advancing institutional development and raising the level of diplomatic work to meet current and future challenges. The meeting also touched on the latest developments across regional and international arenas, particularly in light of the accelerating geopolitical challenges facing the region. — KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Assistant Secretary General for Economic and Development Affairs at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Khaled Al-Sunaidi affirmed on Sunday the high priority Gulf leaders place on education, stressing it as a central pillar in shaping a brighter future for upcoming generations. Speaking at a preparatory meeting of undersecretaries of ministries of higher education and scientific research from GCC member states, Al-Sunaidi underscored that education features prominently in the visions and directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, who recognize it as a key driver of progress and innovation.

The meeting, held in advance of the 25th session of GCC Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research — set to convene in Kuwait on Monday — focused on aligning regional educational strategies with shared development goals. Al-Sunaidi described education as a transformative tool capable of empowering individuals to meet the challenges of modern technology and rapidly evolving global trends. He pointed out that during its 45th session, the Supreme Council approved the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025-2028, a plan that aims to safeguard Gulf societies and will also be reviewed during the ongoing discussions.

Among the key issues addressed at Sunday’s meeting were equal access and treatment for GCC citizens in universities and higher education institutions, the future outlook of higher education, and the development of regulatory frameworks that reflect the ambitions of Gulf states. Delegates also examined the strategic plan for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic sphere. Al-Sunaidi noted that global challenges, particularly those related to cybersecurity, are also on the agenda. He emphasized the importance of cultivating highly skilled professionals and fostering international collaboration by leveraging leading global practices in higher education and research.

He expressed hope that the preparatory meeting would pave the way for fruitful deliberations in Monday’s ministerial session, which will focus on key priorities including improving educational quality, modernizing curricula, and further integrating educational policies among GCC member states. The 25th meeting of GCC Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research is expected to chart a unified path forward to enhance the sector’s role in regional development and innovation. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education Lamia Al-Mulhim affirmed the urgent need to shift away from traditional academic pathways in favor of modern, innovative models that integrate education with scientific research and respond to the region’s economic and social development goals. Speaking on Sunday while chairing the meeting of undersecretaries of higher education and scientific research ministries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Al-Mulhim said that re-evaluating educational priorities has become a necessity. The meeting was held in preparation for the 25th GCC Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research summit, which Kuwait will host on Monday.

Al-Mulhim stressed the importance of fostering a flexible and dynamic learning environment that empowers students and academics alike. “Developing an advanced educational model requires effective coordination and the active participation of all stakeholders to elevate the status of higher education both regionally and globally,” she said. Highlighting rapid developments in the GCC’s academic sector, Al-Mulhim pointed out the evolving nature of knowledge production and the expanding role of educational institutions in community service. She emphasized that collective achievements by Gulf nations in higher education far outweigh what can be accomplished individually.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Chair of the Meeting Lamia Al-Mulhim.

“Educational integration is a strategic imperative,” she said, citing initiatives such as mutual recognition of academic qualifications, joint academic programs, research collaboration, and digital transformation through platforms, digital libraries, and secure cyber networks. “Cybersecurity is no longer a technical concern — it is a national priority to safeguard the independence of academic institutions and protect vital data and research assets.”

Al-Mulhim also underscored the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping education. “AI is now a transformative force — driving personalized learning models, intelligent assessments, and interactive environments that foster creativity,” she noted. However, she stressed the need for legislative and ethical frameworks to guide its application. “The real responsibility lies not in what AI produces, but in how we choose to utilize it — to empower humanity, not replace it, and to enrich cultural identity, not erase it.”

Concluding her remarks, Al-Mulhim described Gulf youth as “creative energies” capable of shaping the future. She called on universities to become hubs of innovation and knowledge production through curricula that foster critical thinking, environments that encourage initiative, and strategic partnerships that connect education with the labor market and decision-makers. — KUNA