Kuwait and UNHCR Hold First Strategic Dialogue to Enhance Humanitarian Cooperation

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held its first strategic dialogue with the State of Kuwait at its headquarters in Geneva. This new step underscores the depth of the long-standing partnership between the two parties in supporting refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide.

High-Level Attendance

The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Government of Kuwait and the UNHCR, co-chaired by Ms. Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, and His Highness Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister. During the meeting, Kuwait's prominent humanitarian role was reaffirmed, and avenues for expanding cooperation to address the increasing challenges of forced displacement globally were explored, according to Reuters.

Critical Humanitarian Context

This dialogue comes at a time when the number of forcibly displaced persons globally has reached record levels, exceeding 120 million people, while the international humanitarian system faces unprecedented financial pressures. Kuwait reiterated its commitment to the values of joint humanitarian work and international solidarity through strategic partnerships that protect dignity, ensure care, and support sustainable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons.

Official Statements

Kelly T. Clements – Deputy High Commissioner: "This dialogue reflects the depth of Kuwait's humanitarian commitment and its pivotal role in shaping the world's responses to forced displacement crises. We are proud of our partnership with Kuwait and look forward to expanding it to reach the most vulnerable, with the support of the Kuwaiti government and its institutions."

His Highness Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah – Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister: "Kuwait remains committed to international humanitarian cooperation. Our partnership with UNHCR is built on established values, principles, and trust. We believe in the importance of expanding efforts to achieve a tangible impact on the lives of refugees and displaced communities, and this dialogue strengthens our resolve to achieve that."

Importance of Strategic Dialogue

This dialogue serves as a platform to deepen cooperation, coordinate priorities, and ensure that resources and policies are strategically directed toward protecting and assisting displaced persons, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region. The dialogue also holds humanitarian, geopolitical, and developmental significance, enabling technical cooperation in areas such as emergency response, knowledge exchange, and development. This enhances humanitarian aid management and the exchange of expertise, benefiting both UNHCR operations and Kuwaiti humanitarian actors.

Continuous Partnership for Over 30 Years

Both sides affirmed their determination to build on this dialogue to translate shared humanitarian goals into tangible actions and projects, and to strengthen the strategic cooperation that has spanned over three decades.