Kuwait in a Week- Nov. 20- 27- 2025

Kuwait underscores Zionist nuke oversight, importance of international accountability

  Kuwait reaffirmed its call for international accountability over Zionist nuclear capabilities during the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna. Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam stressed that all Middle Eastern states comply with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and safeguards agreements except the Zionist entity, which resists oversight and blocks efforts toward a nuclear-weapon-free zone. He cited past UN and IAEA resolutions underscoring Zionist non-compliance and urged that the issue remain on the Agency’s agenda until concrete measures are taken to ensure regional and global security.

Meanwhile, Kuwait reiterated its steadfast support for Palestine at the first Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels. Ambassador Sadiq Marafi emphasized Kuwait’s backing for an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and endorsed international initiatives for Gaza’s recovery under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. At the UN, Kuwait also joined GCC partners in supporting the UN80 initiative to strengthen transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency across the UN system.    KUNA

Arab Information Ministers Endorse Kuwait to Chair the Executive Office for the Next Two Years

At the 55th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers in Cairo, Kuwait was unanimously endorsed to chair the Executive Office for the next two years. Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi expressed gratitude for the confidence, pledging Kuwait’s full commitment to advancing Arab media cooperation. He praised Saudi Arabia’s previous leadership and emphasized Kuwait’s role as a pioneering media model with a strategic vision. Al-Mutairi also renewed Kuwait’s condemnation of ongoing violations in Palestine, affirming support for an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The session highlighted Kuwait’s designation as “Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025,” with plans for a year-long program of events. Al-Mutairi stressed the importance of building responsible Arab media discourse, strengthening partnerships, and developing strategies for media literacy to equip youth with analytical skills. He underscored the need to adapt to rapid technological change and modern platforms.

Kuwait Television and the Ministry’s Development Sector won the Arab League’s Media Excellence Award for Best Television Report, while Iraq Television won Best Documentary. On the sidelines, Al-Mutairi met Egyptian and Mauritanian officials to enhance media cooperation, exchange expertise, and explore cultural and training initiatives. Kuwait’s delegation included senior officials and diplomats. KUNA

Kuwait Television, Ministry of Information win Arab League Media Excellence Award

 Kuwait Television and the Development Sector of the Ministry of Information were honored with the Arab League’s Media Excellence Award during the 55th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, themed “Arab Youth and New Media.” The ceremony, attended by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Mustafa, recognized outstanding works across audio, visual, print, and digital platforms. Kuwait Television won Best Television Report for “Youth’s Relationship with Social Media,” while Iraq Television received Best Documentary on Digital Youth. Algerian Radio earned Best Radio Report, Egypt’s Youth and Sports Radio won Best Awareness Report, and Emirati journalist Hazza Abu Al-Raisi was awarded Best Investigative Report. Jordan’s Al-Dustour newspaper received Best Opinion Column, while digital honors went to Saudi Press Agency photographer Faisal Al-Wahima, Bandari Habram for Best Digital Investigation, and Palestinian journalist Amal Nawfal for Best Digital Video.

The Council also honored media leaders including Ibrahim Matqi of Kuwait’s Ministry of Information. Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi emphasized partnerships, credibility, and responsible Arab media discourse, reaffirming Kuwait’s support for Palestine. A special celebration marked Kuwait as Arab Media Capital 2025, with year-long events planned to promote cooperation and media literacy. — KUNA

 Minister of Health: Kuwait on the Threshold of Activating Liver and Lung Transplants

Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al‑Awadhi announced that the country is preparing to activate liver and lung transplant programs in the coming months, building on decades of progress since its first kidney transplant in 1979 and the recent launch of heart transplants. Speaking at the 19th Conference of the Asian Society of Transplantation, hosted in Kuwait for the first time in the GCC, he emphasized that organ transplantation is an investment in life, requiring not only advanced medical expertise but also supportive legislative and cultural frameworks.

Al‑Awadhi highlighted Kuwait’s commitment to expanding transplant services, training national cadres, and cooperating with regional and international institutions, including a memorandum of understanding with the UAE. He praised government support through ministerial and cabinet decisions and stressed the importance of raising community awareness to strengthen deceased organ donation programs.

Conference leaders noted Asia’s growing demand for transplants, with strong performance in living donor programs but lagging deceased donations compared to the West. The event gathered 700 participants and 100 speakers from 28 countries, discussing kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants, alongside innovations such as artificial intelligence and surgical robotics, while addressing ethical and religious dimensions of organ donation.

Al‑Rai

Kuwait adopts new guidelines to strengthen child protection

 The Ministry of Justice announced the adoption of a new guide for handling children in criminal proceedings, introduced by Attorney General Counselor Saad Al-Safaran, as a major step in advancing child rights protections. The framework prioritizes the child’s best interests throughout investigations, ensuring confidentiality, guardian presence, and access to legal and psychological support. It also tailors procedures to minors’ age and circumstances, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitments under international conventions. Issued on Universal Children’s Day, the guide reflects national efforts to modernize justice and safeguard vulnerable groups, enhancing procedural protections and supporting children’s emotional and social wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah inspected the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to review programs strengthening family cohesion and protection. She emphasized the Council’s role in policy development, domestic violence shelters, and community initiatives. Al-Huwailah called for expanded research, awareness campaigns, and stronger partnerships with institutions to ensure safe, supportive environments for Kuwaiti families. — KUNA

 Jahra Hospital marks milestone with 5,500 surgeries, IVF record

 Al-Jahra Hospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Department has achieved major milestones over the past two years, performing around 5,500 operations and setting a record in its IVF unit with over 600 treatment cycles, including 326 successful cases. Department head Dr. Hanan Al-Husseini highlighted upgrades since September 2022, including advanced 3D, 4D, and Doppler ultrasound technologies that improved early detection of fetal abnormalities and reduced inpatient demand. The one-day surgery ward carried out more than 500 procedures last year, while outpatient services expanded with specialized clinics such as laser treatment, pelvic muscle therapy, and cervical endoscopy, receiving over 28,000 cases. The maternity ward recorded about 4,000 births, supported by new policies, epidural anesthesia, and modern delivery techniques.

Al-Husseini emphasized the IVF unit’s enhanced performance through staff expansion, genetic analysis partnerships, and new diagnostic services. The department also boosted efficiency with electronic protocols, more consultants, and recruitment from prestigious universities. Patient education initiatives, collaborations with hematology and rheumatology, and a new partnership with Jaber Hospital for robotic remote surgery further advanced women’s healthcare. She concluded that Al-Jahra Hospital is rapidly modernizing in line with Kuwait’s vision, adopting new technologies and training programs to improve services for Kuwaiti and expatriate women alike. KT

 Kuwait reiterates commitment to children’s rights

  Kuwait has renewed its firm and longstanding commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being, in line with the constitution, national legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Kuwait ratified in 1991. This came in a press release by the ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday, marking World Children’s Day.

The ministry said Kuwait takes pride in its active role in supporting regional and international efforts to advance children’s rights, as well as its humanitarian partnerships that provide relief assistance — particularly in conflict and disaster-affected areas — to meet the needs of affected children. Kuwait also called on the international community to renew its commitment to protecting children worldwide and to implement relevant international conventions to ensure a dignified life for all children.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family Affairs and Childhood Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on Thursday affirmed Kuwait’s firm advocacy of child rights and protection emanate from the strong belief that children are “the bases of the present and future.” Al-Huwailah, also Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, was speaking during the conference titled “Child empowerment is a right not an option”, organized by the Kuwait Bar Association in partnership with the supreme council, coinciding with World Children’s Day. KUNA

Kuwait wins four awards at 2025 Gulf Film Festival

  Kuwait took home four awards at the 2025 Gulf Film Festival, held from November 16 to 19 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center. The festival was organized by Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat. The documentary Baqshat Saad, directed by Mijbel Saad Al-Faraj, won the award for Best Documentary. The short film Tashathi, directed by Maryam Alabbad, received the award for Best Cinematography.

Best Director went to Hatim Hossam Al-Deen for the feature film Akh, while actor Hussain Alhaddad won Best Actor for his role in the same film. Kuwait’s official delegation was led by Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, Musaed Al-Zamel. The group included leading artists, directors, and filmmakers whose works were featured at the festival.

The Council selected participants following official guidelines, including honored guests Saad Al-Faraj and Mohammed Al-Mansour, along with festival attendees Faisal Al-Ameeri, Yaqoob Abdullah, Hussain Alhaddad and Abdullah Altararwah.

Kuwait’s entries included the feature film Akh; the documentaries Baqshat Saad and Everybody’s Watching; and short films Iz’aaj, Wal Na’am and Tashathi. — KUNA

 ‘University Magazine’ program highlights student talent in radio

 Kuwait University’s University Magazine program, the first student-managed radio show broadcast weekly on Kuwait Radio, was celebrated on its third anniversary during a seminar titled “Integrating Roles in Radio and Media.” Dr. Yousef Al-Sari’e, Director General of the General Directorate of Radio at the Ministry of Information, praised the initiative as a model for harnessing student potential to shape the future of national media. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young talents and preparing a new generation of professionals through collaboration with Kuwait University. Launched in October 2022 under the guidance of Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the program blends academic dialogue, student experiences, and modern media production, while encouraging students to adapt to rapid technological changes.

Dr. Hussein Murad, Associate Professor at Kuwait University’s Media Department, highlighted the program’s growth from a 30-minute segment to a 90-minute weekly show. Over 100 academic, administrative, and student figures have participated, and more than 70 students have been trained in radio production, presentation, directing, and editing. Contributions from four colleges have diversified content, while the anniversary ceremony honored outstanding students for their vital role in enriching student radio and strengthening the program’s impact.— KUNA

 Namaa Charitable Society opens cataract surgery center in Kenya

  Kuwait’s Namaa Charitable Society inaugurated a medical center in Kenya dedicated to performing cataract surgeries, marking a significant expansion of the country’s humanitarian efforts in Africa. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Namaa CEO Abdulazizi Al-Kandari said the center was established through the support of Kuwaiti donors and the encouragement of the country’s political leadership.

He described the project as a beacon of hope for thousands of patients awaiting treatment for vision impairment. Al-Kandari noted that the center has already conducted 1,000 successful surgeries, carried out by a specialized medical team using modern equipment. He expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs for their support and facilitation, which enable charitable organizations to implement projects efficiently and professionally.

“The happiness reflected on the faces of beneficiaries who regain their eyesight motivates us to continue pursuing projects that restore hope for patients in need,” he added. — KUNA

“Human Rights Diwan” Kuwait and the United Nations Discuss Strengthening Partnership and Bilateral Cooperation

The National Human Rights Diwan and the United Nations held an expanded coordination meeting to continue strengthening bilateral partnership and developing joint cooperation programs in the field of human rights. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee for Managing the Diwan’s Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary Anas Al‑Shahine, and the Representative of the UN Secretary‑General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ghada Al‑Taher.

In a statement, the National Diwan conveyed the UN’s affirmation during the meeting of its keenness to support the efforts of the National Human Rights Diwan and to enhance cooperation in programs and projects of common interest, contributing to the development of institutional capacities and supporting national initiatives in this field.

The two sides discussed areas of work related to strengthening and protecting human rights at the regional and international levels, including alignment with international standards, preparation of joint action plans, implementation of training programs, and awareness activities aimed at raising community awareness of human rights issues.

The meeting also witnessed the participation of a number of specialists from the executive body of the National Human Rights Diwan, who reviewed the Diwan’s most prominent initiatives and priorities in the coming stage and opportunities for cooperation with the UN system to support national efforts aimed at enhancing human rights. Al‑Rai

Strengthening Cooperation and Partnership between “Al‑Najat” and the “Youth Authority”

Director General of Al‑Najat Charity Association Dr. Jaber Al‑Wunda, accompanied by the Association’s Financial Director Yusuf Khalifouh, paid an official visit to the Public Authority for Youth, where they were received by Director General of the “Youth Authority” Nasser Al‑Sheikh, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Activities Affairs Ghazi Al‑Jallawi, and Director of Public Relations and Media Department Dr. Mishal Al‑Janoubi.

Officials of the Authority welcomed the delegation of Al‑Najat Charity, praising the pioneering humanitarian role played by the Association inside and outside Kuwait, and the qualitative projects and works it provides that contribute to supporting families and beneficiaries, enhancing comprehensive community development, and achieving sustainable development.

Al‑Wunda explained in a press statement that the visit comes within Al‑Najat Charity’s keenness to build strategic partnerships with national institutions, aiming to strengthen programs and activities targeting Kuwaiti youth and to create practical paths that ensure investing their time in ways that benefit them and society.

He added that the meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides, especially in the fields of educational and cultural competitions, educational programs, and volunteer initiatives. He affirmed that Al‑Najat Charity possesses long experience in implementing projects that serve youth, develop their skills, and refine their abilities. Al‑Wunda stressed that Kuwait is rich in a large reservoir of young human energies capable of excellence, initiative, and making impact, pointing out that “knowledge and science” are the fundamental pillars that must be reinforced in youth to enable them to face future challenges.

He noted that Kuwaiti youth have achieved precedence and leadership in harnessing modern technology and social media to serve charitable and humanitarian work, accomplishing many major projects costing millions of dinars in short periods. This demonstrates the impact of youth in developing charitable work, growing its resources, and serving thousands of beneficiaries inside and outside Kuwait. He clarified that Al‑Najat Charity focuses its projects inside Kuwait, stemming from its social responsibility and keenness to achieve sustainability and real development for needy families. Al‑Rai

“Al‑Najat” Discusses with “Youth Authority” Strengthening Cooperation to Serve the Young Generation

Director General of Al‑Najat Charity Association Dr. Jaber Al‑Wunda, accompanied by the Association’s Financial Director Yusuf Khalifouh, paid an official visit to the Public Authority for Youth, where they were received by Director General of the Authority Nasser Al‑Sheikh, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Activities Affairs Ghazi Al‑Jallawi, and Director of Public Relations and Media Department Dr. Mishal Al‑Janoubi.

At the beginning of the meeting, officials of the Authority welcomed the delegation of Al‑Najat Charity, praising the pioneering humanitarian role played by the Association inside and outside Kuwait, and the qualitative projects and works it provides that contribute to supporting families and beneficiaries, enhancing comprehensive community development, and achieving sustainable development.

Al‑Wunda explained that the visit comes within Al‑Najat Charity’s keenness to build strategic partnerships with national institutions, aiming to strengthen programs and activities targeting Kuwaiti youth and to create practical paths that ensure investing their time in ways that benefit them and society. He added that the meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides, especially in the fields of educational and cultural competitions, educational programs, and volunteer initiatives. He affirmed that Al‑Najat Charity possesses long experience in implementing projects that serve youth, develop their skills, and refine their abilities. Al‑Wunda stressed that Kuwait is rich in a large reservoir of young human energies capable of excellence, initiative, and making impact, pointing out that “knowledge and science” are the fundamental pillars that must be reinforced in youth to enable them to face future challenges. Al‑Rai 

Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation workshop draws crowds

  The Cultural Pavilion at the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair hosted a special workshop on Sunday titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation,” organized by the Kuwaiti Traditional Crafts Association. The event attracted fair visitors, calligraphy enthusiasts, and admirers of traditional arts. Calligrapher Mustafa Khaja, who led the workshop, said in a press release that preserving Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation is vital to maintaining a core element of Kuwait’s cultural identity.

He expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation, particularly from students, whom he described as “the generation that will carry these arts forward.” The workshop offered a comprehensive overview of the history, development, types, and characteristics of Arabic calligraphy, alongside hands-on training for participants to write their names using traditional calligraphy tools. Interactive discussions covered calligraphic schools and methods for enhancing Arabic writing skills.

In addition, participants explored the fundamentals of Islamic ornamentation, including geometric and floral patterns, and examined the aesthetic relationship between ornamentation and calligraphy. A dedicated session for school students was organized through a collaboration between the Kuwaiti Traditional Crafts Association, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting artistic and cultural awareness within the community. — KUNA

 Kuwait Tanmeia Charity launches mission supporting Sudanese refugees in Chad

   Tanmeia Charity Society on Monday announced the launch of humanitarian mission supporting Sudanese refugees in Chad through a series of relief and development projects.

The society’s Public Relations and Media director, Musab Al-Otaibi, told KUNA that Tanmeia places special priority on the Sudanese refugee issue, adding that the new mission continues a chain of humanitarian initiatives aimed at easing hardships.

Al-Otaibi said the mission, which runs until next Friday, includes a medical camp for eye surgeries targeting 200 free operations, drilling wells to secure sustainable water sources, distributing 100 Qurans, and implementing five local economic-empowerment projects.

He added that the humanitarian team will also operate a medical camp to treat child malnutrition and malaria amid rising infection rates and limited health services, contributing to improved health conditions for women and children in refugee camps.He noted that the program further includes the distribution of food baskets to the most affected families and the establishment of a two-day community kitchen, supporting efforts to reinforce food security among vulnerable groups. — AFP

 37th GCC ministers’ meeting focuses on food security

 Kuwait hosted the 37th meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security, where Minister Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem affirmed Kuwait’s priority on food security and sustainable agricultural resources. He stressed the importance of supporting farmers, adopting modern techniques such as greenhouse and soilless farming, and strengthening coordination among GCC states to address global economic challenges. The meeting aimed to define a roadmap for joint agricultural cooperation, ensuring sustainable strategies to safeguard Gulf populations.

Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Al-Sunaidi highlighted GCC efforts to confront frequent global supply disruptions and harsh climatic conditions. Discussions covered the Gulf Food Security Strategy, a Plant Genetic Resources Bank, and farm management projects with ICARDA, alongside regulations for product safety and resource sustainability. He noted agriculture’s projected 6.8% growth by 2024, contributing 1.8% to GCC GDP, with intra-GCC trade in agricultural and fisheries products reaching $5 billion. Ministers emphasized joint action, integrated policies, and advanced training to consolidate Gulf integration. -- KUNA

 Kuwait and the UN strengthen human rights cooperation

  The National Bureau for Human Rights and the United Nations held a coordination meeting on Tuesday to bolster bilateral partnership and expand cooperation programs in the field of human rights. The meeting was chaired by Anas Al-Shaheen, Director General of the Bureau, and UN Coordinator Ghada Al-Taher. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Bureau said the UN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its initiatives and enhancing collaboration on joint programs and projects, contributing to institutional capacity building and reinforcing national efforts to advance the human rights agenda.

Discussions focused on key areas including alignment with international standards, preparation of action plans, implementation of training programs, and awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening public understanding of human rights issues at both national and regional levels. Executive specialists from the Bureau also presented major initiatives, upcoming priorities, and opportunities for cooperation with the UN system, underscoring Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights across the country. — KUNA