September 9: Humanitarian Badge of Honor for Kuwait

These blessed days bring us to a cherished and dear memory: the 9th of September 2014. On that day, the United Nations, through its then-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, honored the late Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, by naming him a "Leader of Humanitarian Action," and designating Kuwait a "Center for Humanitarian Action." It was a historic moment, one that remains a beacon for generations and a testament to the fact that when giving is coupled with values and principles, it becomes a deeply rooted identity and a timeless badge of honor on a nation's chest.

Kuwait: An Enduring Humanitarian Legacy

Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, Chairman of the Union of Charitable Societies, stated: From its very beginnings, Kuwait has never been just a small country on the world map; it has been great in its humanity. For many decades, the people of Kuwait have extended a helping hand to those in need, and convoys of aid have flowed from this good land to all corners of the world—from Asia to Africa, from Palestine to Bosnia, and from Yemen to Sudan. What distinguishes this giving is that it was not merely tied to oil wealth; rather, it was deeply rooted in the values of Kuwaiti society that have been ingrained since the days of pearl diving and arduous travel, when social solidarity was the key to survival.

The Late Amir: A Leader with a Humanitarian Heart

Al-Otaibi added that the UN's selection of the late Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as a leader of humanitarian action was not a mere protocol decision or a symbolic tribute. Instead, it was an international recognition of his cumulative humanitarian stances. The world knew him as a leader of peace, a voice for the weak, a mediator in conflicts, and a promoter of a culture of mercy. He believed that Kuwait's strength was not measured by its geographical size, but by the magnitude of its giving and its contributions to supporting the oppressed and helping those in distress.

A Journey of Giving that Transcends Borders

Al-Otaibi said: Under his leadership, Kuwait hosted many international donor conferences to support the Syrian people, reconstruct Iraq, and assist the Palestinian people. In addition, it launched urgent initiatives to respond to natural disasters in Asia and Africa. All of this led the world to view Kuwait as a model for a state that practices "the diplomacy of giving" and invests its resources in alleviating human suffering, regardless of race, religion, or color.

Charitable Societies: Partners in the Journey

Al-Otaibi emphasized that the Union of Charitable Societies believes this international recognition did not come from a vacuum; it is the result of an integrated system of charitable work in Kuwait. Charitable societies and endowments have contributed to building this structure through development and relief projects that have covered dozens of countries. Today, we stand before a great legacy that we must preserve and pass on to future generations by strengthening institutional work and developing our tools to keep pace with modern challenges.

Present Challenges and Future Responsibilities

Al-Otaibi pointed out that it is no secret that the world is experiencing unprecedented humanitarian crises, from wars to natural disasters, and from displacement to extreme poverty. Despite this, Kuwait remains steadfast in its role, always confirming that it will not hesitate to support humanitarian causes. However, this role today requires strengthening transparency, expanding international partnerships, and utilizing modern technology to ensure that aid reaches its recipients as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Kuwaiti Giving in Numbers

Al-Otaibi indicated that international reports show that Kuwait, despite its small size, has ranked high globally in the volume of aid relative to its GDP. In recent years, Kuwait has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to support UN humanitarian programs, in addition to its continuous initiatives in the fields of health, education, and shelter. These figures are not just dry statistics; they are living proof that "humanity" is not a slogan we raise, but a daily practice we live.

Islamic Values and National Identity

Al-Otaibi explained that the roots of Kuwaiti charitable work are derived from the teachings of Islam, which encourage charity, endowments, and benevolence. These values have transformed into a national identity in Kuwait, making giving a part of our general culture. Therefore, the memory of September 9 is not just an occasion for celebration, but a call to recall these values and renew our commitment to following the same path.

The Union Affirms the Continuity of the Message

Al-Otaibi added that on this anniversary, the Union of Charitable Societies renews its commitment to following in the footsteps of the late Amir and the directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in strengthening Kuwait's position as a beacon of charitable work. He affirmed that the societies and endowments will remain an effective arm for implementing relief and development projects, both inside and outside of Kuwait, armed with a spirit of transparency, a vision of sustainability, and the tools of the digital age.

A Badge of Honor for Every Kuwaiti

Al-Otaibi concluded his statement by saying: The naming of Kuwait as a "Center for Humanitarian Action" is a badge of honor that does not belong to the leadership alone. It extends to every citizen, every donor, every benefactor, and every worker in charitable societies. It is a testament to the world that this geographically small nation is great in its humanity, and it will remain in the memory of nations as a symbol of goodness and giving. As we commemorate this anniversary, we send a message to future generations: This great legacy is a trust placed upon your shoulders. Kuwait was not known only for its wealth, but for its humanity. Let this identity be a guiding light for you, and may the convoys of Kuwaiti goodness never cease or retreat, but rather grow brighter and wider.

Read also:

5 Reasons Why Kuwait Is a Capital of Humanitarian Work

7 Basic Features of Kuwaiti Identity