KUWAIT MAKES GIANT OIL FIND
New reserves equivalent to country’s entire production for three years
CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) Sheikh Nawaf Al-Saud Al-Sabah announced on Sunday a huge discovery of light oil and natural gas at the maritime Noukhatha oilfield, east of Failaka Island. Sheikh Saud said the total deposits of light oil and gas in the field are estimated at 3.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels, which is equal to three years of Kuwait’s production.
The initial estimated area of the newly discovered oil well is around 96 sq km, KPC said in its statement. It added that the preliminary estimates of the hydrocarbon reserves present at the well were estimated at approximately 2.1 billion barrels of light oil and 5.1 trillion standard cubic feet of gas, which correspond to 3.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
The field was discovered and developed by Kuwait Oil Co (KOC), the exploration and production arm of KPC. The launch of the current marine exploration project was based on two-dimensional seismic surveys of the area, along with geophysical and geological studies to understand the earth’s layers and compositions, identify and secure the best drilling sites, and prepare for logistical operations, KOC said in a statement. KOC revealed the marine area represents about one-third of Kuwait’s
total land area and covers more than 6,000 sq km. The first phase includes drilling six exploratory wells for oil and gas, with subsequent stages to be determined based on the drilling results.
KOC underscored the importance of the offshore exploration project as a national endeavor with the goal of enhancing Kuwait’s hydrocarbon reserves sustainability and meeting global demand, aiming to elevate Kuwait’s status as a reliable global oil and gas producer and place it prominently on the regional map of leading offshore operators adhering to international standards.
Additionally, the project contributes to developing new technical skills in drilling and offshore production, creating varied employment opportunities for national talents, KOC pointed out. Based on initial test results, a developmental plan will be established to commence actual production from the field at the earliest opportunity, boosting KOC’s production capacity and laying another cornerstone for achieving its 2040 strategy, it indicated.
Al-Najat Charity assists 22,000
Al-Najat charity declared on Wednesday that 22,000 people have benefited from the philanthropic program “Absherou Belkhair” since it kicked off in 2017. Mohammad Al-Khaldi, the director of aid at the society, said in remarks to KUNA that citizens, illegal residents, and people of various foreign communities have benefited from the program, noting the cost of the charities for low-income families has reached KD 6 million ($19.6 million).
He indicated that families in very much need, widows, orphans, limited-income people, patients, the divorced, and the neglected were the priorities, adding that the number of families that benefited from the project reached 3,717. — KUNA
WFP representative affirms Kuwait’s humanitarian role
The World Food Program (WFP) representative to the GCC Abdel-Majeed Yahia on Wednesday confirmed Kuwait’s pioneering role in the field of humanitarian work with its national, regional and global dimensions. Yahya said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after his meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Anwar Al-Hasawi that Kuwait is making massive efforts in the areas of supporting the WFP’s activities.
Kuwait’s major role in this field is attested by various individuals, bodies and organizations, he said, praising the influential role of humanitarian contributions and the efforts of the KRCS at all international levels, especially those affected by natural or man-made disasters. For his part, Al-Hasawi stressed in a similar statement to KUNA the importance of strengthening cooperation and relations with the WFP.
He stated that the relationship establishes a framework to determine the necessary mechanisms to advance the process of bilateral work with the WFP in a step towards serving humanity in many countries and regions that need assistance.
During the meeting, both sides discussed joint work in the future and how to coordinate humanitarian projects for the benefit of local communities in need, especially in the Gaza Strip and countries affected by natural or man-made disasters. He pointed out that KRCS seeks to expand and strengthen humanitarian cooperation and partnership with regional and international bodies and organizations in order to achieve its goals. — KUNA
Kuwait reiterates call for reforming UN Security Council, entire system
FM draws attention to the formidable challenges
Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya delivered a speech to the UN Security Council session on “multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order” on Tuesday. He highlighted the need of the international community recommitting itself to the principles and goals of the UN Charter, saying it is the cornerstone of multilateral cooperation in the face of mounting challenges.
Kuwait reiterates the call for reforming the UN Security Council and the entire UN system and backs the efforts aiming to make the UN more effective, impartial, transparent, representative and credible, he stressed.
Al-Yahya drew attention to the formidable challenges facing the international community, including food insecurity, shortage of energy, climate change, poverty and conflicts which pose threats to international peace and security. He underscored the roles of major countries in creating fairer and more balanced partnerships with developing countries through technology transfer and development assistance in keeping with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda. — KUNA
Namaa Charity has dug 3 artesian wells and distributed 1300 food baskets in Chad.
Namaa Charity, in association with the Social Reform Society, recently conducted a humanitarian trip to Chad with the aim of providing support and relief to the poor and needy communities in the country. The trip was led by Namaa Charity's Relief Director, Khaled Mubarak Al-Shammari, who distributed over 1300 food baskets and dug 3 artesian wells, each serving a complete village, contributing significantly to improving the lives of the local residents.
Al-Shammari stated in a press release, "The first step of this trip was to distribute food baskets to needy families. These baskets included basic food items to meet the daily needs of the families and improve their nutrition. The number of distributed baskets exceeded 1300, reflecting the great efforts made by Namaa Charity in supporting poor communities. This food support was not just about providing food items, but also a message of hope and solidarity with the needy in Chad."
In addition to distributing food baskets, Namaa Charity dug 3 artesian wells in different areas of Chad, each serving a complete village, providing a sustainable source of clean water for the villagers, which was vital as they were previously forced to travel long distances to access water, posing a heavy burden on their daily lives.
Al-Shammari emphasized that water is essential to life, and providing it sustainably has a significant impact on the lives of local residents in Chad. Prior to the digging of these wells, villagers were suffering from a lack of clean water, affecting their health and daily lives. Now, thanks to the efforts of Namaa Charity, they can easily access water, greatly improving their quality of life and health.
Real example of effective and impactful charitable work
Al-Shammari explained that the trip to Chad serves as a real example of effective and impactful charitable work. In addition to providing basic needs such as food and water, these efforts have helped strengthen the spirit of hope and solidarity among the beneficiaries, enabling children, women, and men in these villages to focus on education, work, and the development of their communities.
He concluded by saying, "Namaa Charity's trip to Chad reflects the organization's commitment to providing support and assistance to the needy around the world. Through distributing food baskets and digging artesian wells, Namaa Charity has set an example to be followed in effective and sustainable humanitarian work, aiming to achieve a lasting positive impact in the lives of the beneficiaries, promoting the spirit of human solidarity."
The Kuwait Goodness Society has implemented the "Sacrifices" project in partnership with the General Secretariat of Endowments.
The director of the Kuwait Goodness Society, Othman Yaqoub Al-Thuwaini, stated: The Kuwait Goodness Society has implemented the "Sacrifices" project for this year for families within Kuwait in cooperation and support from the General Secretariat of Endowments for the benefit of 126 families for the year 1445 AH / 2024 AD.
Al-Thuwaini mentioned that the sacrifice is a constant Islamic ritual based on the Qur'an, Sunnah, and consensus, praising the important role played by the General Secretariat of Endowments in supporting the charitable and humanitarian projects carried out by the society. He noted that this support greatly contributes to supporting poor and needy families, relieving the burdens on the shoulders of families in need, in addition to bringing joy and happiness to families and individuals during the blessed days, affirming the society's determination to expand cooperation with the General Secretariat of Endowments to implement charitable and developmental projects supporting Kuwaiti families.
Kuwait contributes to alleviating the crisis in Sudan.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the "Rapid Support Forces". This conflict has led to the death of thousands and the displacement of millions, making Sudan face one of the largest displacement crises in the world. The following are the main points related to the crisis:
- Internal displacement and external refuge: More than 6.9 million people have been displaced within Sudan, while around 1.45 million have fled to neighboring countries. Half of these displaced are children, making Sudan face the largest child displacement crisis in the world.
- Food crisis: 17.7 million people suffer from severe food shortages, with 4.9 million of them at risk of famine. This situation has led to the spread of malnutrition, especially among children.
- Diseases: The spread of infectious diseases such as cholera and measles, with thousands of cases and deaths recorded. The healthcare system suffers from a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, leading to the closure of 70% of healthcare facilities.
Efforts of Namaa Charitable Organization:
Namah Charitable Organization, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, is one of the leading Kuwaiti organizations making humanitarian efforts to support Sudan. Namah Charitable Organization has distinguished itself through several humanitarian initiatives to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese affected by the conflict.
Relief campaign in Chad:
In light of the difficult humanitarian conditions faced by Sudanese refugees in Chad, Namah Charitable Organization conducted a comprehensive relief campaign to meet their needs. This campaign included:
- Medical convoy: Sending a medical convoy with various specialties such as ophthalmology and internal medicine, providing health services to more than 6000 beneficiaries, contributing to improving the health conditions of the refugees.
- Food Aid: Distribution of 400 food baskets containing essential food items. In addition, 1000 meals were distributed to needy families, especially children suffering from malnutrition.
- Humanitarian Initiatives: Enhancing cooperation with local and international partners to effectively provide aid. This cooperation has helped in facing urgent challenges and protecting the lives of hundreds of hungry individuals and children greatly affected by malnutrition.
Sudan Relief Campaign Launch
NAMA Charity has launched comprehensive relief campaigns to meet the needs of internally displaced persons in Sudan. Some of these efforts include:
- Cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: NAMA Charity signed an agreement to provide multi-purpose cash assistance to displaced persons in Sudan, covering basic expenses such as debt repayment, rent, food, and healthcare.
- Response to health needs: Distribution of winter seeds and vaccines to support local farmers, helping to enhance food security in affected areas. Additionally, providing nutrition screenings and treatment for acutely malnourished children.
Visit of Kuwaiti Delegation to Chad
As part of relief efforts, a delegation from NAMA Charity visited Chad twice to provide direct support to Sudanese refugees there. The visits included:
- Direct support: Distribution of food aid and relief items directly to needy families, including providing shelter and basic living necessities.
- Situation assessment: Comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in Sudanese camps in Chad, helping to identify urgent needs and provide aid effectively.
- International cooperation: Strengthening cooperation with international and local humanitarian organizations to ensure sustainable and effective aid delivery. These visits have helped improve the coordination of relief efforts and provide the necessary support to refugees.
NAMA Charity's efforts demonstrate Kuwait's commitment to providing humanitarian support to Sudan, especially amid the current humanitarian crisis. Through relief campaigns and delegation visits to Chad, NAMA Charity has been able to provide vital support to Sudanese refugees and displaced persons, alleviating their suffering and improving their living conditions.
