Kuwait launches visual identity

  The ministry of information launched on Wednesday the country’s visual identity, including a comprehensive guide that highlights the components of the identity, represented by the emblem and the national blue color. The ministry said in a press release that the guide explains the emblem’s cultural importance, which symbolizes the country’s identity and history, as well as guidelines for its use.

The statement added that Kuwaiti expert Mohammad Sharaf assisted the ministry in planning and drawing the emblem and maintaining its authentic elements, such as the ship and the falcon. 

The Cabinet appointed the ministry of information to address all government sectors regarding the visual identity and the use of the new emblem on all official websites. — KUNA

Kuwait Charity launches 2nd phase of economic empowerment project

The Kuwaiti International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) and the Jordanian Arab Society for the Protection of Nature launched on Monday the second phase of a project for economic empowerment, enhancing food and water security in Jordan Valley through implementing sustainable agricultural projects at a cost of $500,000.

The project, which was launched in the presence of the representative of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Jordan, Counselor Nasser Al-Mutairi, targets 600 agricultural families in the northern, central, and southern Jordan Valley regions by providing them with a total of 25,000 fruit trees and 5,000 kilograms of vegetable seeds. The project works to extend irrigation networks over an area of 375,000 square meters of agricultural land and construct and rehabilitate 50 agricultural ponds.

Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development, Barq Al-Damour, stressed in a speech he delivered during the ceremony the importance of the economic empowerment, food, and water security project that targets farmers in the Jordan Valley regions. Al-Damour explained that the project’s desired goals are to increase the productive green area, improve water resources, reduce water loss, enhance economic empowerment, enhance food security, improve management of surplus agricultural products and raise their economic value, combat climate change, raise community awareness about the importance of agriculture, and volunteer.

He pointed out that Jordan seeks to be a provider of food to the region due to its central geographical location and its successful experience in providing food. In turn, the Director of the International Islamic Charitable Organization office in Jordan, Mustafa Al-Awad, said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the organization is working on the project with enthusiasm as a result of the success achieved in the first phase of the project, noting that the funding for the second phase amounted to $500,000.

Awad pointed out that the second phase of the project focuses on supporting small farmers in the Jordan Valley, stressing that investing in these farmers is an investment in the future of agriculture and food security in Jordan and a step towards achieving sustainable economic development. He added that the project aims to enhance the capabilities of farmers and provide them with the necessary resources to increase their production and improve their standard of living.

For her part, Razan Zuaiter, head of the Arab Society for the Protection of Nature, confirmed in a similar statement that food systems in the developing world do not support small farmers, which exacerbates the challenge of food sovereignty. Zuaiter added that the project contributes to creating more job opportunities for residents of the targeted areas, increasing the productive agricultural area, working to benefit from the surplus agricultural production, and enhancing water resource management. — KUNA

Kuwait Tackling Climate Change

Crown Prince reaffirms commitment at COP29 • Fossil fuel emissions to hit new record in 2024

Representative of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, said Kuwait has been committed to environmental sustainability, honoring the climate framework agreement and Kyoto Protocol through a series of national measures. HH the Crown Prince, addressing the COP29 climate summit in Baku on Wednesday, said Kuwait is committed to achieving economic growth in parallel with low-carbon development, as well as having flexibility in addressing climate change by 2050.

Kuwait, he added, sought to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 through the adoption of many strategic projects aimed at cutting carbon emissions, including the promotion of clean energy projects. Kuwait, said HH the Crown Prince, also sought to produce 50 percent of electricity from solar power by 2050. Kuwait, he went on, wanted to use new low-carbon technologies, develop long-term partnerships for sustainable energy investment and looks forward to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2040.

HH the Crown Prince meanwhile said Kuwait supported the initiatives of the presidency — “Truce COP” and “Water for climate change”. Kuwait, he added, called on advanced countries to honor their commitment under the framework agreement, provide financial and technical assistance as well as build capabilities of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) to enable them to address climate change and carry out national programs.

“There is no doubt that climate change has become a global anxiety, posing a threat to many countries, including the State of Kuwait, which witnessed tangible and rapid repercussions of climate change, including rising temperature, dust storms and rare rainfall that affect daily life,” said HH the Crown Prince. He said Kuwait contributed to addressing climate change through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which supports developing countries through a bundle of projects aimed at minimizing impacts of climate change. He said KFAED has offered $23 billion worth of 1,330 loans and grants to achieve this objective.

Global leaders offered competing visions on how to tackle climate change at the UN-led talks on Wednesday as a new report warned that the world must reach carbon neutrality much sooner than planned. Planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from oil, gas and coal rose to record highs this year, according to preliminary research from an international network of scientists at the Global Carbon Project.

Researchers said increases in CO2 emissions from India as well as growth in international aviation drove emissions up, while emissions decreased

in the European Union and the United States. In China, which accounts for nearly a third of the global total, fossil fuel emissions are projected to tick up marginally in 2024, with increases in CO2 pollution from coal and gas. Overall global CO2 pollution, which includes emissions from land use change like deforestation, was roughly flat at 41.6 billion tons in 2024.

The report came as leaders gathered in Azerbaijan for COP29 climate talks aimed at reaching a deal to boost funding for poorer nations so they can adapt to climate shocks and transition to cleaner energy. The research found that to meet the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world now needs to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by the late 2030s — instead of 2050.

The warning comes with growing concern about the future of global climate action after the election of Donald Trump, who has vowed to again pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement after taking over the presidency in January. Some leaders in Baku defended fossil fuels during two days of speeches, while others from countries plagued by climate disasters warned that they were running out of time.

Some of the strongest words came from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who complained that “our speeches full of good words about climate change, change nothing”. Rama skewered the many leaders who skipped this year’s event, saying their absences added “insult to injury”. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, meanwhile, urged a “realistic global outlook” that did not prioritize decarbonization over “our production and social system’s sustainability”.

“We must protect nature, with man at its core. An approach that is too ideological and not pragmatic on this matter risks taking us off the road to success,” the far-right leader said. “Currently, there is no single alternative to fossil fuel supply.” And Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that countries “cannot drive ourselves into industrial oblivion”.

Those views stood in sharp contrast to the line from countries beset by climate catastrophes and rising sea levels. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo insisted that for Pacific island nations like his, “there is simply no time to waste”. He urged countries to “deliver a clear signal that the world is promptly phasing out fossil fuel”.

As leaders spoke, negotiators released a fresh draft deal on finance that includes a raft of options to raise funding but leaves unresolved sticking points that have long delayed an agreement. Most developing countries favor an annual commitment from wealthy countries of at least $1.3 trillion. This figure is more than 10 times the $100 billion annually that a small pool of developed countries — among them the US, the EU and Japan — currently pay.

Some donors are reluctant to promise large new amounts of public money from their budgets at a time when they face economic and political pressure at home. They want instead to promise private sector mobilization, an option NGOs describe as “wishful thinking”. “They always like to look at the private sector as the magic money tree,” said Debbie Hillier, global climate policy lead for Mercy Corps.

US climate envoy John Podesta said a deal should include “new contributors” — code for China, which is not labeled a developed nation despite being the world’s second largest economy and largest polluter. Already buried under debt, developing countries want new aid in the form of grants instead of loans.

Philip Davis, the prime minister of the Bahamas, which is vulnerable to hurricanes, said that small island nations have spent 18 times more on debt repayment than they have received in climate finance. “The world has found the ability to finance wars, the ability to mobilize against pandemics,” Davis said. “Yet when it comes to addressing the most profound crisis of our time, the very survival of nations, where is that same ability?” – Agencies

Second Kuwait air bridge relief plane in Beirut

  Kuwait’s second air bridge relief plane arrived at the shrapnel-scarred Rafic Hariri Airport in Beirut on Thursday, bringing much-needed aid for the needy amid the ongoing occupation Zionist aggression on the Mediterranean country. Kuwait’s Charge d’Affaires and Minister Plenipotentiary Abdullah Al-Shaheen said in a statement to KUNA that the planeload of supplies is part of Kuwait’s humanitarian air bridge, set up in line with instructions by the supreme political leadership.

The second Kuwaiti plane that arrived at the air facility in the aftermath of Zionist bombing of adjacent locations that sent splinters smashing through some parts of the terminal facade, carried some 40 tons of supplies secured by Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). Shaheen indicated that the cargo would be handed over to the government’s Supreme Relief Authority. He confirmed that the first such Kuwaiti shipment was handed over to the Lebanese ministry of health, indicating that the supplies include food, medical supplies and blankets.

In remarks to KUNA, Representative of the Lebanese authority Ahmad Ibrahim expressed gratitude in to Kuwait, recalling that Kuwait had always supported the country in times of crises. Ibrahim affirmed that the country needs all forms of aid in the shadow of the displacement of large numbers of people (estimated at 1.5 million). KRCS has sent aid to thousands of Lebanese families who fled their houses due to the Zionist attacks.

Kuwaiti humanitarian support for Lebanon is proceeding in defiance of recurring Zionist attacks. Local media aired clips of the attacks close to the airport that damaged sections of the terminal and the tarmac. However, the Lebanese authorities declared operations were proceeding as regular via the facility. — KUNA

IICO provides 100 hand tillers to Yemeni farmers

The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) distributed 100 hand tillers to enhance the agricultural and productive capabilities of Yemeni farmers with limited resources in Lahij and Al Hudaydah, in collaboration with the Al-Tawasul Foundation for Humanitarian Development.

This project came as part of the organization's economic empowerment program under the slogan "Kuwait stands by you," along with a training and qualification program for farmers on how to use the tillers effectively.

It provides numerous benefits to around 700 direct beneficiaries and the community by covering basic needs, supplying local markets with various agricultural products, and improving the income level of farmers.

The project offers labor value, which farmers use to till their lands, especially since these tillers are economical in fuel consumption and serve multiple purposes in the agricultural field.

The project's role is highlighted in encouraging farmers to reclaim their lands, support the agricultural sector, and improve its performance, boosting production forces into action and promoting self-reliance by equipping the most needy families with high-tech production tools that enable them to work, produce, and invest in their agricultural lands effectively.

Farmers can now plant their crops at the beginning of the season, which has contributed to an increase in both the quantity and quality of crops, after they used to pay exorbitant amounts to rent large tillers and had to wait in long lines for their turn to till their land, causing delays in planting their crops in their respective seasons.- Al-Mujtama

Cooperation Agreement between Al Islah and Charity Fund for Social Care  

• Al-Kandari: We are proud of the community partnership between the charitable fund for the Social Care Home Complex and Namaa Charitable Foundation.
• Al-Umar: Building a comprehensive and stable community through effective cooperation between charitable organizations and the state.
• Al-Otaibi: A step towards localizing charitable work and supporting national humanitarian projects in Kuwait.
• Al-Kandari: Namaa Charitable Foundation conducts 70% of its work within Kuwait and 30% outside, and this agreement is a qualitative addition to our efforts.
• Al-Ajmi: The Social Reform Society represents a model for charitable work in Kuwait.

The Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care Homes, Dr. Jassim Al-Kandari, announced the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Charity Fund for Social Care Facilities and the Nama Charity of the Al Islah Community Center, within the framework of community partnership between the government sector and civil society institutions.

This announcement was made in the presence of the Board of Directors of the Charity Fund, the Vice President of the Al Islah Community Center, Mohammed Ali Al-Omar, the President of the Union of Charitable Associations and Institutions, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, and the Deputy CEO of Nama Charity, Abdulaziz Al-Kandari.

Dr. Jassim Al-Kandari stated in a press statement that the partnership between the government sector and civil society organizations, including charitable associations and NGOs, is one of the most important goals of sustainable development in the government work program due to its positive impacts that benefit the nation and its citizens.

He added, "We are proud of the community partnership between the Charity Fund for Social Care Facilities and Nama Charity of the Al Islah Community Center in supporting the most needy groups among the residents of the social care sector, including orphans, the elderly, and at-risk youth, across various levels of service, health, cultural, educational, and recreational needs."

Dr. Al-Kandari concluded his statement by praising the role of Nama Charity in providing various forms of care for the residents of the social care sector, calling on all charitable associations and foundations to activate community partnerships with the Charity Fund for Social Care Facilities to enhance the humanitarian role that Kuwait upholds in its honorable journey on a global level, and he expressed his gratitude to the Al Islah Community Center for its social and developmental role within the State of Kuwait.

For his part, Mohammed Al-Omar, Vice President of the Al Islah Community Center, said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the Charity Fund for Social Care Facilities confirms our belief in the importance of enhancing cooperation to provide support and care for those in need in these facilities. The agreement aims to make a qualitative leap in the level of services provided to residents, not only by providing basic needs but also by improving the quality of life and introducing necessary infrastructural and service developments to meet their needs.

Al-Omar clarified that this partnership aligns with the vision and message of the Al Islah Community Center aimed at supporting humanitarian projects within and outside Kuwait. The agreement seeks to exchange expertise in professional training and rehabilitation, enhancing residents' opportunities in the community and better preparing them for effective integration. We are committed to achieving each objective of this agreement and providing the necessary support to achieve a tangible and sustainable impact.

He continued, "We believe that this partnership will serve as a model for effective cooperation between charitable associations and the state, as the synergy between humanitarian entities and government agencies is the cornerstone for achieving social progress and stability." He pointed out that through this agreement, we aim for it to be an exceptional step towards building a cohesive community that embraces and enhances the well-being of individuals, especially those in most need.

In turn, Saad Al-Otaibi, President of the Union of Charitable Associations and Institutions, stated, "This agreement represents a positive step towards localizing charitable and humanitarian work in Kuwait, making the country a pioneer in supporting and managing national humanitarian projects that serve community members." He added that care facilities are not merely institutions for sheltering the needy; they are centers that should aim to effectively rehabilitate and integrate residents through high-quality services and standards.

Al-Otaibi further added, "Charitable work in Kuwait is characterized by its diversity and reach, and the role of charitable associations and institutions represents a fundamental pillar in supporting social stability. Through these agreements, we aim to empower charitable work to fulfill its humanitarian mission, ensuring that aid is not just financial support but a comprehensive system that addresses individual needs, enhances skills, and assists in self-reliance."

Al-Otaibi concluded by stating: "We affirm that enhancing cooperation between state institutions and charitable organizations is the optimal way to achieve sustainable development and provide services that ensure residents a dignified and secure life. We, at the Union of Charitable Societies and Endowments, value this initiative and look forward to it being a model to be emulated in managing charitable projects across Kuwait."

For his part, Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, said: "Namaa is committed to providing its humanitarian services with a rate of 70% within Kuwait and 30% outside of it. This agreement comes as a significant addition to our efforts to support care homes and develop their facilities; thereby contributing to improving the lives of the residents and better meeting their needs. Through this partnership, we aim to provide an appropriate environment that enables them to live with dignity and independence."

Al-Kandari clarified that the agreement ensures cooperation in various fields, including financing and technical support for joint projects, as well as offering training and rehabilitation courses for residents in coordination with the relevant authorities. He added that through these collaborative efforts, they aim to secure a stable future for the residents by improving infrastructure and providing an interactive environment that effectively contributes to their rehabilitation.

Al-Kandari expressed his gratitude to the charitable fund for social care homes for their trust, affirming their commitment to implementing the agreement's provisions in a way that achieves its humanitarian objectives. He noted that they strive to provide everything necessary to enhance the services offered by these homes, including equipping and furnishing facilities according to the residents' needs and exchanging experiences and information to ensure the provision of world-class services. He emphasized that this joint cooperation will have a significant impact, not only on the residents of care homes but on the community as a whole.

Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: "The signing of this agreement reflects the spirit of cooperation between state institutions and charitable organizations in Kuwait and represents a step toward achieving sustainable social development, providing high-quality services to the most needy groups."

Abdulaziz Al-Ajmi, Director of the Charitable Societies and Endowments Department, stated in a statement made on the sidelines of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Social Reform Association and the charitable fund for social care homes: "This agreement is an important step to support charitable and humanitarian work within Kuwait, as it focuses on improving the quality of services provided to residents of social care homes and developing the infrastructure of these facilities in line with the highest standards. This cooperation affirms our keenness to provide a safe and stable environment for the residents and to enhance the role of societies in providing comprehensive care."

Al-Ajmi added: "The Social Reform Association represents a model for charitable work in Kuwait, and we always look forward to supporting this vital sector through multiple partnerships that serve the most needy groups. Localizing charitable work is one of our most important objectives, as we seek to establish developmental projects that contribute to improving the lives of the needy and providing care in various aspects of life, including social, educational, and health."

Al-Ajmi concluded his statement by saying: "Achieving localization in the field of charitable work is not just a goal but a strategy to achieve sustainability and integration of efforts. This agreement serves not only the residents but also strengthens the charitable work framework within Kuwait and establishes a supportive environment for community partnership that enhances social welfare and consolidates values of human solidarity. We strive to make this agreement a model to be emulated in managing national charitable projects." - Al-Mujtama 

"Balad Al-Khayr" assists 400 individuals in collaboration with Zakat Fund  

The Balad Al-Khayr Association, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Awqaf, has implemented the "Zakat Fund" project, which has provided support to 400 beneficiaries from underprivileged families within the State of Kuwait.

Othman Al-Thuwaini, Director of the Balad Al-Khayr Association, stated that assisting underprivileged families is one of the main goals that the Balad Al-Khayr Association and the General Secretariat of Awqaf are keen on, especially in light of the difficult living conditions faced by many.

He added that the "Zakat Fund" project was based on providing financial support as a monthly allowance of 30 K.D. for each beneficiary, with a total cost reaching 12,000 K.D.

The Director of the Balad Al-Khayr Association continued that the "Zakat Fund" is one form of fruitful cooperation between the association and the Awqaf Secretariat to support those in need, who are unable to provide for basic life necessities due to financial constraints. Thanks to God, the project has successfully brought happiness to the hearts of the beneficiaries, serving as assistance for them to meet their needs.

Al-Thuwaini concluded by emphasizing that the Balad Al-Khayr Association continues its diverse projects aimed at assisting our brothers from underprivileged families, contributing to improving their lives. - Al-Mujtama