Kuwait calls for more humanitarian aid for Gaza at Cairo Conference
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya led the country’s delegation at the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza, held in Cairo on Monday. The conference, organized by Egypt marks a critical step in addressing the ongoing humanitarian disaster in the region.
The event, which has gathered 103 delegations from countries, international organizations, and financial institutions, is also attended by key figures such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, along with ministers and representatives from various regional and international countries, UN agencies, and concerned international organizations. The conference aims to secure clear commitments for providing aid to Gaza, enhancing international support for sustainable humanitarian responses, and mobilizing efforts to provide urgent assistance to the Palestinian population while planning for early recovery within the Gaza strip.
In his address, Minister Al-Yahya emphasized Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to supporting Palestine. He highlighted that Kuwait was one of the first countries to respond swiftly by providing humanitarian aid through air, sea, and land corridors to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Al-Yahya also condemned the ongoing obstruction of aid efforts by the Zionist entity, which has continued to hinder UN attempts to deliver essential humanitarian assistance, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition, and disease. He pointed out that over two million Palestinians are on the brink of famine, adding urgency to the global call for action.
The minister expressed concern over the international community’s double standards, noting the failure to hold the occupying forces accountable for their violations of international law. He stressed that the ongoing atrocities in Gaza — killing, starvation, and displacement — amount to genocide, with the international community still powerless to intervene and hold perpetrators accountable.
Furthermore, Al-Yahya called for global rejection of the recent Zionist entity law banning the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. He urged the international community to ensure that UNRWA receives the necessary support to continue its vital operations without political interference.
This year’s conference comes amidst increasing Arab demands to lift the Zionist entity’s restrictions on the passage of aid into Gaza, particularly following the Zionist entity’s decision to ban UNRWA’s operations in October. The conference also discussed the political, security, and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, focusing on the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to mitigate the suffering in Gaza and work toward sustainable solutions. — KUNA
GCC leaders call for an end to Zionist war crimes in Gaza
Leaders and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called on Sunday for an immediate cessation of war crimes in Gaza, the forced displacement of civilians, and the end of the Zionist occupation of Palestinian territories. They reiterated their unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause, affirming full support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all territories occupied since June 1967 and advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statements came as part of the Kuwait Declaration issued at the 45th GCC Summit, which was hosted by Kuwait. The declaration underscored the GCC’s consistent commitment to the Palestinian cause, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and sovereignty amidst continued occupation and violence.
During the summit, the GCC leaders also lauded the growing role of the Gulf states in addressing various regional and global challenges, spanning political, security, and economic spheres. They praised the council’s efforts in resolving issues that threaten peace, security, and stability in the region, emphasizing the importance of enhancing international dialogue and fostering stronger connections among nations.
The declaration further emphasized the need for continued efforts to solidify the GCC’s role on the world stage, positioning the region as a leading hub for business and economics. It called for a more integrated approach to regional development, with an emphasis on sustainable economic diversification, promoting digital transformation, and stabilizing energy markets. Additionally, the leaders reinforced their commitment to confronting the global challenge of climate change through collective action and collaboration.
Support for Palestine
The GCC Summit called for an immediate halt to the killings, collective punishment, forced displacement of civilians, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, and places of worship — which constitute flagrant violations of international law and humanitarian principles. The summit also called for intervention to protect civilians, halt the war, and facilitate serious negotiations for sustainable solutions. The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, advocating for the end of the Zionist occupation, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and the recognition of East Jerusalem as its capital. They also reiterated their support for the rights of Palestinian refugees in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.
The GCC leaders welcomed the decisions taken at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit hosted by Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2024, to enhance international efforts to end the war on Gaza, achieve comprehensive and lasting peace, and implement the two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative. They also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in securing a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the exchange of detainees.
The GCC leaders condemned the ongoing Zionist aggression against Lebanon and warned against its expansion, which could have severe consequences for the people of the region and for international peace and security. They expressed support for the temporary ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and viewed it as a step toward halting the war, ensuring Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territories, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as the return of displaced persons to their homes.
The leaders expressed full solidarity with the Lebanese people, recalling Kuwait’s efforts and the GCC initiative on Lebanon, urging Lebanese leaders to prioritize national interests and reaffirm the political path to resolve internal conflicts. They also emphasized Lebanon’s vital role in preserving Arab national security, Arab culture, and maintaining strong relations with GCC states.
Peaceful conflict resolution
The leaders praised the continuous efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman to revive the political process in Yemen, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful resolution and the enhancement of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional disputes in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
The GCC reaffirmed its collective commitment to a peaceful approach, encouraging dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes both within and outside the region, while respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states and refraining from the use of force or threats.
The leaders also acknowledged the growing role of the GCC states in addressing regional and global challenges. They commended the council’s contributions in resolving issues that threaten peace, stability, and security, while enhancing international dialogue and fostering partnerships with other nations and groups.
Economic integration
The leaders called for continued efforts to position the GCC region as a center for international business and economics. They highlighted the importance of continuing efforts for sustainable economic diversification, ensuring stability in energy markets, and addressing climate change. The leaders also called for the swift and full implementation of all decisions within the framework of the GCC that benefit the citizens of member states and align with their aspirations.
Youth empowerment
The leaders expressed their commitment to continuing efforts to empower women in the Gulf and strengthen the role of youth across the GCC states. They emphasized the importance of universities, research centers, intellectuals, and thought leaders in preserving Gulf identity, Arabic culture, and Islamic values, alongside promoting sound governance practices. They affirmed the role of GCC institutions in achieving these goals.
In line with the GCC’s pursuit of economic diversification and sustainable, innovative development, the leaders underscored the strategic importance of the digital economy as a key pillar supporting the region’s future growth. They highlighted the digital economy as a historic opportunity to promote economic growth and enhance integration among GCC states.
Digital economy
The leaders praised the advanced and resilient digital infrastructure in GCC countries, recognizing it as a fundamental enabler of their digital economic ambitions. They noted that investments in 5G networks, high-speed connectivity, and data centers have strengthened the region’s readiness to become a global hub for the digital economy, thereby accelerating innovation, supporting emerging technologies, and attracting digital investments.
The leaders acknowledged the importance of strategic investments in information technology fields such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. These investments have positioned the GCC states at the forefront of the global digital transformation, focusing on innovative applications in renewable energy, healthcare, education, transportation, and financial services.
They reiterated the importance of enhancing cooperation among GCC states to develop common digital strategies that will contribute to digital integration across their economies, including facilitating e-commerce, developing digital payment systems, and supporting cybersecurity. The leaders also called for accelerating the creation of unified digital markets to enhance regional economic integration and boost the competitiveness of GCC countries globally.
Global contributions
The GCC leaders affirmed that, thanks to their diverse resources, human capital, and advanced technological capabilities, they are increasingly contributing to the global economy. They stressed that the GCC’s digital initiatives are not only aimed at achieving national goals but also at fostering global innovation and economic growth, thus cementing the region’s role as a digital economic power capable of addressing future challenges and providing sustainable solutions.
Finally, the leaders stressed the importance of continuing to develop digital infrastructure, expanding the adoption of emerging technologies, and focusing on the development of skilled human resources capable of leading digital transformation. They emphasized that the GCC’s vision for the digital future aims to balance innovation and economic growth with environmental and social sustainability. These collective efforts reflect the commitment of the GCC states to stay ahead of global developments, improve the well-being of their peoples, and establish the region as a global hub for digital economy, ensuring sustainable prosperity for the region and the world. — KUNA
"Balad Al Khair" provides food cards to 782 people in collaboration with Awqaf Secretariat
"Bald al-Khayr" Association announced the implementation of the "General Food Bank" project, which comes in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Waqfs, aimed at supporting needy families within the State of Kuwait by distributing prepaid cards for purchasing food and grocery items.
Othman Al-Thuwaini, the director of Bald al-Khayr Association, confirmed that the General Secretariat of the Waqfs provided all necessary support to complete the project, with the goal of assisting needy Kuwaiti families by distributing prepaid cards for food supplies to 782 individuals, thereby alleviating their financial burdens.
Al-Thuwaini pointed out that the social situation of each family benefiting from the General Food Bank project was studied according to the public service mechanism, and the best offers from company bids were selected, after which prepaid cards bearing the logo of the General Secretariat of the Waqfs and the logo of the association as well as the name of the bank were distributed.
He continued that the cards were loaded according to the number of individuals in each family, and the card is valid only for purchasing food items, in accordance with the conditions set by the General Secretariat of the Waqfs, to be handed over to the beneficiaries afterward.
Al-Thuwaini warned that in case of any emergency affecting a family, they should notify the General Secretariat of the Waqfs and propose names for substitution.
He added that the General Secretariat of the Waqfs provided financial support for the project amounting to 27,370 dinars, noting that the fruitful collaboration between the association and the Secretariat came within the framework of enhancing trust in national institutions to support all charitable and volunteer activities that contribute to serving the Kuwaiti community.
In conclusion, Al-Thuwaini emphasized that the Bald al-Khayr Association is making every effort to serve the Kuwaiti community and needy families to support them and bring joy to their hearts, as he praised the prominent role played by the General Secretariat of the Waqfs in supporting Kuwaiti charitable institutions to fulfill their responsibility.
Kuwaiti Volunteer Teams Launch Two Relief Trips to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Khaled Walid Al-Shuwaib, the director of the Volunteer Work Department at the International Islamic Charitable Organization, announced that the volunteer teams working under the umbrella of the organization are actively and energetically implementing the "Winter Clothing" project for 2024 under the slogan "Warm Hearts," aimed at helping vulnerable groups.
Al-Shuwaib stated in a press release that the "Marayem Al-Khair" volunteer team has launched a relief trip to Kazakhstan from November 22 to 27, 2024, to distribute winter clothing to 150 needy families, benefiting approximately 900 individuals, with the participation of 7 Kuwaiti volunteers on the trip.
He also pointed out that the "Kuwait Khair Group" volunteer team has begun a similar journey to Uzbekistan, extending from November 25 to 29, 2024, to distribute winter clothing to 114 needy families, with the participation of 14 Kuwaiti volunteers.
He noted that the charitable organization and its volunteer teams have consistently organized a winter relief campaign during this season to provide heating tools and winter clothing for those in need among low-income individuals, in light of what they are suffering from climate changes and severe cold.
He mentioned that the charitable organization hosts 30 volunteer teams that actively engage in humanitarian work inside and outside Kuwait in areas of relief and support for the poor and needy families, explaining that these teams include 711 male and female volunteers from the people of Kuwait who love to do good.
His Highness the Prince: Our position is steadfast in supporting the Palestinian
His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, renewed his condemnation of the brutal "Israeli" occupation of the occupied Palestinian land and the successive genocides against the Palestinian people.
In his speech at the 45th Gulf Summit held at Bayan Palace today, Sunday, he called on the international community and the Security Council—in particular—to fulfill their role by ensuring the implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions, an immediate ceasefire, providing international protection for innocent civilians, and ensuring the opening of safe passages and access to urgent humanitarian assistance.
His Highness emphasized "the steadfast position of our historical principle in supporting the Palestinian brotherly people in their legitimate struggle to end the "Israeli" occupation of the occupied Palestinian land, obtain all their political rights, and establish their independent state on their land within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant international references and resolutions."
He stated that the dual standards in applying international laws, covenants, and relevant resolutions have led to the rampant "Israeli" occupation and the destabilization of security and stability in the region. He highlighted the repeated aggressions faced by the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, the sisterly Arab Republic of Syria, and the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran from the forces of the "Israeli" occupation.
The Amir of the country renewed "full support for all contributions from the member states aimed at stabilizing the region, including the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in efforts to recognize the State of Palestine within the framework of the international coalition to implement the two-state solution, as well as hosting the joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit."
Volunteer Teams for Charity Arrange Diverse Events to Celebrate “International Volunteer Day”
As part of its celebration of "International Volunteer Day," which falls on December 5, a number of volunteer teams working under the umbrella of the International Islamic Charitable Organization plan to organize a series of humanitarian activities and events in three countries: Kuwait, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The aim is to promote the values of volunteer work and spread the message of giving and human solidarity.
In Kuwait, the activities will gain significant momentum with broad participation from volunteer teams. The "Good Makers," "Kuwaiti Good People," "Compassion," and "Promise of Al-Quds" teams will organize a blood donation campaign. Meanwhile, the "Inas" team will arrange visits and special recreational activities at the Down Syndrome Center.
The "Mankab" and "Kuwaiti Giving" teams, along with "To Make Them Happy," plan to distribute winter clothing to the needy workers, while the "Good Bus" team will organize humanitarian visits to several hospitals in Kuwait to provide moral support to patients.
Additionally, the "Good Clothing" team will hold a charity exhibition to support less fortunate families, and the "Willpower" team for people with disabilities will launch an exhibition under the slogan "My Disability Does Not Hinder My Talent" at the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University, showcasing their inspiring success story. Meanwhile, the "Daughters of the Homeland" initiative will conduct a campaign to distribute meals and water to needy workers.
On the international level, the "Kuwait Goodness" group and the "Marayem Al-Khair" team will participate in distributing winter clothing to the needy in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to alleviate the harsh cold suffered by residents of these areas.
In terms of awareness, the "Your Ambassador is Your Little One" team will organize an educational workshop for children under the title "My Volunteerism is a Support for My Cause," aiming to introduce children to the Palestinian cause and the importance of volunteer work in supporting needy peoples, instilling the spirit of giving within them.
In this context, and in light of the suffering experienced by Syrian refugees and displaced persons, the organization intends to launch its charitable journey "Miles of Hope" to the city of Şanlıurfa, Turkey, from December 3 to 7, aiming to alleviate the hardships of 625 families through the implementation of a series of relief projects, which include distributing bread, winter clothing, and clothing to orphans and refugee families, providing medical headphones for disabled children, and distributing gifts, in addition to launching development projects aimed at improving living standards and supporting the stability of those families.
These activities come as part of the International Islamic Charitable Organization's commitment to promoting a culture of volunteering and reinforcing the values of compassion and solidarity, highlighting the importance of the role that volunteer work plays in bringing about positive change locally and internationally.
It is worth noting that the organization includes 32 volunteer teams, comprising 716 male and female volunteers from Kuwait, who actively engage in humanitarian work both inside and outside Kuwait in areas of relief and support for the poor and less fortunate families.
Union of Charitable Associations and Initiatives: Volunteering is a Cornerstone for Building Cohesive Communities
On another note, and on the occasion of "International Volunteer Day," the Union of Charitable Associations and Initiatives commended the role of volunteers in Kuwait and abroad, who represent a bright face of humanity and embody the values of giving and sacrifice without waiting for a reward.
The President of the Union of Charitable Associations and Initiatives, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, affirmed that volunteering is a foundational pillar for building cohesive communities, as it enhances humanitarian values and creates bridges of hope and love among individuals.
Al-Otaibi added that volunteers are the backbone of success in many charitable projects implemented by the union and its members, noting that Kuwait has always supported volunteer work as part of its national and humanitarian legacy.
Al-Otaibi pointed out that under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him, Kuwait has adopted volunteering as a fundamental approach that reflects the values of the Kuwaiti society and has taken a leading role in the international humanitarian scene as a global humanitarian center.
He indicated that all institutions, charitable associations, and the Kuwaiti community emphasize continuing to strengthen the culture of volunteering by supporting targeted initiatives and organizing volunteer programs that attract youth and provide them with opportunities to contribute to serving the community and those in need, both within Kuwait and beyond.
Al-Otaibi concluded his statement by affirming that the Union of Charitable Associations and Initiatives will continue to work on enhancing volunteer work and supporting all efforts that contribute to the spread of goodness and achieving sustainable development, reflecting Kuwait's humanitarian spirit and its charitable message around the world.
Namaa Charity: We Continue to Chart a Path of Giving and Volunteering
In celebration of "International Volunteer Day," Namaa Charity, under the Social Reform Society, continues to chart a path of giving and volunteering, emphasizing that the future takes shape positively when everyone unites for joint efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals and building a society characterized by justice and prosperity.
In this regard, the Director of the Volunteering Center at Namaa Charity, Abeer Yousef Al-Hajras, stated: "Day by day, the circle of giving and volunteer work in our community expands. In this context, Namaa Charity stands out as a leading institution carrying out an active role in achieving positive change. On the occasion of 'International Volunteer Day,' many people wonder about Namaa Charity's prominent role in fostering the spirit of volunteering and contributing to building a better community."
Al-Hajras confirmed that Namaa Charity adopts a vision based on achieving sustainable development by engaging the community and activating the role of individuals in the volunteering journey, noting that directing efforts towards improving the living conditions of the most needy reflects a serious commitment to building a community characterized by solidarity and support.
She clarified that Namaa Charity serves as a haven for volunteer opportunities through the Namaa Volunteering Center, where volunteers find a platform for effective participation in a wide range of projects, from supporting education and healthcare to assisting needy families. Volunteer programs enable individuals to translate values of giving into actions that create positive impacts.
Al-Hajras highlighted that Namaa Charity goes beyond traditional programs to create living success stories that emphasize the effectiveness of volunteer work, pointing out that transforming individuals' lives and improving their conditions is a direct result of the joint efforts of volunteers and community support. She added that Namaa Charity enhances the role of individuals as fundamental pillars in building the community, and in collaboration with local and international partners, the organization achieves diverse successes and strengthens a profound concept of social responsibility.
