Amir, Trump Reaffirm Strong Ties
HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections during a phone call on Tuesday. The leaders discussed the strong and strategic relations between Kuwait and the US, particularly in economic, security and military fields, and expressed a shared commitment to further enhancing these ties. They also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual concern. HH the Amir extended an official invitation for Trump to visit Kuwait, while Trump expressed gratitude for HH the Amir’s congratulations and reaffirmed US support for Kuwait’s security and stability. He also invited HH the Amir to visit the US at a later date. — KUNA
WHO designates Sabah Al-Salem University campus as Healthy City
Achievement a ‘historic’ milestone for Kuwait University: Officials
In a historic achievement for Kuwait University, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the Sabah Al-Salem University City as a “Healthy City,” making it the first university in Kuwait to receive this recognition. This milestone was celebrated during a special ceremony in which certificates of accreditation were also presented to Dasmah and Al-Oyoun designating them as healthy cities.
The event, held at the Dana Hall on the Sabah Al-Salem university campus, was attended by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Nader Al-Jallal, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, WHO Regional Director Assad Hafeez, and Acting President of Kuwait University Osama Al-Saeed.
In his remarks, Minister Al-Awadhi expressed his pride that Kuwait University had become the first university in the country to earn the “Healthy City” designation locally. He also highlighted that, with the addition of Dasmah and Al-Oyoun, Kuwait now has seven officially recognized healthy cities, out of 18 registered in the WHO’s Regional Healthy Cities Network.
“We aim to expand the number of healthy cities in Kuwait to ten by the end of this year, with Qortuba, Al-Daiya, and Al-Shaab expected to pass WHO’s initial evaluation,” he said. Awadhi praised the collaborative efforts of the university, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, emphasizing how this achievement reflects dedication to enhancing public health and community engagement.
Minister Al-Awadhi explained that the “Healthy Cities” initiative, launched by the WHO in 1986, aims to improve community health through partnerships between governments and civil society. The program focuses on fostering collaborations that lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.
WHO Regional Director Assad Hafeez also congratulated the university on its accreditation, noting that the Sabah Al-Salem campus’ commitment to creating a healthy and thriving community serves as an exemplary model. “Your dedication to health and well-being is a clear testament to your belief in enhancing the health and prosperity of your community,” he said. Hafeez further emphasized that during the WHO’s evaluation of the university campus, it was evident that health was integrated into the university’s daily operations. This integration not only enhances the success of the institution but also improves the health of students, staff, and workers, while promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The WHO official explained that the “Healthy University” concept is based on a comprehensive approach to health, with a focus on creating an educational environment and organizational culture that promotes health, well-being, and sustainability. He said the Healthy Cities Department at the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, introduced the concept of healthy universities for the first time at Sabah Al-Salem University City. Since then, several other initiatives have been implemented in the region and launched based on the standards of the Healthy Cities Program.
Acting President of Kuwait University, Al-Saeed, explained that the university has worked to strengthen the concept of community partnerships, which has resulted in the global accreditation of the Sabah Al-Salem University campus as an integrated educational and health system. He noted that the campus serves approximately 50,000 students and university staff daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and experiences smooth traffic with around 50,000 cars.
He added that the university campus earned 110 points in the WHO’s assessment, meeting all necessary criteria for the “Healthy City” designation. Minister Al-Jallal described the WHO’s accreditation as a “historic achievement” for Kuwait University. He commended the collaborative efforts of various sectors in the country, noting that this recognition highlights Kuwait University’s role in integrating health into its academic and organizational structures. — KUNA
Namaa Charity enriches the book fair with publications promoting giving and humanity values.
Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, Islah, participates in the book fair, offering a distinguished collection of publications that focus on spreading the culture of giving and humanitarian work, targeting different age groups.
Waleed Al-Kandari, the public relations manager at Namaa Charity, stated: "Our participation in the book fair is in line with our vision to spread the values of giving and enhance social responsibility." He also mentioned that Namaa Charity is presenting other important publications, such as "10 Years since Kuwait was named a Global Humanitarian Center," which documents Kuwait's achievements as a beacon of humanitarian work and provides transparent answers to donors' questions, such as the role of charitable organizations in managing donations and the importance of balancing between local and international projects.
Al-Kandari added that they also participate with the booklet "The Story of a Nation," which highlights Kuwait's historical journey from its foundation to the present, focusing on its unique humanitarian role. The second and third editions of this book have been developed to provide expanded scientific material and historical images reflecting Kuwait's humanitarian and developmental path.
Al-Kandari continued by saying: "We are keen on providing distinguished content, such as children's stories that teach the younger generations the virtues of giving and collaboration, including 'Zubaida,' 'Aroa,' and 'Hamoud Dreams.'" These stories carry educational messages that instill in children the love of goodness and helping others.
Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: "Through our participation, we aim to interact with the public, enhance their awareness of the importance of giving and charitable work, reflecting the values of Namaa Charity and its humanitarian message. We believe that books are a powerful tool for spreading goodness and positive influence in society."
This participation is part of Namaa Charity's efforts to highlight its role in spreading the culture of giving, with a focus on providing meaningful and educational content that inspires generations and enhances Kuwait's role as a leading country in humanitarian work.
Namaa Charity responds to the call of those affected by floods in Bangladesh
In response to the devastating floods that struck Bangladesh, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, provided urgent humanitarian aid to support affected families, including Rohingya refugees and the most vulnerable groups in affected areas.
Khaled Mubarak Al-Shammari, the relief management director at Namaa Charity, stated: "The aid included food and shelter materials, benefiting more than 7770 beneficiaries. The food baskets and shelter materials were distributed in coordination with local authorities approved by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure immediate and effective delivery to those in need.".
Al-Shamari confirmed that Namaa Charity directed that priority be given to families with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, in an attempt to alleviate their suffering after losing their homes and sources of livelihood due to the disaster. Al-Shamari explained that the aid included basic food items and shelter supplies that helped meet the urgent needs of the affected individuals who faced one of the worst floods in Bangladesh in decades. He emphasized Namaa Charity's continued commitment to providing urgent humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected individuals around the world, in line with Kuwait's humanitarian vision and its leading role in supporting the needy and promoting global solidarity.
Recently, tragic floods and seasonal rains in Bangladesh have affected more than 5 million people, resulting in the displacement of over 300,000 individuals and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. The affected individuals expressed their gratitude for Namaa Charity's efforts, with one beneficiary saying: "We lost everything due to the floods, and the aid provided helped meet our basic needs."
Medical camp for eye operations in Niger and Somalia
Al-Bassam: a pioneering initiative by Namaa Charity to combat blindness and support vulnerable groups...
As part of its humanitarian and health mission, and with generous support from the people of goodwill in Kuwait, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, organized a distinguished medical camp in Niger and Somalia to perform cataract surgeries and provide comprehensive medical care for eye patients. Walid Al-Bassam, head of the development and projects sector at Namaa Charity, said: "We at Namaa Charity are proud to have organized this medical camp that has helped change the lives of 300 beneficiaries from the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children." He added: "The medical camp was not limited to successful cataract surgeries, but also included providing free medication, examinations, distributing medical glasses, and raising awareness about the importance of eye health prevention." Al-Bassam further stated that such charitable campaigns represent a model of qualitative work that focuses on providing sustainable solutions, emphasizing that raising awareness about personal hygiene and following preventive measures is an important part of the medical camp. Patients were educated about the importance of protecting their eyes from injuries and wearing appropriate glasses.
Al-Basam concluded his statement by saying: "We express our sincere thanks to the good people in Kuwait for their continuous support, which enables us to implement such initiatives." He explained that the prayers and gratitude of the patients reflect the positive impact that we aspire to achieve, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable groups in different countries.
It is worth mentioning that the medical camp included performing 300 successful surgeries to remove cataracts, providing necessary medications and treatments, as well as distributing medical glasses. The camp also focused on raising awareness about cleanliness and eye health, with the aim of protecting patients from blindness and enabling them to live a dignified and healthy life.
IICO Launches Second Edition of "Steps Towards Excellence"
The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) launches the second edition of "Steps towards Excellence" to train the leadership and administrative staff in partner humanitarian organizations...
The International Islamic Charitable Organization launched the second edition of the training program "Steps towards Excellence" in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with the participation of 45 trainees representing 20 non-profit charitable organizations from 6 countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Uganda, and Jordan.
Deputy Director of Corporate Communications at the organization, Ibrahim Al-Badr, confirmed that this program is an extension of the organization's efforts to support and empower its strategic partners by providing quality training programs that contribute to the development of their institutional capacities, ensuring the sustainability of their charitable projects and achieving a tangible positive impact in the targeted communities.
Al-Badr stated that launching the second edition of this program in Jordan, after the success of the first edition held in Istanbul, reflects the organization's commitment to enhancing the efficiency of partner organizations and empowering them to address the increasing humanitarian challenges.
He pointed out that the program, initiated by the Noor Training Chair, under the supervision of Dr. Jassem Al-Mutawa, aims to develop advanced leadership and management skills among workers in non-profit organizations, through an intensive training content that spans over 14 days and relies on the latest global practices and trends in humanitarian institution management.
Al-Badr explained that the program brings together a select group of experienced specialized trainers in humanitarian work to ensure the achievement of desired goals with the highest quality standards, enhance the capacities of our strategic partners, and support the sustainability of their projects, reflecting positively on the lives of the most vulnerable communities benefiting from these humanitarian efforts.
37,700 people apply for hajj: Awqaf ministry
Registration for the coming hajj season has closed, and the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs was set to contact those who were selected to perform the pilgrimage on Sunday. Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Wasmi confirmed on Sunday the success of the hajj registration process for the 1446 Hijri season, highlighting its transparency in terms of numbers, categories, and sects. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister Al-Wasmi emphasized that the registration process for hajj pilgrims had been conducted with great care to avoid any errors and ensure smooth operation. He assured that all obstacles hindering the registration process had been overcome, and that comprehensive services were being provided for pilgrims to choose from various hajj campaigns.
He noted that the total number of registered individuals had reached 37,700, from which 8,000 pilgrims were selected. He also expressed hopes for further collaboration with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to potentially increase the number of pilgrims. Minister Al-Wasmi explained that specific regulations and criteria had been established to ensure the efficiency of the hajj campaigns, and expressed pride in the high standard of Kuwaiti hajj campaigns, which have earned recognition both within Kuwait and abroad.
Sattam Al-Muzain, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Department told KUNA that the selection process was carried out according to the categories defined by the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee.
Muzain confirmed that each category had been assigned a percentage, with priority given to older individuals and their companions, ensuring a transparent process overseen by the representatives of hajj campaigns. He added that text messages would be sent Sunday to those selected, notifying them through the “Sahel” application. Those who fail to complete their registration within five days would be disqualified, allowing for the next eligible individuals to be selected. — KUNA
Fourth relief plane arrives in Lebanon with 40 tons of aid
The fourth relief plane of Kuwait’s air bridge to Lebanon arrived in Beirut Monday, carrying 40 tons of food, blankets, and other supplies as part of the “Kuwait is by Your Side” campaign.
“The fourth Kuwaiti airlift plane was dispatched as part of Kuwait’s humanitarian air bridge to Lebanon in order to continue addressing the displacement crisis and mitigate its consequences following the ongoing Zionist aggression against Lebanon,” Charge d’Affaires at Kuwait’s Embassy in Lebanon Minister Plenipotentiary Abdullah Al-Shaheen told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
The plane is carrying an estimated 40 tons of supplies provided by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to the Lebanese Red Cross. Previous relief planes have delivered supplies to the the Lebanese Ministry of Health and the High Relief Commission (HRC), he said.
Lebanese Red Cross Relief Coordinator Yousef Boutros praised Kuwait for its continuous solidarity with Lebanon. “Kuwait has always been present alongside Lebanon in these difficult circumstances, which have caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its proactive role in providing humanitarian aid and its continuous efforts in Lebanon. “We at the Lebanese Red Cross are witnesses to this through our coordination and close relationship with them.”
The Kuwaiti relief plane was received at the airport by Minister Al-Shaheen and members of the Kuwaiti embassy, along with a delegation from the Lebanese Red Cross. Kuwait Red Crescent Society has been providing humanitarian aid during the current Zionist aggression on Lebanon, helping thousands of Lebanese families in southern villages and towns near the border, in addition to launching urgent relief campaigns for displaced families whose homes were damaged by Zionist airstrikes.
KRCS Chairman Khaled Al-Maghames said the the aid was shipped upon the directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as a demonstration of the solidarity of the Kuwaiti people with their Lebanese brothers and sisters, particularly in response to their urgent need for food and medicine. He added that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society is committed to continuing its humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, with the fourth relief plane containing much-needed supplies requested by Lebanese charities.
He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Defense, as well as the efforts and supervision of the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah for facilitating the airlift operation from the Abdullah Mubarak Air Base. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs, the donors, and the employees and volunteers of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for their pivotal role in ensuring the success of this humanitarian mission. — KUNA
