Strategic Partnership Agreement with Microsoft

Last Wednesday, the State of Kuwait, represented by the Central Agency for Information Technology and the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft. This partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance Kuwait's status as a regional hub in the field of artificial intelligence, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

High-Level Endorsement and Vision

Minister of State for Communications, Omar Al-Omar, stated at a press conference that the partnership with Microsoft reflects the high directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, with close follow-up from the Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdallah.

Enhancing AI Technologies and Economic Diversification

Minister Al-Omar emphasized that this partnership represents an important step towards enhancing the use of artificial intelligence technologies to support the state's efforts and achieve its ambitious vision. It also supports plans for economic diversification, promoting innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Read also: Kuwait in a Week

Qualifying the National Workforce

He noted that this initiative would contribute to qualifying the national workforce to keep pace with the latest developments and empower them to assume leadership roles in technological fields. Establishing new data centers will address national challenges and build an integrated ecosystem for artificial intelligence that supports development, enhances the digital economy, and improves public services.

Adoption of Microsoft Solutions

Al-Omar confirmed that the government would provide its employees with Microsoft 365 for Copilot solutions, making Kuwait one of the first countries in the region to comprehensively adopt these advanced solutions. This initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency and increase productivity in governmental authorities.

Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence

A Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence will be launched to provide necessary consultations and resources to ensure optimal use of these technologies across all sectors.

Responding to Increasing Demand

Al-Omar added that continuous investment in this field comes in response to the increasing demand from Kuwaiti institutions and companies for high-performance computing solutions and quick access to Microsoft's advanced services. New data centers will play a pivotal role in providing advanced cloud services, accelerating digital transformation, and adopting cloud services across various sectors.

Providing Digital Infrastructure

He emphasized the importance of providing an attractive digital infrastructure for global companies, researchers, and innovators. This infrastructure will support the entrepreneurial environment by providing the necessary resources and expertise for startups in the technology sector.

Commitment from Microsoft

For his part, the President of Microsoft for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, Samer Aboultief, confirmed during the press conference that the partnership with the State of Kuwait enhances the country's digital infrastructure and contributes to the sustainability of economic prosperity.

Cybersecurity Initiative

Aboultief explained that Microsoft will work with the Kuwaiti government to implement the “Cybersphere” initiative to strengthen cybersecurity in the government sector by building a security platform that uses Microsoft solutions to protect the national digital infrastructure from cyber threats.

Read also: 5 Major Cultural Projects in Kuwait

Developing Digital Skills

He noted that the company will launch a comprehensive program to develop the digital skills of the workforce in Kuwait, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies to ensure that national competencies are ready for the future labor market.

Microsoft's Vision and Commitment

Microsoft (MSFT on Nasdaq) is a global leader in providing innovative technology solutions, developing AI-driven platforms and tools based on ethical and responsible principles to empower individuals and organizations to achieve more. Microsoft's commitment to developing Kuwait's cloud infrastructure reflects its vision of empowering both government and private institutions and enhancing the environment for innovation and investment.

Key Objectives of the Agreement

• Accelerating digital transformation and enhancing Kuwait's position as a regional hub in artificial intelligence.
• Promoting the use of AI technologies to support the state’s efforts.
• Supporting economic diversification plans and enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Preparing the national workforce to keep pace with the latest developments and empowering them to take on leadership roles in technology fields.
• Addressing national challenges and building an integrated AI ecosystem that supports development and enhances the digital economy.
• Providing Microsoft 365 solutions for Copilot, making Kuwait one of the first countries in the region to adopt these solutions.
• Improving operational efficiency and increasing productivity in government agencies.
• Providing an attractive digital infrastructure for global companies, researchers, and innovators.

Amir calls to safeguard Kuwait

  HH the Amir, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Tuesday visited the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior and Kuwait Fire Force. There, he reaffirmed his support for security and emergency personnel, emphasizing vigilance, modernization, and the protection of society.

During his visit to the interior ministry headquarters, HH the Amir, accompanied by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, addressed Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt Gen Sheikh Salem Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and ministry personnel. He urged them to remain vigilant, uphold the law without exception, and combat drug trafficking with utmost firmness to protect the nation’s youth and families. He also stressed the importance of upgrading security operations, enhancing personnel efficiency through training, and integrating modern technologies.

HH the Amir called for advancing public trust in the interior ministry, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice and equality in law enforcement. He emphasized the need to implement the new traffic law to reduce accidents and enhance road safety. Commending interior ministry personnel for their pivotal role in safeguarding national security, he praised their use of advanced biometric technology and digital transformation efforts, which streamline services. Additionally, he lauded the contributions of Kuwaiti women in the security sector, recognizing their professionalism and dedication. KUNA

Namaa Charity launches iftar meal project for families in North Gaza

  Kuwait’s Namaa Charitable Society has launched a humanitarian initiative to provide 1,600 Iftar meals daily to families affected by the ongoing crisis in North Gaza. Namaa Charity CEO Saad Al-Otaibi reaffirmed the foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Gaza, emphasizing that the project serves as a beacon of hope for those who have lost everything amidst the devastation.

Al-Otaibi highlighted that this initiative reflects Namaa’s mission to alleviate Palestinians' suffering, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of mercy and solidarity. He underscored Kuwait’s longstanding role in spearheading humanitarian efforts for Palestine, in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Wafaa Foundation for Development and Capacity Building Marwan Hussain expressed profound gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership and people for their unwavering support and steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people. — KUNA

Kuwait participates in 68th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs session

  The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) convened its 68th session in Vienna on Monday to address key issues and challenges related to global drug control, with the participation of Kuwait. According to a statement by the UN Information Service in Vienna, the five-day session is chaired by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Shimbu S Kumaran. The session opened with a speech by Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Wali, who provided an overview of the latest global developments in the fight against narcotics.

Discussions will cover a range of topics, including international drug policies, the exchange of expertise among nations, scientific advancements in drug control, and progress in implementing international obligations. Representatives from member states, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and the scientific community will participate in dialogues and seminars, alongside over 180 side events and 30 exhibitions highlighting various aspects of drug control on a global scale.

Kuwait’s delegation to the session is led by the country’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Talal Al-Fassam. The delegation also includes Dr. Hussein Al-Shatti from the Ministry of Health, Colonel Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and Lieutenant Colonel Mahdi Al-Anzi from the Ministry of Interior, and Third Secretary of the Permanent Delegation to the UN in Vienna, Rehab Al-Farhan. — KUNA

Kuwait: A Popular Donation Campaign to Rebuild a Children's Hospital in Gaza

The Kuwait Society for Relief announced the launch of a popular fundraising campaign to rebuild the "Victory Hospital for Children" in the Gaza Strip, with a total cost of 10 million dollars. The campaign is set to continue until the goal is achieved.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Saleh, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Society for Relief, stated in a statement to the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) that the Victory Hospital for Children campaign is a grassroots effort in terms of mobilization, collection, and implementation, but it is sponsored by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Kuwait in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Palestinian (Tomorrow Palestine) Association, under the supervision of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He added that the campaign aims to provide the necessary financial resources to rebuild the (Victory Hospital for Children) in the Gaza Strip, which was destroyed by the Zionist occupation in November 2024, after more than 65 years of operation, during which it provided services to about 95,000 child patients annually in Gaza.

Al-Saleh confirmed that the new hospital will be constructed on an area of 10,000 square meters, which encompasses the entire built area of the hospital, and it is expected to provide services to more than 165,000 children annually, while approximately 350,000 people will benefit from its various services each year.

Al-Mujtama

 Namaa Charity Launches Iftar Initiative in Northern Gaza and Yemen

Amid the harsh humanitarian conditions faced by the residents of Northern Gaza, Namaa Charity, under the Social Reform Association, has launched the "Iftar Tkiyahs" project to provide hot iftar meals to the neediest families amid the rubble and destruction, where hunger intensifies and needs exacerbate. The project aims to distribute 1,600 meals to those fasting.

Namaa Charity's Commitment to Gaza

The Executive Director of Namaa Charity, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, stated: "During Ramadan, we do not leave any fasting person without iftar," stressing the institution's commitment to its humanitarian duty towards the people of Gaza. He highlighted that the Iftar Tkiyahs are intended to serve as tables of mercy that satisfy hunger and plant hope in weary hearts.

Al-Otaibi added: "In the streets of Gaza, where homes are demolished and where destruction embraces hunger, the Tkiyahs of Namaa Charity have become a ray of light amidst the darkness, extending a hand of giving to those who have lost everything and affirming that goodness does not perish."

He noted that this humanitarian initiative embodies the message of Namaa Charity in alleviating the suffering of our brothers in Gaza and standing by them during the month of mercy and forgiveness. Every day, hot Iftar meals are prepared and distributed to affected families, reflecting the spirit of Islamic solidarity and true brotherhood.

Support from the State of Kuwait

Al-Otaibi also emphasized that the State of Kuwait, both its leadership and its people, has always been at the forefront of supporting humanitarian efforts in Palestine, thanks to the directives of His Highness the Amir of the State, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Hamad Al-Sabah, who have made humanitarian work a steadfast path for Kuwait in supporting distressed brothers.

He concluded by saying, "Despite the severity of the circumstances, the Tkiyahs of Namaa Charity plant warmth in the hearts of the needy and affirm that Ramadan in Gaza is one of patience, benevolence, and unbroken generosity."

Gratitude from Wafa Foundation

For his part, Marwan Muheisen, Director of Wafa Foundation for Development and Capacity Building, expressed his deep gratitude to the State of Kuwait, its Amir, government, and people, for their continuous support to the people of Palestine and for their honorable positions in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. He indicated that the initiative of Namaa Charity's Tkiyahs is not merely an iftar table but a message of humanitarian solidarity that helps the hungry, consoles the afflicted, and restores hope to those burdened by calamities.

Muheisen added: "When crises become severe, a fasting person cannot wait to find their daily sustenance, which is why the Tkiyahs of Namaa Charity in Northern Gaza have become a gateway to goodness and a support for families who have lost their homes and now face their struggles alone."

He explained that the conditions in Gaza are tragic by all standards, with hundreds of families living without shelter and suffering from a shortage of food and clean drinking water. However, the charitable efforts of Kuwait remain a bright sign that dispels some of this darkness.

He praised the pioneering humanitarian role played by the State of Kuwait, stating: "What Kuwait provides to Palestine is not a fleeting support, but a moral and humanitarian commitment and a message of loyalty to a people still battling for their right to life and dignity."

He also noted the collaboration between Wafa Foundation and Namaa Charity, which manifests in reality through the provision of hot iftar meals to the people of Gaza, despite all logistical and security challenges, as Kuwaiti generosity always reaches where it is needed.

He concluded by saying: "We do not only feed the hungry but also restore some hope to them, assuring them that the nation has not forgotten them, and that goodness still pulses in the hearts of the benefactors."

The beneficiaries unanimously expressed a single message: "Thank you, Kuwait... thank you to every hand that reached out to us during these blessed days," affirming that "Kuwaiti generosity will always be etched in our hearts, just as the wounds of Gaza have been engraved in the memory of time."

Iftar Project in Yemen

In the context of its ongoing efforts to provide assistance to the most vulnerable groups, the Al-Namah Charity Organization of the Social Reform Association has announced the implementation of the Iftar Project for fasting individuals in Yemen, which is being carried out in partnership with several local humanitarian organizations. The aim is to distribute food baskets to the families in greatest need during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Support for Yemeni Brothers

In this regard, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Kandari, the Deputy Executive President of Al-Namah Charity, stated: "The Iftar Project in Yemen comes as part of Al-Namah Charity's commitment to support our Yemeni brothers in light of the difficult circumstances they are facing. Through our distinguished partnerships with local charitable organizations, we work to deliver food assistance to the neediest families, ensuring that iftar reaches the tables of fasting individuals in various affected areas."

Al-Kandari added: "At Al-Namah Charity, we believe that effective humanitarian work relies on proper planning and fruitful collaboration. Therefore, we have ensured the implementation of this project in cooperation with trusted institutions in Yemen, which guarantees the effective and efficient delivery of aid to those who deserve it."

He concluded his remarks by saying, "We are determined to continue these humanitarian efforts and work to expand the scope of support, ensuring a sustainable positive impact in the lives of beneficiaries and enhancing their living stability during this blessed month."

Strategic Partnership with Hadhramout Human Development Foundation

For his part, Said Saad Al-Bahssini, Chairman of the Board at the Hadhramout Human Development Foundation, praised the strategic partnership between the Hadhramout Foundation and Al-Namah Charity, considering it a model for joint humanitarian work that achieves a direct impact on those in need.

Al-Bahssini stated that this fruitful cooperation reflects both parties' commitment to the values of solidarity and humanitarian support, as we strive together to deliver food assistance to the neediest Yemeni families, contributing to alleviating their suffering during the blessed month of Ramadan. He also noted that Al-Namah Charity's initiatives demonstrate its deep commitment to its humanitarian mission, and we appreciate its ongoing efforts to enhance human security for our people in Yemen.

Continuous Support from Kuwait

Al-Bahssini added: "We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the State of Kuwait, its leadership, and its people for their continued support for the Yemeni people. Kuwaiti charitable work is a fundamental pillar in supporting those in need around the world, especially in Yemen, where their generous hands have reached out to aid the distressed and alleviate the suffering of the afflicted in light of the difficult humanitarian challenges facing Yemen."

Al-Bahssini emphasized that these efforts come as part of a series of initiatives being implemented by Al-Namah Charity to support those in need in various regions of Yemen, as the foundation always seeks to provide humanitarian assistance in a way that achieves a sustainable positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries.

He concluded his remarks by stating, "The Ramadan relief campaign reaffirms Al-Namah Charity’s commitment to its humanitarian mission in promoting the values of solidarity and mutual support, as well as its prominent role in providing humanitarian assistance through its local and international partnerships, reflecting Kuwait’s leading global charitable vision."

Kuwait Urges Unified Arab Stance Against Palestinian Displacement

HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah called for a unified Arab stance against Palestinian displacement at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo. He emphasized the importance of a unified Arab position against any attempts to displace Palestinians and firmly rejected placing responsibility on regional countries, particularly Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Reconstruction of Gaza and Accountability

HH, the Crown Prince, called for a comprehensive plan to reconstruct Gaza and compensate the Palestinian people for the destruction caused. He stressed the need to hold the Zionist occupation accountable for rebuilding what its forces have destroyed. Legal action against the Zionist entity through international law, humanitarian law, and key global bodies was underscored.

Commitment to the Two-State Solution

Kuwait reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution and called for a concrete and realistic approach through the international conference scheduled for June. HH the Crown Prince urged all UN member states that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so and to support Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.

Strengthening Palestinian Governance and Arab Unity

The importance of uniting Palestinian ranks, strengthening governance in Gaza, and reinforcing Arab unity to protect regional security was stressed. Kuwait called for increased financial and political support for UNRWA and rejected any attempts to diminish its role.

Endorsement of Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Arab leaders endorsed a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority, presenting an alternative to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the territory and displace its people. The establishment of a trust fund to pay for the territory’s reconstruction was announced, urging the international community's support.

Political Track Towards Palestinian Statehood

Efforts to launch a political track towards Palestinian statehood were highlighted. The summit called for Palestinian representation to be unified under the PLO and welcomed the formation of a temporary committee to oversee relief efforts, reconstruction, and governance.

Challenges and Criticisms

The Zionist entity ruled out any future role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza triggered global outrage. The Arab leaders’ proposal was criticized for relying on the PA and UNRWA.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The Zionist military offensive in Gaza killed at least 48,405 people, mostly civilians. The war has devastated Gaza and created a dire humanitarian crisis. A fragile ceasefire saw an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza before the Zionist entity announced it was blocking deliveries until Hamas accepted its terms for an extension of the truce.

  – Agencies

Kuwait Demands a Firm Stance on Violations in Occupied Territories

Kuwait on Monday called on the United Nations Human Rights Council and the international community to take a clear and firm stance on the blatant violations of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter by the Israeli occupation, expressing deep concern over what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories by preventing the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Speech by Advisor Nasser Al-Ramzi

This came in the speech delivered by the advisor Nasser Al-Ramzi, the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations, during the discussion of the comprehensive report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights under item two of the agenda of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva.

Call for Effective Measures

Al-Ramzi called on the UN Human Rights Council to take effective and necessary measures to ensure the immediate cessation of these violations, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Respecting the Sovereignty of Sudan and Syria

In the same context, Al-Ramzi stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and unity of Sudan’s territories and ensuring a peaceful dialogue that includes all parties. He emphasized the need to provide humanitarian support to the Sudanese people. Al-Ramzi also stressed the importance of maintaining the unity of Syrian territories and respecting its sovereignty to achieve stability and protection for its national institutions and lifting sanctions against it.

Condemnation of Hate Speech

Al-Ramzi demanded condemnation of all hate speech and incidents of burning the Holy Quran, reiterating Kuwait’s support for the role of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting and protecting human rights. He called for the enactment of legislation to enhance the commitment to human rights and promote constructive partnership and cooperation to ensure a more just and equitable world.

Kuwait's Commitment to Human Rights

Al-Ramzi confirmed Kuwait's steadfast commitment to protecting and promoting human rights and rejecting the politicization and double standards in dealing with all issues.

Rahma International Society launches the 'Support Rohingya Muslims' campaign on Friday

The Rahma International Society launches its relief project to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh next Friday, the seventh of blessed Ramadan, as part of its Ramadan campaign, "A Known Right."

Tragic Living and Humanitarian Conditions

In this context, Dr. Adnan Al-Haddad, Deputy Director General for Communications, Marketing, and Information Technology at the Rahma International Society , said that the campaign comes amid tragic living and humanitarian conditions experienced by displaced families amid increasing burdens. Statistics indicate that more than a million Rohingya Muslims have fled to the borders with Bangladesh since the beginning of the crisis, including thousands of children, widows, and female breadwinners.

Aim of the "Support the Rohingya" Project

Al-Haddad explained that the "Support the Rohingya" project aims to deliver humanitarian aid to widows, orphans, and those in need, including food, shelter, and clothing. He called upon generous benefactors to quickly contribute to providing relief to refugees and those affected by displacement and to support them in their tragic situations. He appreciated the great reward for helping them in the best and most rewarding months.

Donation Channels

He noted that donations for the project would be available starting Friday morning through the "Khayr Online" website, the association’s hotline 1888808, or by visiting the widespread Mercy branches within Kuwait. He asked Allah, the Almighty, to accept the good deeds from the kind benefactors and to place what they give in the balance of their good deeds on the Day of Judgment.

“Hofath” Launches the Second Hashemi Competition in Quranic Sciences

Hofath launched the second Hashemi Competition in Quranic Sciences, which is a specialized Quranic scientific competition aimed at encouraging participants to learn these blessed sciences. The Vice Chairman of the association, Engineer Ahmad Al-Murshid, said that Hofath launched the second Hashemi Competition in Quranic Sciences after the success of the first one last year, in which 1,540 contestants participated, and 12 contestants won the top three positions, distributed over four categories.

Specialized Quranic Sciences Competition

He added that this competition is a specialized Quranic scientific competition in Quranic Sciences, considering that these sciences such as abrogation and abrogated, reasons for revelation, specific and general, and Madani and Makki, among other branches of knowledge, have not received sufficient attention in the activities of circles and competitions. These sciences are important for understanding the Book of Allah, and every memorizer and reciter of the Book of Allah needs them. Therefore, Hofath deemed it necessary to address this aspect by launching a specialized cultural competition in Quranic Sciences to encourage Muslims to learn these blessed sciences.

Conditions and Scientific Curriculum

Al-Murshid explained the conditions for the competition, including that the contestant should not be an Imam or Muezzin or hold a Sharia degree and must bring their civil ID or a copy of it during the competition. The contestant must adhere to the age category for each level. He clarified that Hofath prepared a scientific curriculum by a scientific committee led by scholars and specialists in Quranic Sciences under the supervision of Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Rifai. The scientific material link is available for contestants to review, and then contestants answer the competition questions online according to their age category.

Invitation to Register

He concluded by inviting the esteemed audience to register for the competition through the designated link published on Hofath's social media accounts.

IICO Enhances Stability for 15 Jerusalemite Families and Provides Water for 30,000 Yemenis

As part of its humanitarian and developmental efforts aimed at improving the quality of life and enhancing stability and human dignity, the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) implemented two distinct projects; the first to renovate the homes of 15 Palestinian families in Jerusalem, and the second to provide clean drinking water for 30,000 beneficiaries in Yemen, with a total cost exceeding $440,000.

"Shelter" Project in Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, IICO funded the "Shelter" project to renovate and improve the living environment for 15 poor Palestinian families, at a cost of $320,045, as part of its commitment to enhancing social stability and achieving a dignified life for the benefiting families. The project contributed to creating a safe and healthy residential environment, especially for children and the elderly, and protecting families from the dangers arising from inadequate housing, thus reaffirming IICO's vision of providing practical and sustainable solutions to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable groups.

Water Project in Yemen

In the city of Shuqra in Abyan Governorate, Yemen, IICO completed a project to provide clean drinking water by drilling two artesian wells at a depth of 30 meters, equipped with submersible pumps powered by solar energy, with the construction of a modern water network extending 2,000 meters and elevated tanks, at a cost exceeding $120,000. The project alleviated the suffering of 30,000 beneficiaries who were struggling with water scarcity and difficulty accessing it, helped reduce diseases caused by water contamination, and eased the daily burdens on women and children who had to travel long distances to fetch water; thus saving them time and effort and contributing to their social and economic stability.

Continuous Commitment by IICO

IICO confirms its continuous commitment to launching integrated development projects aimed at improving the quality of life and enhancing the ability to face economic and social challenges, in line with its vision of making the greatest impact in empowering people, and its mission of providing sustainable and distinctive programs that promote stability and dignified living in needy communities.

Violence and Defiance by the USSR

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) dealt with Islam in these republics with violence and defiance since it extended its influence over those lands. The police seized all copies of the Quran and burned them between 1929 and 1936. They were assisted in this by several atheist associations that conducted anti-Islam propaganda at the time.

Anti-Religious Campaigns in the Media

The Soviet government used all media to achieve its goal of fighting Islam and its followers. For example, in 1962, 23,000 lectures were delivered in the Republic of Uzbekistan against religion. Cinemas and radio stations were used to fight religion and distort the image of Muslims who went to mosques, fasted during Ramadan, or celebrated Islamic holidays.

Union of Atheists and Prevention of Pilgrimage

To this end, the communists established the Union of Atheists in 1923 and prevented pilgrims from going to the Kaaba. Before the Soviets took over Islamic lands, the number of Muslim pilgrims in these areas was about 35,000 annually. However, with these fierce campaigns targeting Islam for years, their number under Soviet rule ranged between 15 and 20 pilgrims only in some years! In many years, no Soviet pilgrims reached the Kaaba!

Practicing Religion Amid Fear

Under these extremely difficult circumstances, Muslims practiced their religion amid waves of intense fear. Therefore, during this period, only the elderly appeared as mosque-goers due to the prohibition of prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage on the pretext that it economically affected Soviet society. Faced with this, some religious leaders in Russia issued fatwas that aligned with Soviet goals, allowing Muslims to perform their religious rituals in a way that did not affect the economy's future.

Fatwas to Align with Soviet Goals

For example, these fatwas permitted Muslims to pray only once a day and to fast for only one day during the entire month of Ramadan! The Soviet authorities issued an order prohibiting the slaughter of sacrificial animals, even if they were privately owned, on the pretext of the economic damage that would result from slaughtering such a large number of sacrificial animals.

Sources for Further Reading

For further information on this topic, you can refer to the following sources:

• Michele Companjen's “Muslim Minorities and Modernity: Hints from Europe,” Chapter on Muslims in the Soviet Union.
• Mikhail Ryklin's “Communism as Religion,” which covers aspects of Soviet anti-religion campaigns, including against Islam.
• Dmitry V. Shlapentokh's “Russia Between East and West: Scholarly Debates on Eurasianism,” discussing religious policies in the Soviet Union.
• Silvio Ferrari and Sabrina Pastorelli's "Religion in Public Spaces: A European Perspective," specifically on how the USSR dealt with religious practices.

Kuwait maintained a score of 46 in the 2024 Global Corruption Dharna Index (CPI), but dropped two positions globally, internationally 65th, 7th in Arab countries, and final in the Gulf region. Here are the main points about Kuwait's performance in the index:

1. Stable score despite the ranking drop

   Although Kuwait did not improve its overall score, it maintained stability at 46, reflecting the balance between improvement in some sources and a decline in others.

2. Improve some evaluation sources

   Kuwait saw a significant improvement in 4 evaluation sources with a total of 18 points, while 4 other sources declined by 17 points, contributing to the balance in total.

3. Countries' risks in risk classification

   In the country's risk classification index released by The Economist Intelligence Unit, Kuwait's rankings greatly improved 14 points, which increased by 37 to 51, which Kuwait has recorded this year.

4. Encouraged signs to increase national integrity

   In the year 2024, there were many positive developments in the fight against corruption, including:

   - Repetition of political leadership, Rajkumar Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmed through His Majesty's high speech, to combat corruption and protect public money.

   - To adopt accountability and improvement decisions in public administration for those involved in the forgery of Kuwaiti nationality.

   - To activate the role of a financial intelligence unit after issuing a royal decree appointing a new head.

   - To issue judicial decisions against ministers and leaders in the public sector related to corruption and misuse of electricity cases.

5. Ranking in Kuwait's Gulf and globally

   In the Gulf: Kuwait was ranked at the last place, while the UAE topped the list, followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and finally Bahrain. 

   International level: Kuwait fell to 65th position, underlining the need for continuous efforts to increase integrity and combat corruption. 

Despite maintaining the same score in the corruption index, some areas indicate the existence of improvement, improvement efforts that, according to al-maskas, require further work to increase transparency and accountability and achieve tangible progress in the coming years.