Kuwait in a Week

Kuwait strongly condemns Israeli occupation's ground offensive in Gaza

  Kuwait's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday strongly condemned the Israeli occupation ground offensive in Gaza, denouncing it as a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law amid continued inaction by the international community.

In an official statement, the Ministry warned of the grave consequences of the occupation's ongoing actions, which disregard international norms and conventions.

Kuwait reiterated its call on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and put an immediate end to the aggression, including policies of starvation, displacement, and acts amounting to genocide against the unarmed Palestinian people. -KUNA

Kuwait slams Israeli occupation's strike against Qatar at UNHRC emergency session

  Kuwait on Tuesday renewed its strong condemnation of the attack on Qatar by Israeli occupation forces, calling it a flagrant breach of international law and a serious threat to regional stability and international peace and security.

The statement was delivered by the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, at an emergency session convened during the UN Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) 60th session at Kuwait's request on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside Pakistan for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Kuwait reiterated its support for Qatar and the measures it takes to safeguard its security, stability, and sovereignty, and to protect citizens and residents, Al-Hayen said

He urged the UN and the international community to fulfill their duties, act to halt systematic Israeli aggression in the region, and hold perpetrators responsible for crimes against civilians accountable. KUNA

Social Reform Society (Islah) Reassures Dr. Khalid Al-Madkour's Supporters After His Successful Surgery

The Social Reform Society (Islah) announced the success of the surgical procedure performed on its president, Dr. Khalid Al-Madkour, following a recent traffic accident. The association confirmed that he is receiving the necessary medical care, and his condition is stable. The association's Secretary-General, Hamad Al-Ali, praised the paternal care from the political leadership and the health efforts that accompanied Dr. Al-Madkour's treatment.

On behalf of the association and its members, Al-Ali expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, for their great interest in Dr. Al-Madkour's condition. He affirmed that this humanitarian approach reflects the authentic Kuwaiti values and the spirit of one family.

Al-Ali also commended the role of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, led by His Excellency the Minister and its medical and technical staff, who spared no effort in utilizing all resources and providing the highest level of care. He noted that the medical team that oversaw the surgery made an exceptional effort until it was crowned with success.

The Secretary-General emphasized that Dr. Khalid Al-Madkour is not just the president of the Social Reform Society (Islah); he is a national and scholarly symbol whose clear fingerprints have contributed to charitable and reform work. "Dr. Al-Madkour is known for his wisdom, his concern for the youth, and his continuous initiative to support the association's projects and follow their minutest details, to the point where he has become a prominent figure representing Kuwait in humanitarian and advocacy forums," he added.

Al-Ali added, "We reassure everyone who loves and has asked about Dr. Al-Madkour that his health is stable, praise be to God, and he is surrounded by comprehensive medical care and the sincere prayers of his loved ones and colleagues."

He stressed that Dr. Al-Madkour's temporary absence will not stop the association's progress; rather, it will be a strong motivation to continue charitable work with the same passion and dedication he instilled in everyone, so that he can return to his field to lead the ship again.

The Secretary-General concluded his statement by saying, "We ask Almighty God to grant Dr. Khalid Al-Madkour a speedy recovery and a blessed return to continue his leadership role in serving the community, to protect Kuwait, its people, and its leadership from all harm, and to make this tribulation a source of elevation and double reward for him."

School Bag Project: A Message of Hope for Needy Families and Their Children

Khalifa Al-Qabandi, the Director of the Projects Department at Namaa Charity, which is part of the Social Reform Society (Islah), stated that the distribution event for school bags, launched by Namaa Charity in the Rawda area, is one of the qualitative initiatives aimed at supporting education and empowering needy families. He emphasized that the school bag a student receives today is not just a collection of tools but a message of love and encouragement that carries within it the hope for a better future.

"This project reflects our deep belief that education is the greatest investment we can provide for future generations. Knowledge is the foundation of development and a guarantee for a strong and balanced future," Al-Qabandi said. "Therefore, we made sure the bags are of high quality and complete with school supplies to ease the burden on families and give their children a stable start to the school year."

He added that through this initiative, Namaa Charity renews its commitment to promoting social solidarity and reinforcing the values of generosity for which Kuwait and its people are known. "The Kuwaiti community has been and will remain a model of purposeful giving and charitable work, where everyone cooperates so that every child gets their right to education without obstacles."

Al-Qabandi praised the support of the partners and donors who contributed to the success of the project, affirming that their efforts embodied the meaning of social responsibility and transformed the initiative into a tangible impact felt by students and their families. He pointed out that every bag handed out today carries the seeds of tomorrow's successes, as its recipient might one day be a doctor, a teacher, or an engineer who contributes to the nation's progress.

Al-Qabandi concluded his statement by affirming that Namaa Charity will continue to launch educational and developmental projects that place people at the heart of its priorities, believing that investing in education is the most successful investment. He prayed that God would bless the efforts of the philanthropists and grant the students success in their academic journey to be good building blocks in the nation's construction and service to humanity.

Al-Hayat Charity Holds its General Assembly Meeting and Approves an External Auditing Office

The General Assembly of Al-Hayat Charity has approved an external financial auditing office for the association's accounts during a meeting held at its headquarters in Dasman Tower.

In a press statement, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Abdullah Fahad Al-Sabea, said, "Today, thanks to God, the Kuwaiti Accountant Office for Auditing Accounts has been approved to carry out the association's accounting audit for 2025. The office is accredited by the Capital Markets Authority, in line with the new regulations and laws that Al-Hayat Charity has complied with and has initiated providing all the requirements of the Ministry of Social Affairs to enhance governance."

He added, "We are in a new phase of charitable work after the reopening of donations and the return of the activities of Kuwaiti charitable institutions to carry out their humanitarian duties inside and outside the State of Kuwait. I am pleased to express my thanks on my behalf and on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors of Al-Hayat Charity to the Committee for Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work and to the relevant official bodies represented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Kuwaiti humanitarian work."

Al-Sabea concluded by inviting generous philanthropists to donate to Al-Hayat Charity's projects, which are licensed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, through the association's website: alhyat.org.

Social Reform Society (Islah) Presents Qualitative Initiatives to Support the State's Educational Journey

Education is an unparalleled gateway to development; it is the foundation for a sustainable economic and social future. In Kuwait, this vision has been solidified in state policies for years, and civil society has adopted a crucial complementary role through initiatives such as "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" and "University Student" from Namaa Charity, along with other projects from charitable organizations that redefine education not as an individual ladder but as a path to developing the entire community.

The State's Vision for Education and Development

Kuwait's 2035 vision places education among the pillars of social and economic development, with clear foundations for building a knowledge-based society and the ability to compete globally. National education policies include improving curricula, training teachers, and supporting technical and vocational education, in close cooperation with the private sector.

Namaa Charity Initiatives at the Social Reform Society (Islah)

• "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" Project: This project was launched to support needy students in public education (primary, intermediate, and secondary stages) by covering tuition fees and enabling them to continue their studies instead of dropping out. It has evolved from about 1,300 beneficiaries in its early years to nearly 2,600 beneficiaries in recent years.
• "University Student" Project: In partnership with the General Secretariat of Awqaf, this project aims to assist university students who are unable to cover their study expenses. More than 1,100 male and female students benefited from its first phase, and the number has increased to over 3,900 as of the 2024-2025 academic year. This is a living example of the new role of charitable work and was a strategic partnership with the General Secretariat of Awqaf.

Existing Challenges

There are many challenges facing educational projects, including sustainable funding. Most initiatives rely on donations and are seasonal, without fixed or investment income sources or partnerships with other institutions.

Education is the gateway through which society opens the doors to development and prosperity. The State of Kuwait has made this a priority, and civil society—with its people united by a message of goodness—has created programs and initiatives that reinforce this path, from "Teach Me, and You Will Have My Reward" to supporting university students and even technical and community education. The real success lies in making these initiatives a strategic institutional partnership between the state and civil society to ensure that knowledge remains the foundation upon which Kuwait's sustainable renaissance is built.

Kuwait has sent 110 tons of aid to Gaza since Aug 10

  Kuwait has delivered a total of 110 tons of essential food supplies to Palestinians in Gaza through its second humanitarian airlift, officials say.

The eighth relief flight left Kuwait Sunday morning, carrying 10 tons of food, bound for Egypt’s Al-Arish Airport before being transferred to Gaza. The effort is part of a campaign organized by the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society with support from local charities and government ministries, including foreign affairs, social affairs, and defense.

Khaled Al-Mughames, president of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent, highlighted ongoing cooperation with the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent societies to overcome logistical obstacles. He also expressed hope that borders would open faster to allow urgent food and aid shipments into Gaza. “Kuwait will remain a supporter of our brothers and a backer of just humanitarian causes everywhere,” he added.

The second humanitarian airlift began on August 10, coordinated alongside the Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company. — KUNA

 Ministry of Education presents latest updates for new academic year

The Ministry of Education has released updates and preparations for the 2025-2026 school year. The plan will serve over 520,000 students, supported by more than 131,000 teachers and administrators. Key updates include the opening of 10 new schools and the provision of new furniture and technology. Staffing changes include the appointment of new teachers, principals, and vice-principals.

Health and nutrition are a major focus, with new canteen regulations banning hydrogenated fats and requiring healthier options like low-sugar drinks and natural juices. Canteens must also provide fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain baked goods, and cater to students with special dietary needs.

Curriculum reforms are also a significant part of the plan. Eighty-eight updated textbooks have been released, with new subjects like artificial intelligence in high school and programming in middle school. The curriculum now emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving over memorization. The "Balegh" digital platform has been introduced to track maintenance issues, and an AI-powered chatbot, "Hamad," will support students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, 1,400 free buses will transport students, and textbooks have been divided into four parts to reduce their weight. The last week of Ramadan will be a holiday without reducing the official number of school days./ Agencies

Kuwait committed to ozone layer protection and sustainability

  Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Nouf Behbehani has reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm commitment to protecting the ozone layer and advancing its national vision for sustainable development, highlighting the country’s role as a pioneering model in global environmental efforts.

Behbehani spoke during a celebration organized by the EPA in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. She noted that this year’s observance, held under the theme “From Scientific Knowledge to Global Action,” underscores the role of science in identifying threats to the ozone layer and the importance of international cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for future generations.

She highlighted the Montreal Protocol of 1987 as a landmark in environmental history, with over 190 countries, including Kuwait, ratifying the treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Kuwait ratified the protocol in 1992 and has since implemented pioneering policies, establishing a specialized national unit to oversee compliance and gradually eliminate harmful substances, reaffirming its active role in global environmental protection./ KT

Schools reopen for new academic year with traffic measures in place

  Public and special education schools welcomed students and teachers on Tuesday morning as the 2025/2026 academic year officially began. Classrooms and corridors came alive with a mix of enthusiasm and focus, following extensive preparations by the Ministry of Education to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

Students in various educational districts returned to their classes from the early hours, with schools fully equipped and staffed with qualified educators. The ministry also highlighted its attention to special education institutions, ensuring that students with diverse needs have access to a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. In an earlier statement, the Ministry of Education emphasized that the new academic year will include practical steps to develop curricula and enhance student activities, aiming to nurture an educated and aware generation capable of keeping pace with the changing times./ Kuna

Kuwait remains key oil player as OPEC turns 65

 To celebrate OPEC's 65th anniversary, Kuwait's Oil Minister, Tareq Al-Roumi, reaffirmed the nation's commitment to the organization. Al-Roumi described OPEC's 1960 founding as a "historic turning point" for producing nations, empowering them to assert sovereignty over their natural resources for national development. As a founding member, Kuwait has played a "pivotal role" in supporting OPEC's goals, from stabilizing global oil markets to promoting international dialogue on energy security.

Al-Roumi also highlighted key milestones, including the 1976 creation of the OPEC Fund for International Development and the 2016 OPEC+ alliance, which stabilized oil supplies during the pandemic. He praised OPEC's role in climate negotiations, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates investment in diverse energy sources.

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais echoed these sentiments, congratulating Kuwait for its "historic and leading role" since the organization’s inception. Al-Ghais affirmed OPEC's dedication to maintaining a balanced market for producers and consumers and noted its humanitarian efforts in sustainable development and poverty eradication. Both officials expressed confidence that Kuwait will continue to be a key partner in ensuring market stability and energy sustainability for future generations. — KUNA