Preparations complete for Kuwaiti Amir's UN honor celebrations

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of information has completed preparations to national celebrations on the decision to award His Highness the Amir at the UN as a ‘humanitarian leader’, said an official yesterday. The ministry’s permanent celebrations committee is coordinating efforts with both the Foreign Ministry and the office of the UN permanent representative to merge celebrations at the UN on September 9 with that locally, said the committee’s deputy president Salah Al-Mubaraki.

The event, which has been given a logo, will begin being aired on state television and radio as of Sunday, said Al-Mubaraki, who is also the ministry’s undersecretary. State institutions, along with private firms, including shopping centers, are also scheduled to do their part in the locally-held celebrations, he added. Among the public bodies involved are the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the Central Agency for Information Technology. On the UN decision, he said that labeling HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a ‘humanitarian leader’ was well-deserved due to his many global contributions in the field.

These contributions were made irrespective of ethnicity, creed or faith, and HH the Amir’s generosity has reached all corners of the globe, he said. Particularly evident was Kuwait’s hosting of two international donors’ conferences for Syria, which helped raise billions of dollars for those displaced inside and out of their country due to the conflict there. The functions were masterminded by HH the Amir and this shows his “sense of humanitarian duty,” Al-Mubaraki added.

Source of pride Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Arab Media Forum Madhi Al-Khamees said that the UN’s decision to name HH the Amir a global humanitarian leader is a great source of pride for Gulf, Arab and Muslim people. HH the Amir is playing an important role in fostering humanitarian values worldwide, he told KUNA. Al-Khamees added that HH the Amir is keen on promoting these values in every nook and cranny of the world.

HH the Amir has been extending his helping hand to people in distress regardless of their ethnicity or religion, he said. He pointed out that Kuwait, under the leadership of HH the Amir, became an oasis for humanitarian and relief work. Al-Khamees went on to say that Kuwait’s international standing has been boosted by HH the Amir’s humanitarian initiatives and efforts to alleviate the sufferings of traumatized people worldwide.

HH the Amir is one of the world’s leaders who is greatly committed to assume hard tasks, he said, citing HH the Amir’s shuttle diplomacy to maintain Arab unity. Kuwait hosted two consecutive conferences to support Syrian people and alleviate Syrian refugees’ suffering in the neighboring countries, he added. He also highlighted the huge and urgent aid provided to the Lebanese people in the wake of 2006 war upon the instructions of HH the Amir, who also has been supporting Palestinian people. Al-Khamees expressed pride of relief and humanitarian activities of HH the Amir, saying that “We notice the great appreciation of Arab media people to HH the Amir at several forums and activities.”

Kuwaiti Amir’s naming as humanitarian leader ‘worthy of  an honor’

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s massive humanitarian contributions to Senegal were one of the factors leading to the UN naming His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah as a “humanitarian leader”, a diplomat said yesterday. Senegal’s Ambassador to Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abdou Lahad Mbacke, said, in an exclusive interview with KUNA, that HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah is “worthy of an honor.” The UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon’s decision to honor HH the Amir “is not a strange action,” he added, as “Kuwait and HH the Amir are used to doing philanthropic work in all parts of the world.” The UN announced recently that it would be honoring HH the Amir, on behalf of Kuwait, at its headquarters in New York in September in appreciation of Kuwait’s significant humanitarian role.

Mbacke added that HH the Amir is widely known for his care and attention to the needy people all over the world, recalling HH’ initiatives in easing the suffering of needy people in Africa. The Senegalese Ambassador recalled the great role played by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) upon the instructions of HH the Amir, including the construction of schools, hospitals, medical centers, as well as roads and other needed humanitarian assistance.

Senegal is the biggest beneficiary of the projects carried out by KFAED in Sub-Saharan Africa, as the fund has so far executed some 26 projects worth approximately USD 320 million there. He said that he himself, along with the accredited ambassadors to Kuwait also hail the role played by HH the Amir in reconciliation efforts among Arab countries and at the international level, describing him as the “dean of international diplomacy”. Mbacke also said that HH the Amir gives his instructions to all state bodies to facilitate the measures and procedures for the diplomatic missions in Kuwait, describing this as “highly appreciated”. He added that all outgoing ambassadors recall the excellent generosity extended by the State of Kuwait to the accredited diplomats, who never forget the wise instructions and guidance of HH the Amir to them.

Mbacke said that HH the Amir and since he was Prime Minister has maintained the same firm position with world countries, saying that occupying this high-ranking international post must be played by an Arab, Islamic or world leader. He said that HH the Amir’s selection for this post has not come by chance or through mediation but through his humbleness, diplomatic ties and the way he treats his own people as well. He pointed out that Senegal has extended an official invitation for HH the Amir to visit Senegal to see for himself the love and affection the Senegalese people have for him.

His Highness the Kuwait's Amir fully deserves humanitarian leader UN gesture - Egypt envoy

28/08/2014

KUWAIT-- The UN's honouring of His Highness the Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a 'humanitarian leader' is in "recognition of his huge and non-stop support of humanitarian work," said the Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait.

An honour the Amir of Kuwait will be receiving at the UN HQ on September 9 in appreciation of his humanitarian contributions worldwide is "an historic accomplishment" that His Highness "truly deserves," Abdulkarim Suleiman said in a statement on the announcement.

"Kuwait continues to place an emphasis on humanitarian efforts," he said, "and the generous people of Kuwait span the globe to feed the hungry, heal the sick, tend to orphans, build mosques and schools and dig up wells." Ambassador Suleiman mentioned two international donor talks for Syria hosted by Kuwait, which helped raise billions of dollars in support of the war-ravaged refugees and displaced of Syria, amid its many other charitable initiatives.

Just recently, Kuwait donated USD 5 million, under His Highness the Amir's instructions, to international organizations tasked with the fight against the deadly Ebola virus.

"This demonstrates Kuwait's commitment to resolving human crises and the great sense of humanity of its Amir, who never wanes in his efforts aimed at coming to the aid of those in need all around the world irrespective of their ethnicity, creed or religion," he said. (end) hrz.sd

His Highness the Amir's naming as humanitarian leader "pride for world" - Somali diplomat

28/08/2014

KUWAIT-- The UN's decision to name His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a humanitarian leader "is a great honor for the world to have," said a Somali diplomat here Thursday.

"It is an honor for the Arab and Islamic worlds that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah be chosen a 'humanitarian leader' by the UN for his great efforts in the philanthrophic domain," Somalia's Ambassador to Kuwait and Dean of Arab Diplomatic Corps. Abdulkadir Amin Sheikh said, in an exclusive interview with KUNA.

The UN announced recently it would be honoring His Highness the Amir, on behalf of Kuwait, at its headquarters in New York in September in appreciation for Kuwait's significant humanitarian role.

Ambassador Sheikh pointed out that His Highness the Amir has been known for many years for his assistance to needy people around the world, chiefly towards his own country, Somalia.

He recalled His Highness the Amir's initiative in 2012 to help the people of Somalia, who were suffering from famine at the time, saying that the Kuwaiti convoys were the first ones to have reached the country as the security situation there was very hectic and dangerous.

He praised "the courageous initiatives" of the Kuwaiti humanitarian aid convoys, which did not hesitate to extend a helping hand despite the worrying security situation, thanks to the wise directions of His Highness the Amir.

Ambassador Sheikh said that, other convoys from the rest of the world started arriving after the situation had eased a bit.

Kuwait is a leading nation in its humanitarian efforts, and never hesitates to offer a helping hand to impoverished people around the world under His Highness the Amir's instructions.

He added that His Highness the Amir's wise leadership and status and his appreciation by world leaders have all contributed to him being labelled 'dean of international diplomacy'.

Other factors that have contributed to His Highness the Amir being granted this high-ranking international attribution was due to his "balanced policy, based on non-interference in the internal affairs of others," he also affirmed.

He recalled when world leaders had stood for His Highness' speech, thus, making his word heard.

He also recalled His Highness the Amir's initiative when he invited the African and Arab leaders to attend the previously-concluded 3rd Arab-Africa Summit in Kuwait, in which some 90 percent of African leaders and their representatives had attended, describing the attendance as "record breaking".

Sheikh spoke highly of His Highness the Amir's being granted an "honoray membership" of the African Union, thanks to his great role and efforts in narrowing the gap between Africa and the Arab world.

He expressed hope that a not too distant visit to Somalia by His Highness the Amir would materialise, particularly after the security situation calms down, recalling His Highness the Amir's past frequent private visits to Somalia.

Sheikh said that the Somali people will always remember the huge contributions made by the State of Kuwait as directed by His Highness the Amir that included the construction of schools, hospitals, roads and the provision of humanitarian supplies for the Somali people. (end) tg

Kuwait's int'l status inflates by humanitarian contributions - UN official

25/08/2014

KUWAIT-- UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Mubasher Riaz Sheikh said Sunday the State of Kuwait managed to strengthen its international presence through its humanitarian role.

"Kuwait's robust contributions to the relief efforts worldwide are self-evident," he said in a press release by the UN office in Kuwait.

"The UN will honor His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at a ceremony, to be held in New York on September 29, as a humanitarian leader in appreciation for his noble contributions in this domain," Sheikh pointed out.

On behalf of the UN team in Kuwait, Sheikh congratulated His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait on this international honoring.

He referred to Kuwait hosting of the two sessions of the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria in 2013 and 2014, noting that His Highness the Amir donated, at the second conference, USD 500 million in aid of the Syrian people.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who attended that conference, announced that the total volume of pledges topped USD 2.4 billion compared with the USD 1.50 billion in the first conference, Sheikh recalled.

Kuwait's donation to combat Ebola in West Africa extoled

29/08/2014

GENEVA-- Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Margaret Chan expressed appreciation to the timely USD five million donation made by the state of Kuwait to combat the spread of Ebola virus in West Africa.

Chan made this remark to KUNA, on Friday, after receiving the donation check from Kuwait Permanent Delegate at the United Nations Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim. "This donation is a live example of human solidarity and positive action towards pressing crises." "This Kuwaiti contribution is the first from an Arab country. It was made in a time when West African countries have been struggling to bring this deteriorating situation under control," she pointed out.

On his part, Al-Ghunaim said that the donation comes in line with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's directions and the country's policy toward humanitarian work.

He added that His Highness the Amir pays special attention to the African continent's state of being because of numerous diplomatic bonds and because Kuwait is the current president of the African-Arab Summit.

Chan explained to the Kuwaiti envoy how the donation will be spent to stop the acceleration of this outbreak.

On Thursday, WHO warned that the number of people affected by the Ebola virus could rise to 20,000 within the next nine months and a projected half a billion dollars would be needed to fund efforts aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.  

IOM lauds His Highness The Kuwait's Amir outstanding humanitarian role

24/08/2014  

GENEVA-- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) lauded Sunday His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's outstanding role in improving the Organization's programs associated with urgent humanitarian crisis.

Kuwait's recent donation, USD 1 million, came at the right time as IOM is currently dealing with the critical situation of the displaced people in Iraq, the Organization said in a letter of appreciation addressed to Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to the UN Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim.

It added that Kuwait's donation will boost IOM's abilities in alleviating the humanitarian suffering of people displaced by the conflict in Iraq.

For his part, Ambassador Al-Ghunaim stated to KUNA that Kuwait's donations to UN organizations is a policy which embraces in dealing with humanitarian crises in any part of the world.

Kuwait leads int'l humanitarian actions under His Highness the Kuwait's Amir -- KRCS

KUWAIT-- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRSC) said Friday that Kuwait was and will always be an international humanitarian center, as well as a pioneer in field of humanitarian and relief action under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The UN's honoring of Kuwait, as a center for humanitarian action, and of His Highness the Amir is considered as an honor to all Kuwaitis for their leading humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, Dr. Hilal AL-Sayer, President of KRCS' Board of Directors, told KUNA, noting that this international appreciation requires further efforts by philanthropic societies and KRCS in humanitarian and relief work.

His Highness the Amir's humanitarian, charitable, and relief effort were well-received on regional and international arenas, Al-Sayer said, expressing at the same time his pride in the name given to His Highness the Amir by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon when he said, "He is a hero and one of the international humanitarian work heroes," which is a complement appreciated by every Kuwaiti citizen.

Kuwait occupies a prestigious position among world countries in philanthropic and humanitarian action, representing a guiding light for those who seek excellence in that field, Al-Sayer said, pointing out at the same time Kuwait's aid to the Gaza Strip, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Philippines, Bosnia, Serbia, Indonesia, Libya, and other disaster and conflict-affected countries.

Providing humanitarian and relief aid is an implementation of the directions of His Highness the Amir to alleviate the suffering of countries and people, he added.

Kuwait, embodied by KRCS, has emerged as a humanitarian and international center, becoming a key player in the field of humanitarian action around all continents, KRCS' President said, adding that Kuwait is not only limited to humanitarian action, but it also has contributions in social, health, and educational development, as well as developmental projects.

Al-Sayer stated that KRCS' distinctive achievements in humanitarian work on local and international levels have turned it into a model for voluntary work.

He also expressed, on behalf of all KRCS' workers and volunteers, most congratulations to His Highness the Amir for being recently chosen as "a humanitarian leader" by the UN, adding at the same time that this was predictable due to His Highness' obvious efforts to the whole world in fields of humanitarian action.