On World Humanitarian Day: Kuwaiti efforts intensify to assist those affected worldwide
Kuwait joins the world in celebrating World Humanitarian Day (observed annually on August 19), in solidarity with those affected by crises globally and to provide humanitarian assistance to all in need. This year’s campaign, led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is built around a core message: “The time for anxiety is over; it is time to impose consequences for violations.” The campaign aims to ensure the respect and protection of civilians and humanitarian and medical personnel, and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those who need it.
Over the past decades, guided and supported by its wise leadership, Kuwait has provided generous assistance to numerous countries through its government entities and civil society institutions, hosting dozens of conferences and events dedicated to reconstruction and supporting communities. In recognition of the efforts of the State of Kuwait, both government and people, in supporting and standing with the peoples of the world and alleviating their suffering, the United Nations honored Kuwait on September 9, 2014, by designating it as a Humanitarian Hub. It also honored the late Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God have mercy on him, by naming him a Leader in Humanitarian Action.
Committed to the importance of humanitarian action, Kuwait has placed it at the forefront of its priorities through its continuous support for the United Nations and its affiliated organizations, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Kuwait has made substantial contributions, becoming the largest donor to UNHCR at both the regional and international levels over the past decade.
Late last month, the Cabinet approved a draft law decree issuing a law regulating charitable and humanitarian work. The legislation aims to unify and organize charitable and humanitarian activities in Kuwait within a modern legal framework that enhances governance and transparency, defines the roles of relevant stakeholders, and institutionalizes operations in the charitable and humanitarian sector.
In May 2024, His Highness Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing its established approach of supporting global humanitarian action during a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Guterres praised Kuwait’s pioneering initiatives in this field.
Kuwait provides numerous contributions to countries and regions affected by wars, disasters, and various crises through various government entities, public interest associations, and the private sector, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the Kuwait Association for Patient Assistance, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.
Recently, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding with various entities to provide diverse grants and assistance. These include a memorandum of understanding signed on January 20 for development cooperation with the United Nations to establish a framework for technical cooperation and bilateral work on community projects.
On January 25, the Fund signed a grant agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) worth $2.5 million to fund a polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. On June 22, it signed a grant agreement with the Islamic Development Bank worth $1 million to support the establishment, equipping, and operation of a project for the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education in Yemen.
On July 21, the Fund signed a grant agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worth $3 million to contribute to financing a project for enabling public services through solar energy in Lebanon.
On March 17, the Ministry of Justice concluded a campaign it launched to collect donations to settle the debts of indebted citizens. The campaign raised a total of 16.539585 million Kuwaiti dinars from 138,328 donors, reflecting a national scene that demonstrates strong social cohesion and rapid response to humanitarian initiatives.
On February 10, 2026, the Kuwait Association for Patient Assistance, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), inaugurated a model health center to serve displaced persons from El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, in response to the growing medical needs in the region.
On June 2, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, dispatched an aid plane to Lebanon carrying 40 tons of various supplies, a move reflecting Kuwait’s role in supporting humanitarian conditions in sister and friendly nations.
On February 2, the Kuwait Association for Relief, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association, and the Direct Aid Association signed a cooperation agreement with the UNDP to support emergency access to clean drinking water for affected and displaced communities in the Gaza Strip.
On May 19, Al-Rahma Worldwide Association signed a grant agreement with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to support Sudanese refugees in Chad by providing basic relief supplies to 428 refugee families through the Refugee Zakat Fund.
On July 31, Namaa Charity Association launched a campaign targeting the implementation of sustainable water projects in six countries, benefiting more than 500,000 people through the drilling of wells and water provision in the most needy areas, including the Gaza Strip, Yemen, and Sudanese refugee camps in Chad.
