Al-Hawila: Humanitarian work in Kuwait has enjoyed the gracious patronage of the political leadership throughout its history

Sultan Al-Abdan

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaileh, affirmed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting public benefit institutions and enhancing their capabilities within a framework of governance, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring the sustainability of volunteer work and maximizing its impact on society.

In a speech delivered while sponsoring the Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s 60th anniversary celebration, held the day before yesterday at the Society’s headquarters in Al-Shuwaikh, Al-Huwaileh stated that humanitarian work in the State of Kuwait has, throughout its history, received noble support from the political leadership, which has made aiding the affected and supporting those in need a steadfast state policy and an integral part of its mission and standing among nations.

She added that Kuwait continues to fulfill its humanitarian mission under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Crown Prince, who provide continuous support for humanitarian efforts, extending a solid trajectory that culminated in 2014 with the designation of the State of Kuwait as a “Center for Humanitarian Action.”

Al-Huwaileh noted that since its establishment in 1966, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has been an effective national partner in supporting humanitarian and relief efforts both within Kuwait and abroad, maintaining a presence in crisis and disaster zones while carrying Kuwait’s name and humanitarian positions to various parts of the world.

She continued by saying that the Society’s 60th anniversary is not merely a celebration of the past, but an occasion to look toward the future and renew commitment to the humanitarian mission by developing response tools, investing in national competencies, leveraging modern technologies, empowering youth, and expanding their participation in volunteer work.

For his part, Khalid Al-Maghamis, Ambassador and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, stated that the Society’s 60th anniversary represents a national and humanitarian milestone that recalls a long journey since January 1966, during which the Society has solidified Kuwait’s presence in humanitarian and relief fields around the world.

He added that from October 2024 to September 2026, the Society continued to fulfill its mission amid increasing humanitarian challenges, extending its activities to 13 countries and conducting 27 air flights with total aid amounting to approximately 550 tons. This included the “Gaza Joy” campaign, which delivered 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, alongside humanitarian flights and convoys to Syria, Sudan, and Yemen.

Al-Maghamis explained that the Society’s success over the past decades has been underpinned by the support of the political leadership, official entities, donors, and volunteers, as well as its partners among international humanitarian associations and organizations. He emphasized that the Society’s mission is based on preserving human dignity and supporting those affected without discrimination.

In turn, Yansky Vandormael, Acting Representative of the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation, stated that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is founded on seven fundamental principles, placing “humanity” at the core of its work. She noted that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has embodied this principle at both the national and global levels, carrying hope and relief to diverse communities.

She added that the ICRC highly appreciates the Society’s contributions to alleviating human suffering around the world, while also commending the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in facilitating the humanitarian support provided by the State of Kuwait across the globe.