UNHCR and Saud Al-Nasser Institute Sign MoU on Humanitarian Diplomacy

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, in line with the respective mandates of both parties.

In a press statement, the UNHCR noted that the agreement was signed by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajjar, Minister-Counselor and Deputy Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs for the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, at the Institute’s headquarters.

The statement said that this memorandum is the culmination of the long-standing partnership between the two entities and an affirmation of the inherent relationship between the UNHCR and the various departments of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It clarified that the memorandum has a three-year duration, during which an annual action plan will be agreed upon to address needs and keep pace with the latest developments in humanitarian and diplomatic fields. It also emphasizes the preparation and qualification of national diplomatic personnel affiliated with the Institute or working in various state entities, to enable them to keep pace with international transformations.

The statement quoted Dr. Khaled Khalifa as saying that the UNHCR places great importance on partnerships that facilitate the exchange of expertise, enhance capacities, and raise awareness about its work and humanitarian activities. He added that the UNHCR looks forward to further cooperation to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian diplomacy and the pivotal role played by Kuwait through its various official channels in supporting people forced to seek refuge around the world.

For his part, Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajjar said, according to the statement, that this partnership reflects the depth of the relationship between the Institute and the UNHCR, noting that the Institute aspires to strengthen this partnership and expand areas of cooperation with the UNHCR. He pointed out that this partnership reflects the deep ties between them, citing previous examples of fruitful cooperation that led to the provision of practical and theoretical awareness courses on UNHCR activities for diplomats affiliated with the Institute.

He noted that the Institute had previously hosted a number of UNHCR field experts who highlighted the importance of humanitarian work and Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian diplomacy, given its status as a global hub for humanitarian action. He expressed hope for strengthening this partnership and expanding cooperation with the UNHCR.