Al-Jaber: Diplomacy is a Pillar of Kuwait's Identity and Foreign Policy

Kuwait officials confirmed that Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber stated that diplomacy represents a fundamental pillar for preserving peace, preventing conflicts, bridging differences, and building trust among nations, even under the most complex circumstances. He emphasized that its effectiveness is linked to respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, and to strengthening the multilateral system as a framework for resolving disputes and safeguarding the rights and interests of states.

Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber, speaking on the occasion of United Nations Day, which falls on October 24 of each year, noted that the theme for the 2026 celebrations, “The Power of Diplomacy,” holds special significance amid overlapping crises, ongoing conflicts, and escalating geopolitical tensions. He affirmed that diplomacy is not limited to managing relations between states but constitutes an essential tool for maintaining peace, avoiding conflicts, and enhancing international dialogue and cooperation. He added that since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has played a pivotal role in preserving international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, and consolidating dialogue and cooperation among countries, thereby remaining the cornerstone of the collective international action system.

He clarified that, for Kuwait, the power of diplomacy represents more than just a political concept; it forms a fundamental pillar of its national identity and its foreign policy approach. Since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has consistently affirmed that global security and stability rely on an international system that respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

He pointed out that Kuwait has adopted a balanced foreign policy based on dialogue and mediation, drawing from these principles, and has contributed over decades to resolving regional and international crises and containing tensions. He noted that while some of these efforts are public and well-known, others take place away from the spotlight, driven by the belief in diplomacy’s capacity to open avenues for solutions that conflicts have closed.

The Foreign Minister recalled the historical role of the United Nations and the Security Council following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, emphasizing that the decisive international stance in supporting justice contributed to the liberation of Kuwait and the restoration of its sovereignty in 1991. He added that this milestone represents one of the most prominent success stories of the international organization, embodying the importance of international law and the principles of the UN Charter, and further cementing Kuwait’s conviction that the rule of law and international multilateralism constitute essential guarantees for protecting states, especially during times of crisis.

Regarding Kuwaiti-UN cooperation, Sheikh Jaraah Al-Jaber clarified that the partnership spanning more than six decades has yielded significant humanitarian and developmental initiatives, including assisting communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and enhancing cooperation with various UN agencies, programs, and funds. He affirmed that humanitarian diplomacy is deeply rooted in Kuwait’s national identity, noting that aiding those in need has been among the authentic values of the Kuwaiti people even before the discovery of oil, before this humanitarian spirit became an integral part of the state’s foreign policy, with one of its most prominent manifestations being the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961.

He noted that Kuwait has continued, through the Kuwait Fund and international organizations, foremost among them the United Nations, to support communities and promote sustainable development, driven by its belief in the interconnection between peace and development, as there is no sustainable development without peace, and no sustainable peace without development. He affirmed that under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Kuwait will remain an active and reliable partner of the United Nations, continuing to support international pluralism, peaceful diplomatic solutions, and humanitarian efforts, thereby contributing to realizing the international community’s aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Foreign Minister concluded by emphasizing that United Nations Day represents a renewed opportunity to reaffirm commitment to the principles upon which the Organization is founded, foremost among them the belief in the power of dialogue to overcome divisions, and cooperation to address common challenges. He reiterated Kuwait’s steadfast support for the United Nations and its Charter’s principles and objectives, stressing that commitment to international pluralism will remain an entrenched approach in Kuwait’s foreign policy, and that enhancing the Organization’s effectiveness and consolidating diplomacy constitute two fundamental pillars for building a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world.

For her part, Ghada Fathi Al-Tahir, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, affirmed that diplomacy is a strategic choice and a fundamental tool for conflict prevention, crisis containment, and peacebuilding. She stressed that dialogue, international cooperation, and respect for international law are indispensable pillars for achieving security and stability, amid rising global and regional conflicts and challenges.

Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 United Nations Day celebrations under the theme “The Power of Diplomacy,” Al-Tahir noted that, 81 years after the founding of the international organization, the world still urgently needs to strengthen multilateral action and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. She recalled that the UN Charter was founded on a firm commitment to save future generations from the scourge of war, based on the harsh human experiences left by the world wars.

She added that diplomacy goes beyond managing relations between states; it reflects political courage, wisdom, and moral responsibility. She explained that sitting at the negotiating table with adversaries, listening to different viewpoints, and seeking common ground require genuine will and the ability to transcend differences. She emphasized that true strength lies not in the capacity for destruction, but in preventing conflicts and protecting civilians. Highlighting her nearly three decades of experience in conflict and war zones, she pointed out that civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, bear the brunt of conflicts.

She emphasized that ignoring international law and international humanitarian law leads to catastrophic consequences that affect lives, property, and essential infrastructure, depriving entire generations of opportunities for education, development, and stability.

Speaking about the role of the State of Kuwait, Al-Taher praised its contributions to multilateral work, affirming that since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has solidified its status as an active partner in supporting mediation, humanitarian diplomacy, and providing developmental aid.

She clarified that Kuwait has contributed to bridging differences and facilitating dialogue between parties, and supported efforts to contain crises and resolve conflicts, in addition to hosting prominent humanitarian conferences that helped mobilize international support for millions affected by crises and disasters.

She added that Kuwait’s developmental aid has extended to more than a hundred countries over six decades, reflecting values of international solidarity and belief in the importance of investing in human capital.

She noted that the “Diplomacy through Development” exhibition, accompanying the celebration, highlights the interconnection between diplomatic work and developmental efforts, and their role in improving people’s lives and enhancing their capacity to confront challenges.

She also praised the humanitarian legacy of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, which was honored by the United Nations by naming him a Leader of Humanitarian Action, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to supporting humanitarian work and strengthening international solidarity.

Al-Taher stressed that the need for diplomacy is growing amid escalating conflicts and tensions, and the rising transboundary challenges, foremost among them climate change, water scarcity, and pressures on food systems, alongside rapid transformations related to artificial intelligence, pandemics, forced displacement, worsening inequality, and the spread of misinformation.

She congratulated the State of Kuwait on its re-election to the membership of the Human Rights Council, expressing the United Nations’ hope to continue cooperating with Kuwait to enhance human rights, promote decent work, and protect the rights of various segments of society, including migrant workers who contribute to the Kuwaiti economy and societal development.

She affirmed that building a safer, fairer, and more peaceful world requires collective will that translates diplomatic principles into practical steps, placing humanity and international cooperation at the core of efforts to protect future generations from the ravages of war.