Al-Houla: Assisting the needy and those affected is a steadfast approach for Kuwait
Dr. Umthil Al-Houla, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, affirmed that the Red Crescent Society has embodied the values of Kuwaiti society in solidarity, compassion, and relief for the needy over the past 60 years. She emphasized that humanitarian work has consistently received the support of Kuwait’s political leadership, which has made assisting the needy and providing relief to those affected a steadfast policy and an integral part of the state’s standing among nations.
In a speech delivered on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Society’s founding, attended by several ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and the Society’s partners, Al-Houla stated that “Kuwait continues to play a leading role under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince, who provide continuous support for this sector.” She noted that this journey was crowned in 2014 with Kuwait’s designation as a “Center for Humanitarian Action,” adding that “celebrating this occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on six decades filled with generosity and dedicated work in service of humanity.”
She added that “this occasion is not merely about celebrating the past, but serves as a milestone for looking toward the future by developing response tools, investing in national competencies, leveraging modern technologies, empowering youth, and expanding their voluntary participation.” She expressed her appreciation for the founding members, successive chairmen and board members, the executive management, staff, partners, donors, and supporters.
For his part, Khalid Al-Mughamis, Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors, affirmed that the 60th anniversary of the Society’s founding represents a national and humanitarian milestone that recalls a long journey since January 1966, which has solidified Kuwait’s position in the fields of humanitarian and relief work around the world.
Al-Mughamis stated that “the Society has continued to fulfill its mission during the period from October 2024 to September 2026 amid increasing humanitarian challenges. Its activities extended to 13 countries, and it carried out 27 air flights delivering a total of approximately 550 tons of aid. This included the ‘Furhat Gaza’ campaign, which transported 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, in addition to humanitarian flights and convoys to Syria, Sudan, and Yemen.”
For her part, Yansky Vandormael, acting representative of the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regional delegation, affirmed that the Society has embodied the principle of humanity—the core of the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—over the past 60 years, through its efforts within Kuwait and abroad, and the hope and relief it has provided to affected and needy communities.
Vandormael stated that “the ICRC highly appreciates the Society’s contributions to alleviating human suffering around the world, and commends the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in facilitating the humanitarian support provided by the State of Kuwait across the globe.”
