Minister of Social Affairs Announces Launch of 'Covenant of Loyalty to the Elderly' on World Elderly Day

Kuwait City, 1 Oct (KUNA) -- Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, announced today the launch of the “Pledge of Loyalty to the Elderly,” describing it as a national and social framework that embodies the commitment of various entities and individuals toward the elderly. It translates values of loyalty, respect, and appreciation into principles that enhance their status, safeguard their rights, and improve their quality of life.

This announcement came during a speech by Al-Huwaila on the occasion of the Elderly Care Department, under the Social Care and Development Sector’s celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, under the theme “Our Elders... Our Partners in the Digital Future.”

Al-Huwaila explained that the pledge supports the independence of the elderly, expands their social, cultural, and volunteer participation, and promotes their digital inclusion and empowerment, while leveraging their experience and knowledge as a national and social asset. She stated that caring for the elderly and attending to their needs is a fundamental pillar in development plans and the ministry’s strategy, based on the belief that quality of life is a continuous journey across all stages of life. She noted that this occasion embodies the meanings of loyalty and gratitude to a generation that contributed greatly, witnessed the country’s progress, and was a genuine partner in shaping its trajectory.

She emphasized that the International Day of Older Persons is not merely a passing celebration, but a moment of reverence, appreciation, and renewal of commitment to the first generation of parents, who are the blessing in homes, wisdom in society, and the living memory of the nation.

Al-Huwaila pointed out that Kuwait continues, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God protect and guard him), to uphold its humane approach to preserving human dignity and enhancing quality of life.

She added that the ministry is working to develop an integrated care system covering health, psychological, and social aspects, ensuring a dignified and stable life for the elderly, whether by facilitating their stay within their family environment or by providing diverse home-care services benefiting more than 4,000 beneficiaries across various care centers.

She noted that the ministry is also working to strengthen legislation and laws that protect the rights of the elderly, ensuring they receive priority in accessing government services with ease and efficiency, alongside launching community initiatives aimed at integrating their life and professional experiences into the development process and building bridges for knowledge exchange with younger generations.

Al-Huwaila clarified that the perspective on the elderly is not based on the years they have lived, but on what they can contribute in the future, stressing the importance of shifting from the traditional concept of care to a broader one based on empowering their capabilities and sustaining their intellectual and cognitive impact. She stressed the necessity of expanding the space for elderly participation, listening to their views, and responding to their aspirations and needs, thereby enhancing their independence and affirming their presence at the heart of society.

She stated that the elderly are not on the margins of life, but at the center of the ministry’s attention and top priorities, adding that the Ministry of Social Affairs will spare no effort in providing everything that ensures their dignity, comfort, and peace of mind, in return for the kindness they have shown over decades of their lives.

In conclusion, she expressed gratitude and appreciation to every family that hosts its elders, to all who care for them, to workers in this humanitarian field, and to every entity that contributed to supporting national efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the elderly in Kuwait.

For his part, Dr. Jasem Al-Kandari, Director of the Social Care Department at the ministry, affirmed in a similar speech that caring for the elderly and enhancing their participation in society represent a national and humanitarian commitment. He stressed the importance of developing the services and programs provided to them to meet their social, psychological, and living needs, and to support their roles in the family and society.

Al-Kandari said the occasion represents an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of the elderly in building the family, society, and the nation, and to renew the commitment to preserving their dignity, safeguarding their rights, listening to their needs, and enhancing their participation and quality of life.

He added that this year’s celebration theme underscores that true digital advancement is incomplete without inclusion, noting that society is undergoing rapid technological transformations that have become part of daily life details, from communication and information access to completing transactions and utilizing services.

He emphasized the importance of empowering the elderly to benefit from modern technologies, services, and opportunities by providing clear, easy, and safe services, alongside training programs tailored to their needs and capabilities.

He pointed out that what has been achieved and what the ministry strives to achieve in the field of elderly care is the result of concerted efforts and joint work, expressing his appreciation to all who contributed and supported this journey.

Al-Kandari thanked Minister Al-Huwaila for her support and her dedication to developing the social care system and elevating services and initiatives that enhance the status of the elderly, empower them, and improve their quality of life.

He praised the support of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi, and his continuous follow-up of efforts related to elderly issues, and his dedication to developing services, programs, and initiatives directed at them.

He extended his thanks to Ibrahim Al-Baghl, the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, and the Ibrahim Tariq Al-Baghl Initiative for the Elderly, in appreciation of their contributions and continuous efforts in serving the elderly, and the initiatives and contributions they offer that embody values of loyalty and social responsibility.

He expressed his appreciation to all supporting government and civil entities and civil society organizations that contributed to the success of the occasion through their cooperation, support, and participation, commending the efforts of the Elderly Care Department and all its workers in serving and caring for the elderly.

Al-Kandari affirmed that the ministry’s message to the elderly on this occasion is that their contributions are valued, their experience is an asset, their status is preserved, and their dignity, rights, and quality of life remain a priority. (End) A.Y.S./A.M.H.