Minister of (Social Affairs) reaffirms Kuwait's commitment to supporting joint Arab social work

Cairo, October 13 (KUNA) – Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailan, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, reaffirmed today, Tuesday, Kuwait’s commitment to supporting joint Arab social efforts, strengthening social protection, and empowering women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. This was stated in a speech delivered by Al-Huwailan during the 84th ordinary session of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs Council, held in Cairo, where she called for addressing social challenges and combating multidimensional poverty through practical programs with clear objectives and tangible impact.

Al-Huwailan noted that Kuwait continues to update its social legislation and services, highlighting legislative amendments in the fields of domestic violence protection and drug abuse prevention, as well as new regulations on volunteer work and media organization. She also mentioned the preparation and submission of draft laws concerning the rights of children and persons with disabilities.

She explained that the Family Protection Program, approved by the Cabinet last May, constitutes a comprehensive framework to support family stability, involving several state ministries and institutions, under the supervision of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to coordinate initiatives, monitor their outcomes and challenges, and submit recommendations to the Cabinet.

Regarding women’s empowerment, Al-Huwailan stated that Kuwait supports training, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and the “Boutique 33” project to support productive families. She also noted the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Committee to follow up on national efforts and international indicators, and to work toward creating an integrated national platform for women.

She added that among these efforts is the launch of the Kuwait Award for Women’s Excellence (“Makanah and Empowerment”), under the patronage of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a step reflecting the country’s interest in enhancing women’s presence and role in development pathways.

Al-Huwailan outlined the efforts of the Supreme National Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including providing educational and employment opportunities, assistive devices, reasonable accommodations, and family rehabilitation, as well as launching the Kuwait Award for Creativity for Persons with Disabilities and developing services for the elderly that preserve their dignity and support their independence.

She emphasized the importance of leveraging digital transformation to improve services and facilitate access while protecting privacy and data confidentiality.

Al-Huwailan stressed that the current situation in the region necessitates strengthening Arab solidarity and supporting affected countries and peoples, foremost among them the brotherly Palestinian people, and backing programs and projects that protect children, families, and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to essential care and services.

She prayed to God to protect countries and peoples, perpetuate the blessings of security and safety, lift calamities from affected nations, and bring peace and stability to the region.

Al-Huwailan reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing cooperation with member states and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and to exchanging expertise to support social protection, family cohesion, and social inclusion. She expressed her hope that the Executive Office’s work would contribute to preparing practical decisions for the 46th session of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs Council, linked to clear implementation pathways, regular monitoring, and tangible impact on the lives of Arabs. (End) M.M. / N.S.A.