Kuwait Emphasizes Pivotal Role of ECOSOC in Coordinating Development Efforts

New York, November 6 (KUNA) -- Kuwait affirmed the pivotal role played by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in coordinating economic, social, and environmental efforts, calling for enhanced coordination between the Council, the UN General Assembly, and the High-Level Political Forum. This was stated in Kuwait’s address, delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Dalal Sharar yesterday evening, Thursday, before the UN General Assembly during the joint discussion on the ECOSOC report and the follow-up to the implementation of the outcomes of UN conferences and summits in economic and social fields.

Sharar said that Kuwait believes the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, remains the most capable framework for addressing cross-border challenges, emphasizing the importance of translating the outcomes of UN conferences and summits into tangible improvements in people’s lives. She added that, on the 80th anniversary of the Council’s establishment, Kuwait calls for the development of follow-up mechanisms and the improvement of the quality of national data, while respecting the mandates of UN bodies and the priorities of countries. She stressed that reform efforts, including the “UN80” initiative, must contribute to reducing duplication and enhancing support provided to developing countries.

She underscored the importance of providing the necessary financing and capacities to implement development commitments amid rising financing costs and debt burdens, calling for support in implementing the Santiago commitments and expanding access of developing countries to concessional financing, alongside mobilizing national resources, technology transfer, and capacity building to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Regarding Kuwait’s development efforts, Sharar said that the country places human beings at the core of its development policies and continues, through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, to support vital projects in developing countries, particularly in the fields of water, sanitation, energy, health, and education, thereby contributing to national capacity building and the sustainability of development outcomes. She reaffirmed Kuwait’s continued commitment to supporting UN relief and humanitarian efforts, linking relief programs with recovery and development plans to enable crisis-affected communities to restore their services and livelihoods.

On the issue of water security, Sharar expressed Kuwait’s anticipation for the UN Water Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi in early December, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, and for the 11th World Water Forum to be held in Riyadh in 2027, affirming Kuwait’s support for the success of these events and the enhancement of international cooperation to achieve water security.

On the social front, she emphasized the importance of following up on the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025, and investing in education, health, skills, women’s and youth empowerment, persons with disabilities, bridging the digital divide, expanding social protection, and creating decent work opportunities.

Concluding Kuwait’s address, the Diplomatic Attaché stressed that honoring shared commitments requires political will, adequate resources, regular follow-up, and clear indicators to measure results, reiterating Kuwait’s readiness to engage in constructive cooperation with member states and other partners to achieve sustainable development. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.