Minister of Social Affairs announces launch of 'Charter of Loyalty to the Elderly' on World Elderly Day

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, announced on Thursday 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 the 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 Dr. Al-Huwaila on the occasion of the Elderly Care Department, under the Social Care and Development Sector, celebrating World Elderly Day under the theme “Our Elders… Our Partners in the Digital Future.” She 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 life stages. She noted that this occasion embodies the meanings of loyalty and gratitude to the generation that contributed greatly, witnessed the country’s progress, and was an integral partner in shaping its trajectory.

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

She pointed out that Kuwait, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, continues 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 providing various home-care services benefiting more than 4,000 beneficiaries across different 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 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.

Dr. 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, emphasizing the importance of shifting from the traditional concept of care to a broader one that empowers their capabilities and sustains their intellectual and cognitive impact.

She stressed the necessity of expanding the space for elderly participation, listening to their visions, 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 core of the Ministry’s attention and top priorities, noting 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 throughout decades of their lives.

In conclusion of her speech, 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, stressing the importance of developing the services and programs provided to them to meet their social, psychological, and living needs, and to support their roles within the family and society.

Al-Kandari stated that the occasion represents an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of seniors to building the family, society, and the nation, and to renew the commitment to safeguarding their dignity, protecting their rights, listening to their needs, enhancing their participation, and improving their quality of life.

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

He emphasized the importance of enabling seniors 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 accomplish in the field of senior care is the result of concerted efforts and collaborative work, expressing his appreciation to all who contributed and supported this journey.

Al-Kandari commended the support of Minister Al-Hawila and her dedication to developing the social care system and elevating services and initiatives that enhance the status of seniors, 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 senior issues, as well as his commitment 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 dedication and continuous efforts in serving seniors, and for the initiatives and contributions they offer that embody values of loyalty and social responsibility.

He expressed his appreciation to all government and civil society supporting entities, as well as civil society organizations, for their cooperation, support, and participation in the success of the occasion, commending the efforts of the Elderly Care Department and all its staff in serving and caring for seniors.

Al-Kandari affirmed that the Ministry’s message to seniors 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.