Al-Houla: Supporting humanitarian work is a well-established Kuwaiti approach
Social, Family, and Childhood Affairs Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Hawaili affirmed that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has embodied the values of Kuwaiti society in solidarity, compassion, and relief for those in need over the past 60 years. She praised its role in supporting relief efforts within Kuwait and abroad, and in enhancing the state’s presence in the field of humanitarian work.
Speaking at a ceremony held the day before yesterday to mark the 60th anniversary of the society’s founding, attended by several ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and the society’s partners, Al-Hawaili stated that humanitarian work has enjoyed the noble patronage of the political leadership throughout Kuwait’s history. The leadership has made supporting the needy and relieving the suffering a steadfast policy and an integral part of the state’s standing among nations.
Continued Support
Al-Hawaili added that Kuwait continues to play a leading role in the humanitarian field under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of the State, and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, who provide continuous support for this sector. She noted that this journey was crowned in 2014 when Kuwait was designated as the Global Humanitarian Center.
She explained that celebrating six decades since the society’s founding represents an opportunity to recall a journey filled with generosity and dedicated work in service of humanity. She pointed out that since its establishment in 1966, the society has become an active national partner in supporting relief efforts, recording a prominent presence in crisis and disaster zones, carrying Kuwait’s name and its humanitarian stance to various parts of the world.
Al-Hawaili emphasized that the society’s experience has underscored the importance of partnership between state institutions and civil society organizations. She highlighted the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting public benefit institutions and enhancing their capabilities in accordance with principles of governance, transparency, and efficiency, thereby ensuring the sustainability of volunteer work and maximizing its impact.
She noted that the occasion is not merely about celebrating the past, but serves as a milestone for looking toward the future by developing humanitarian response tools, investing in national competencies, leveraging modern technologies, and empowering youth to expand their participation in volunteer work.
Al-Hawaili expressed her appreciation for the original founders, successive chairmen and board members, the executive management, staff, partners, donors, and supporters. She valued the efforts of the society’s male and female volunteers, who represent its beating heart and its field presence.
She congratulated the society on the 60th anniversary of its founding, wishing it further progress and success, and continued generosity in serving humanity and raising the name of the State of Kuwait high.
A Humanitarian Milestone
For his part, Khalid Al-Mughams, President of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, 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 contributed to consolidating Kuwait’s standing in the fields of humanitarian and relief work around the world.
Al-Mughams stated that the society has continued to fulfill its mission during the period from October 2024 to September 2026, amidst increasing humanitarian challenges. Its activities extended to 13 countries, and it carried out 27 air flights with total aid reaching approximately 550 tons.
He added that the “Gaza Joy” campaign led these efforts by delivering 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, in addition to humanitarian flights and convoys to Syria, Sudan, and Yemen.
He affirmed that the society’s success over the decades has been underpinned by the support of the political leadership, official entities, donors, volunteers, and its partners among international humanitarian associations and organizations. He stressed that its mission is based on preserving human dignity and supporting the affected without discrimination.
Al-Mughams explained that as the society enters its seventh decade, it looks forward to developing qualitative projects, foremost among them the “Red Crescent Humanitarian House” project to document the history of Kuwaiti humanitarian work and the society’s journey. This is alongside developing training using virtual reality (VR) technology in first aid, which enhances the efficiency and readiness of the training system.
He noted that the board of directors has also worked to institutionalize operations, raise the level of national readiness, and qualify personnel and field teams. He affirmed the society’s commitment to expanding the scope of its humanitarian impact, enhancing its capacity for rapid and effective response, and consolidating Kuwait’s standing in the fields of relief and humanitarian work.
For her part, Yansky Vandormael, acting representative of the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regional delegation, affirmed that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has embodied the principle of humanity, which is the core of the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, over the past 60 years. This is reflected in 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 values the society’s contributions to alleviating human suffering around the world, and appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in facilitating the humanitarian support provided by Kuwait in various parts of the world.
International Cooperation
She added that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has had a prominent presence in the affairs of the international movement, having held a seat on the Standing Committee from 2019 to 2023. She also noted that a partnership with the ICRC resulted in the implementation of joint operations in Syria, Bangladesh, and Sudan, and cooperation in areas such as first aid, emergency preparedness, family tracing, and the dissemination of international humanitarian law.
Vandormael reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continuing to strengthen its partnership with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, expressing hope that the society will continue its journey and remain a symbol of solidarity, humanity, and resilience for future generations.
The ceremony included the honoring of several volunteers, media representatives, and entities supporting Kuwaiti charitable and humanitarian work by the Minister of Social Affairs and the Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors, in recognition of their contributions to supporting the society’s journey and enhancing its humanitarian mission.
