Al-Jaber: Diplomacy is a Pillar for Preserving Peace and Preventing Conflicts

Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber affirmed that diplomacy serves as a fundamental pillar for preserving peace, preventing conflicts, bridging differences, and building trust among nations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as strengthening the multilateral system, to ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes and safeguard the rights and interests of states.

This statement was made during a speech delivered by Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber on the occasion of the 2026 United Nations Day celebrations, under the theme “The Power of Diplomacy.” The event took place yesterday evening at the United Nations House, attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Al-Meshaan, Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Meshal, a number of ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and public figures.

The Foreign Minister stated that the celebration’s theme holds special significance amid overlapping crises, ongoing conflicts, and escalating geopolitical tensions. He stressed that diplomacy transcends being merely a tool for managing interstate relations, serving instead as an essential means to preserve peace, avoid conflicts, and enhance international dialogue and cooperation.

He added that since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has played a pivotal role in safeguarding international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, and consolidating dialogue and cooperation among nations, noting that the organization remains the cornerstone of collective international action.

Clarifying that the power of diplomacy, for Kuwait, is not just a theoretical concept but a fundamental pillar of its national identity and foreign policy, he pointed out that since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has consistently maintained that global security and stability depend on an international system based on respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs.

He noted that, guided by these principles, Kuwait has pursued a balanced foreign policy centered on dialogue and mediation, working over decades to contribute to resolving regional and international crises and containing tensions. He confirmed that while some of these efforts are public and well-known, others are conducted quietly and away from the spotlight, driven by a firm belief in diplomacy’s capacity to open doors closed by conflicts.

Regarding Kuwaiti-UN cooperation, Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah stated that a partnership spanning more than six decades has yielded significant humanitarian and developmental initiatives, including supporting communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and enhancing cooperation with various UN agencies, programs, and funds.

He emphasized that humanitarian diplomacy is deeply rooted in Kuwait’s national identity, explaining that assisting others in times of need has been an inherent trait of the Kuwaiti people even before the discovery of oil, before this humanitarian spirit became an integral part of Kuwait’s foreign policy, with the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961 being one of its most prominent manifestations.

He added that Kuwait, as a leading country in international development, has continued through the Kuwait Fund and international organizations, foremost among them the United Nations, to support communities and advance sustainable development pathways, driven by a firm conviction in the close interconnection between peace and development, as peace cannot be achieved without development, nor can development be realized without peace.

He affirmed that under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, Kuwait will remain an active and reliable partner to the United Nations, continuing to support international pluralism, advocate for peaceful diplomatic solutions, and back humanitarian efforts, thereby contributing to the realization of shared global aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity.

On her part, Ghada Fathi Al-Tajer, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, emphasized that diplomacy is a strategic choice and a fundamental tool for conflict prevention, crisis containment, and peacebuilding. She stressed that dialogue, international cooperation, and respect for international law remain indispensable pillars for achieving security and stability, amid escalating global and regional conflicts and challenges.

Speaking at an event commemorating United Nations Day 2026 under the theme “The Power of Diplomacy,” Al-Tajer noted that, 81 years after the establishment of the international organization, the world still urgently needs to strengthen multilateral action and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. She recalled that the UN Charter was founded on a pledge to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, drawing from the harsh human experiences left by the world wars.

She added that diplomacy extends beyond managing relations between states; it reflects political courage, wisdom, and ethical responsibility. Engaging in dialogue with adversaries, listening to diverse perspectives, seeking common ground, and demonstrating genuine will and capacity to overcome differences require significant resolve. She affirmed that true strength lies in preventing conflicts and protecting civilians, rather than in the capacity for destruction.

Highlighting her nearly three decades of experience in conflict and war zones, Al-Tajer stated that civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, bear the brunt of conflicts. She warned that ignoring international law and international humanitarian law leads to catastrophic consequences, affecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure, and depriving entire generations of opportunities for education, development, and stability.

Al-Tajer praised Kuwait’s contributions to multilateral work, affirming that since its accession to the UN in 1963, the country has solidified its position as an active partner in supporting mediation, humanitarian diplomacy, and developmental aid. She noted that Kuwait has played a vital role in bridging differences, facilitating dialogue among parties, and supporting efforts to contain crises and resolve conflicts, in addition to hosting prominent humanitarian conferences that helped mobilize international support for millions affected by crises and disasters.

She pointed out that Kuwaiti developmental aid has reached over a hundred countries over six decades, embodying the values of international solidarity and the belief in the importance of investing in human capital. She explained that the accompanying “Diplomacy through Development” exhibition highlights the relationship between diplomatic efforts and developmental initiatives, and their role in improving people’s lives and enhancing their capacity to face challenges.

Al-Tajer also commended the legacy of the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may his soul rest in peace, who was honored by the United Nations with the title of Leader of Humanitarian Action in recognition of his outstanding contributions to supporting humanitarian work and strengthening international solidarity.