Al-Houla: Enhancing the Capabilities of Public Benefit Institutions
Dr. Um Al-Holwa, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, emphasized the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting public benefit institutions and strengthening their capabilities within a framework of governance, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring the sustainability of volunteer work and maximizing its impact.
She made these remarks during her attendance at the celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, held at the Society’s headquarters. Al-Holwa stated that “humanitarian work in the State of Kuwait has, throughout its history, enjoyed the noble patronage of the political leadership, which has made the relief of those affected and the support of those in need a steadfast state policy and an integral part of its mission and standing among nations.”
Al-Holwa added that “Kuwait continues to fulfill its humanitarian mission under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who provide continuous support for humanitarian efforts, extending a solid trajectory that culminated in 2014 with the designation of the State of Kuwait as the Center for Humanitarian Action.”
She further noted that “the 60th anniversary of the Society’s founding is not merely a celebration of the past, but an occasion to look toward the future and renew our commitment to the humanitarian mission, by developing response tools, investing in national competencies, leveraging modern technologies, and empowering youth to expand their participation in volunteer work.”
For his part, Khalid Al-Magams, Ambassador and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, stated that “the 60th anniversary of the Society’s founding represents a national and humanitarian milestone, recalling a long journey since January 1966 that has solidified Kuwait’s position in the fields of humanitarian and relief work around the world.”
Al-Magams highlighted in his address that “the Society’s sustained 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. Its mission is based on preserving human dignity and supporting those affected without discrimination.”
Al-Magams pointed out that “the Board of Directors has also worked to institutionalize operations, enhance national readiness, and qualify personnel and field teams. The Society will continue to expand the scope of its humanitarian impact, strengthen its capacity for rapid and effective response, and consolidate Kuwait’s standing in the fields of relief and humanitarian work.”
On her part, Yansky Vandormael, acting representative of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation, stated that “the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is founded on the seven Fundamental Principles and places (humanity) at the core of its work. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society has embodied this principle at both the national and global levels, carrying hope and relief to diverse communities.”
Vandormael added that “the ICRC highly values the Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s valuable contributions to alleviating human suffering around the world. In thanking the Society, we also commend the outstanding efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in facilitating the humanitarian support provided by the State of Kuwait across the globe.”
She continued, “The Kuwait Red Crescent Society has had a prominent and influential presence in the affairs of the International Movement, having held a seat on the Standing Commission from 2019 to 2023, reflecting its strong voice and leadership role in humanitarian work.”
Vandormael affirmed that on this anniversary, we celebrate not only the achievements of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, but also the spirit of solidarity and humanity that unites us, and we hope that the Society will remain a distinguished symbol of humanity and resilience for future generations.
Minister Al-Hawaili highlighted that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has, over the past 60 years, embodied the values of Kuwaiti society in mutual support, compassion, and relief for those in need. Since its establishment in 1966, it has been an effective national partner in supporting humanitarian and relief efforts both within Kuwait and abroad, remaining present in crisis and disaster zones while carrying Kuwait’s name and humanitarian stance to various parts of the world.
Khalid Al-Mughamis affirmed that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has continued to fulfill its mission amid increasing humanitarian challenges from October 2024 to September 2026. Its activities extended to 13 countries, and it carried out 27 air flights delivering a total of approximately 550 tons of aid. Leading these efforts was the “Gaza Joy” campaign, which transported 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, alongside humanitarian flights and convoys to Syria, Sudan, and Yemen.
Al-Mughamis noted 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 includes enhancing training through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in first aid, thereby strengthening the efficiency and readiness of the training system.
Yansky Vandormael stated that the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society share a solid and successful partnership. Together, they have implemented numerous joint operations in Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan, and elsewhere, and have collaborated on capacity-building programs, including first aid, emergency preparedness and response, family tracing, and the dissemination of international humanitarian law, among many others. The ICRC reaffirms its commitment to continuing to strengthen this partnership.
