Diplomatic Institute Expands Cooperation with UNHCR

- The memorandum extends for three years as part of a work plan that aligns with needs and developments

- Developing national cadres from the Institute’s diplomats and staff working in various state entities

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, has signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, in accordance with the respective mandates of each party.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UNHCR noted that the agreement was signed by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajjar, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Diplomatic Institute Affairs and Minister Plenipotentiary, at the Institute’s headquarters.

The statement highlighted that the memorandum covers a three-year period, during which an annual work plan will be agreed upon to address needs and keep pace with the latest developments in humanitarian and diplomatic fields. It also emphasizes the development of national cadres comprising diplomats affiliated with the Institute or staff working in various state entities, preparing them to keep pace with international transformations.

The statement quoted Khalifa as saying that the UNHCR places great importance on partnerships that enable the exchange of expertise, strengthen capacities, and raise awareness about its humanitarian work and activities.

He added that the UNHCR looks forward to further cooperation to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian diplomacy and the pivotal role played by Kuwait through its various official channels in supporting people forced to seek refuge around the world.

For his part, Al-Hajjar stated that this partnership reflects the deep relationship between the Institute and the UNHCR, noting that the Institute aspires to strengthen this partnership and expand areas of cooperation with the UNHCR.

He noted that this partnership reflects the deep ties between the Institute and the UNHCR, citing previous examples of fruitful cooperation that led to the delivery of practical and theoretical awareness courses on the UNHCR’s activities for diplomats affiliated with the Institute.

He pointed out that the Institute had previously hosted a group of UNHCR field experts, who highlighted the importance of humanitarian work and Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian diplomacy, given its status as a global hub for humanitarian action, expressing hope for strengthening this partnership and expanding cooperation with the UNHCR.