Foreign Minister: Diplomacy is a fundamental pillar of Kuwait's identity

This came during a speech by Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the United Nations Day celebration hosted by the United Nations Mission in Kuwait, under the patronage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the theme “The Power of Diplomacy,” and attended by ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Kuwait, heads of international representative offices, and several senior state officials.

He praised the pivotal role played by the United Nations since its establishment in 1945 in safeguarding international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, and consolidating dialogue and cooperation among nations.

He highlighted the importance of this year’s celebration theme, “The Power of Diplomacy,” against the backdrop of successive crises, conflicts, and escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide, noting that diplomacy serves as an effective tool for conflict prevention, bridging differences, and building trust, particularly when grounded in the UN Charter and international law.

He affirmed that diplomacy constitutes a fundamental pillar of Kuwait’s identity, explaining that since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has pursued a balanced and moderate foreign policy based on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and upholding the values of dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts.

He added that over the past decades, Kuwait has continued its efforts to contain regional and international crises and de-escalate tensions, whether through announced initiatives or quiet diplomatic endeavors, driven by its belief in diplomacy’s capacity to find solutions even under the most difficult circumstances.

With deep appreciation and gratitude, he recalled the historic stance of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, regarding the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, emphasizing that Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 stands as one of the UN’s most notable success stories, demonstrating the effectiveness of international law and the UN Charter in safeguarding state sovereignty.

In the context of the enduring partnership between Kuwait and the United Nations spanning more than six decades, Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah commended the outcomes of this partnership, including humanitarian and development initiatives that have supported communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters, and bolstered efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with various UN agencies, programs, and funds.

He stressed that humanitarian action represents an authentic and deeply rooted value in Kuwaiti society, reflected in the state’s foreign policy and manifested in numerous initiatives, most notably the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in 1961. He underscored the close interconnection between peace and development, noting that there is no peace without development, and no development without peace.

He further affirmed that under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait will continue to play its role as an active and reliable partner to the United Nations, supporting multilateralism, peaceful diplomatic solutions, and humanitarian efforts to contribute to achieving security, stability, and prosperity.

For her part, Ghada Taher, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, emphasized in her speech that Kuwait has made mediation and humanitarian diplomacy a distinctive feature of its foreign policy since joining the UN in 1963, praising its steadfast partnership with the international organization and its humanitarian and development contributions over the past decades.

Al-Taher expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Kuwait, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, emphasizing the importance of the existing partnership in supporting international efforts to achieve peace and sustainable development.

She stated that diplomacy requires greater courage than the use of force, noting that dialogue, listening, reliance on reason, and consensus are essential tools for resolving conflicts. She pointed out that diplomacy holds particular significance in Kuwait, given its history of mediation, hosting humanitarian conferences, and mobilizing support for millions in need.

She added that Kuwait’s development assistance has reached more than 100 countries over six decades, a legacy embodied by the “Diplomacy Through Development” exhibition. She highlighted the United Nations’ pride in honoring this role by naming the late His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as the Leader of Humanitarian Action.

She stressed that the need for diplomacy has become more urgent than ever, amid escalating conflicts and tensions, as well as global challenges that exceed the capacity of individual states to address alone, including climate change, water scarcity, pressures on food systems, and the rapid transformations the world is undergoing due to artificial intelligence, along with the opportunities and risks it entails, which require appropriate governance.

She congratulated Kuwait on its re-election to the membership of the Human Rights Council, expressing the United Nations’ hope for continued joint efforts to promote decent work and safeguard the rights of all, including migrant workers who make significant contributions to the Kuwaiti economy and society.