Minister of Social Affairs: The Red Crescent Society embodies Kuwait's humanitarian message over 60 years - Sarmad
(KUNA) – Dr. Muthal Al-Hawaili, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, affirmed on Monday that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society has embodied the values of Kuwaiti society in solidarity, compassion, and relief for the needy over the past 60 years.
In a speech delivered on the occasion of 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 Kuwait’s political leadership throughout the country’s history, which has made supporting the needy and relieving the suffering a steadfast policy and an integral part of the state’s standing among nations.
She added that Kuwait continues to play a leading role under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State, and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, may God protect and preserve them, and the continuous support they extend to this sector.
Al-Hawaili noted that this journey was crowned in 2014 with the designation of the State of Kuwait as the “Humanitarian Hub.” She explained that the celebration of this occasion provides an opportunity to recall six decades filled with generosity and dedicated work in service of humanity.
She mentioned that since its establishment in 1966, the Society has become an effective national partner in supporting relief efforts both within Kuwait and abroad, recording a prominent presence in the fields of crises and disasters, carrying the name of Kuwait and its noble positions to various parts of the world.
Al-Hawaili highlighted that the Society’s experience has underscored the importance of partnership between state institutions and civil society. She pointed to the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting public benefit institutions and enhancing their capabilities in accordance with the principles of governance, transparency, and efficiency, thereby ensuring the sustainability of volunteer work and maximizing its impact.
She added that the occasion is not merely about celebrating the past but serves as a milestone for envisioning the future through developing response tools, investing in national competencies, leveraging modern technologies, empowering youth, and expanding their voluntary participation.
Al-Hawaili expressed her appreciation for the original founders, successive chairmen and board members, the executive management, staff, partners, donors, and supporters. She also valued the efforts of the Society’s male and female volunteers, who represent its beating heart and its field presence.
In conclusion, Al-Hawaili congratulated the Society on the occasion, wishing it further progress and success, and continued generosity in serving humanity and raising the name of the State of Kuwait high.
For his part, Khalid Al-Mughams, Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) 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 solidified Kuwait’s position in the fields of humanitarian and relief work around the world.
Al-Mughams said that the Society has continued to fulfill its mission during the period from October 2024 to September 2026 amid increasing humanitarian challenges. Its activities extended to 13 countries, and it carried out 27 air flights with a total of approximately 550 tons of aid. This included the “Gaza Joy” campaign, which transported 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, in addition to humanitarian flights and caravans to Syria, Sudan, and Yemen.
He added that the Society’s success over the decades has been underpinned by the support of the political leadership, official bodies, donors, volunteers, and its partners among international humanitarian associations and organizations. He affirmed that its mission is based on preserving human dignity and supporting the affected without discrimination.
Al-Mughams 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 using virtual reality (VR) technology in first aid to boost the efficiency and readiness of the training system.
Al-Mughams clarified 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 that the Society will continue to expand the scope of its humanitarian impact, enhance its capacity for rapid and effective response, and consolidate Kuwait’s position in the fields of relief and humanitarian work.
For her part, Yansky Vandormael, acting representative of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation, told KUNA in a similar statement 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 said that the ICRC highly appreciates the Society’s contributions to alleviating human suffering around the world, and values the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in facilitating the humanitarian support provided by the State of Kuwait in various parts of the world.
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 noted that a partnership between the Society and the ICRC has resulted in the implementation of joint operations in Syria, Bangladesh, and Sudan, as well as cooperation in first aid, emergency preparedness, family tracing, and the dissemination of international humanitarian law.
Vandormael clarified that the ICRC renews its commitment to continue strengthening 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.
It is worth noting that the Minister of Social Affairs and the Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors honored a number of volunteers, media representatives, and supporting bodies for Kuwaiti charitable and humanitarian work during the celebration.
(End) SLM / TAB
