Minister of 'Social Affairs': Launching the 'Covenant of Loyalty to the Elderly' to safeguard their rights and enhance their quality of life

- Development of an integrated care system and more than 4,000 beneficiaries of mobile home care services

- The Charter supports the independence and social participation of older persons and enhances their digital empowerment

Kuwait officials announced today, Thursday, the launch of the “Charter of Loyalty to Older Persons,” as a national and societal framework that embodies the commitment of various entities and individuals toward older persons, translating values of loyalty, respect, and appreciation into principles that enhance their status, safeguard their rights, and improve their quality of life.

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This announcement came during a speech by Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, on the occasion of the Elderly Care Department under the Social Care and Development Sector’s celebration of World Elderly Day, under the theme “Our Elders... Our Partners in the Digital Future.”

Al-Huwaili clarified that the Charter supports the independence of older persons, expands their social, cultural, and volunteer participation, and enhances their inclusion and digital empowerment, alongside leveraging their experience and knowledge as a national and societal asset.

She stated that caring for older persons and attending to their needs is a fundamental pillar in development plans and the Ministry’s strategy, based on the belief that quality of life is a comprehensive journey across all life stages. She noted that this occasion embodies meanings of loyalty and gratitude to a generation that has contributed greatly, witnessed the country’s progress, and was an integral partner in shaping its trajectory.

She emphasized that World Elderly Day is not merely a passing celebration, but a moment of reverence, appreciation, and renewal of commitment toward the first-generation parents, who are the blessing in homes, wisdom in society, and the living memory of the nation.

She pointed out that Kuwait continues, 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), its humane approach to preserving human dignity and enhancing quality of life.

She noted that the Ministry is working to develop an integrated care system encompassing health, psychological, and social aspects, ensuring a dignified and stable life for older persons, whether by facilitating their stay within their family environment or by providing various mobile home care services benefiting more than 4,000 individuals across different care centers.

She highlighted that the Ministry is also working to strengthen legislation and laws that protect the rights of older persons and ensure their priority in accessing government services with ease and efficiency, alongside launching community initiatives aimed at integrating their life and professional experiences into the development process and building bridges for knowledge exchange with younger generations.

Al-Huwaili clarified that the perspective on older persons is not based on the years they have lived, but on what they can contribute in the future, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from the traditional concept of care to a broader one that empowers their capabilities and sustains their intellectual and cognitive impact.

She stressed the necessity of expanding the space for older persons’ participation, listening to their visions, and responding to their aspirations and needs, thereby enhancing their independence and affirming their presence at the heart of society.

She stated that older persons are not on the margins of life, but at the center of the Ministry’s attention and top priorities, noting that the Ministry of Social Affairs will spare no effort in providing everything that ensures their dignity, comfort, and peace of mind, in return for the kindness they have shown throughout decades of their lives.

In conclusion, she expressed gratitude and appreciation to every family that hosts its elders, to all who care for them, to workers in this humanitarian field, and to every entity that contributed to supporting national efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older persons in Kuwait.

For his part, Dr. Jassem Al-Kandari, Director of the Social Care Administration at the Ministry, affirmed in a similar statement that the care of the elderly and enhancing their participation in society represent a national and humanitarian commitment, emphasizing the importance of developing the services and programs provided to them to meet their social, psychological, and living needs and to support their roles within the family and society.

Al-Kandari said that the occasion represents an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of the elderly in building the family, society, and the nation, and to renew the commitment to safeguarding their dignity, protecting their rights, listening to their needs, enhancing their participation, and improving their quality of life.

He added that this year’s celebration theme underscores that true digital progress is incomplete without inclusion, noting that society is undergoing rapid technological transformations that have become part of daily life details, ranging from communication and access to information to completing transactions and utilizing services.

He stressed the importance of empowering the elderly to benefit from modern technology, services, and opportunities by providing clear, easy, and safe services, alongside training programs tailored to their needs and capabilities.

He pointed out that what has been achieved and what the Ministry strives to achieve in the field of elderly care is the result of concerted efforts and collaborative work, expressing his appreciation to all who contributed and supported this journey.

Al-Kandari commended the support of Minister Al-Hawila and her dedication to developing the social care system and elevating the services and initiatives that enhance the status of the elderly, empower them, and improve their quality of life.

He praised the support of Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi and his continuous follow-up of efforts related to elderly issues, as well as his commitment to developing the services, programs, and initiatives directed toward them.

He extended his thanks to Ibrahim Al-Baghlai, the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Elderly, and the Ibrahim Tariq Al-Baghlai Initiative for the Elderly, in appreciation of their dedication and continuous efforts in serving the elderly and the initiatives and contributions they provide, which embody values of loyalty and social responsibility.

He expressed his appreciation to all government and civil society supporting entities and civil society organizations that contributed to the success of the occasion through their cooperation, support, and participation, commending the efforts of the Elderly Care Administration and all its staff in serving and caring for the elderly.

Al-Kandari affirmed that the Ministry’s message to the elderly on this occasion is that their contributions are valued, their experience is an asset, their status is preserved, and their dignity, rights, and quality of life will remain a priority.