'Social Affairs' Minister: Kuwait Committed to Supporting Joint Arab Social Work and Enhancing Social Protection

- During the 84th session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs

Al-Hawila: Current regional conditions necessitate strengthening solidarity and supporting affected countries and peoples

Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Child Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Hawila, affirmed on Tuesday Kuwait’s commitment to supporting joint Arab social action, enhancing social protection, and empowering women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

This statement came during a speech delivered by Al-Hawila at the 84th ordinary session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, held in Cairo, where she called for addressing social challenges and combating multidimensional poverty through practical programs with clear objectives and tangible impact.

Al-Hawila stated that Kuwait continues to update its social legislation and services, highlighting legislative amendments in the fields of domestic violence protection and drug control, as well as new regulations on volunteer work and media organization. She also noted the preparation and submission of draft laws concerning the rights of children and persons with disabilities.

She explained that the Family Protection Program, approved by the Cabinet last May, constitutes a comprehensive framework to support family stability, involving several state ministries and institutions, under the supervision of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to coordinate initiatives, monitor their results and challenges, and submit recommendations to the Cabinet.

Regarding women’s empowerment, Al-Hawila noted that Kuwait supports training, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and the “Boutique 33” project to support productive families. She also mentioned the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Committee to follow up on national efforts and international indicators, and to work toward creating an integrated national platform for women.

She added that among these efforts is the launch of the Kuwait Award for Women’s Excellence (“Maqam wa Tamkeen”), under the patronage of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a step reflecting the importance placed on enhancing women’s presence and role in development pathways.

Al-Hawila outlined the efforts of the Supreme National Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including providing educational and employment opportunities, assistive devices, reasonable accommodations, and family rehabilitation. She also highlighted the launch of the Kuwait Award for Creativity for Persons with Disabilities and the development of services for the elderly that preserve their dignity and support their independence.

She emphasized the importance of leveraging digital transformation to improve services and facilitate access, while protecting privacy and data confidentiality.

Al-Hawila stressed that current regional conditions require strengthening Arab solidarity and supporting affected countries and peoples, foremost among them the fraternal Palestinian people. She called for supporting programs and projects that protect children, families, and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to essential care and services.

She prayed to God to protect countries and peoples, perpetuate the blessings of security and safety, lift calamities from affected nations, and establish peace and stability throughout the region.

Al-Hawila reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing cooperation with member states and the General Secretariat of the Arab League, as well as exchanging expertise to support social protection, family cohesion, and social inclusion. She expressed her hope that the Executive Office’s work would contribute to preparing practical decisions for the 46th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, linked to clear implementation pathways and regular monitoring, achieving tangible impact in the lives of Arab citizens.