‘Philanthropy’ basis of Kuwait external policy – Over 100 nations benefited from Kuwaiti aid: KAFED
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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16, (KUNA): The State of Kuwait, along with many nations of the globe, marks on October 17th the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by showcasing its long record of aiding the needy and soothing pain of people in hardships. Kuwait has tangibly given support for those who need help, globally and in regional countries, backing relevant UN resolutions.
During the UNESCO executive board 196th session, held in Paris last April, Kuwait called anew on the international community to coordinate efforts for fighting this scourge. The Gulf State bases its campaign for relieving the cashstrapped people on the conviction that poverty is a fertile ground for wars, violence and conflicts as well as communities’ disintegration.
Kuwait has also shown keenness on ensuring success of the 2014 UN development plan. Kuwait, since independence, has sought to aid those in need for a hand of mercy, both at the official and grass-root levels. The Government has hurried relief aid to peoples stricken with catastrophes throughout the globe, while devotees, namely the late iconic philanthropist, Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, reached the poor in farthermost spots of the globe, namely remote African nations. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the State’s philanthropic arm, has been active since more than half a century ago, helping nations cope with poor resources or other problems such as unemployment.
Up to 101 nations have benefited from the Kuwaiti aid. According to KAFED’s records, its financial contributions financed development projects in agriculture, industry, transport, communication, power, energy, education and health in a long chain of countries. Moreover, Kuwait has launched several initiatives since era of the late Amir, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who acted globally to relieve poor nations of debts’ burden. The Kuwaiti Government relief efforts, since His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was proclaimed the State of Kuwait Amir in 2006, have substantially increased to aid the poor, in line with Kuwait’s unique external policy, “the humanitarian diplomacy.”
In 2008, His Highness the Amir launched the honorary living fund, contributing with USD 100 million to help peoples cope with soaring necessities’ prices. KFAED confirms that up to 22 states have benefited from this fund. Furthermore, the State of Kuwait is a main contributor to the World Food Program, in addition to its support for the jobless youth, establishing the USD two billion small enterprise fund, with a Kuwaiti contribution amounting to half a billion dollars. In the Arab world, Kuwait has generously helped Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Sudan. The snowballing wave of Kuwaiti charities, locally, regionally and internationally, prompted the UN in 2014 to designate His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad as the world’s number-one “Humanitarian Leader.” It simultaneously proclaimed the State of Kuwait the “Humanitarian Center” of the globe. In 2016, Kuwait pledged $176 million to support humanitarian efforts in Iraq. Kuwait’s charitable support for the needy is not solely via Government channels. Kuwaiti non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also plays an integral part at this level. Thousands of US dollars worth of humanitarian supplies have been delivered to Syrian refugees in countries neighboring their war-stricken homeland. According to international figures, there are one billion poor people in the world.
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