KUWAIT CITY, Sept 30: Director of the Civilization Communication Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Salah Aba Al-Khail confirmed that the department is improving its strategy to encourage ideological diversity and combat Islamophobia. Al-Khail affirmed these efforts are within the framework of Kuwait’s global leadership in Islamic work; as reflected in the performance of the departments, centers, and sectors of the ministry as a whole, to highlight the humanitarian role of the State in supporting Muslims in western countries, especially in light of the challenges they are facing in those countries. He pointed out that the valuable project adopted by the department aims to change the misconceptions about Islam at the local, regional, and international levels.

He explained that this goal requires comprehensive social reforms to narrow the cultural and civilization gaps between peoples, especially those stemming from religious and cultural differences. He said building bridges of understanding between different peoples is on top of the priorities of the department, which is keen on spreading the values of societal and religious tolerance. He stressed that correcting misconceptions hindering cooperation between civilizations is essential in the department’s path toward enhancing understanding and cultural dialogue.

He added that combating Islamophobia -- an excessive and unjustified fear of Islam -- is one of the main axes in the strategy of the department. He affirmed the department remains committed to highlighting the humanitarian values of Islam and enhancing the role played by Kuwait in supporting Muslims around the world, in line with the new world trends that reject violence and extremism. He stated that the participation of the department in the Gothenburg International Exhibition in Sweden is part of efforts aimed at developing cultural and civilization communication. He added the distribution of the ‘Divine Calls’ booklet in the Swedish language reflects the tolerant humanitarian values of Islam.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi issued a ministerial decision regarding the assignment of experts for summer work. The decision states that Article Two of Ministerial Resolution No. 233/2011 shall be replaced with the following text: “If the number of experts who meet the conditions for assignment to summer work exceeds one-third, they shall be assigned in the following order of priority:
1. Experts who have not previously been assigned and granted summer work bonus in the previous year,
2. Experts who have been assigned the least number of times and received a summer work bonus,
3. Occupants of the highest position stipulated in the Kuwaiti Experts Job Schedule attached to Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 6:1993 as follows:
- Senior Expert,
- First Expert,
- Second Expert,
- Third Expert,
- Assistant Expert A,
- Most senior in terms of appointment to the Experts Department,

The decision added: “All competent authorities must implement this decision, according to their capacity.”