Ghada Al-Taher (Secretary General of the United Nations and Resident Coordinator to the State of Kuwait) , Aliya Mawani (Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait) and Belinda Lewis (British Ambassador to Kuwait)

KUWAIT CITY, May 7: Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Resident Coordinator to the State of Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher affirmed that the participants in the ‘Young Ambassador’ Program had a comprehensive transformational experience, as they acquired the tools of true diplomacy through their engagement in activities that opened horizons to complex concepts, such as multilateral peace, climate change and cybersecurity as well as issues concerning women, peace and security.

Al-Taher made the statement at the closing ceremony of the third season of the ‘Young Ambassador’ program, which was jointly organized by the embassies of the United Kingdom and Canada, along with the United Nations Office in Kuwait. A total of 39 high school students participated in the seven-month-long program. Present at the event were Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations and Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah, representatives of the Public Authority for Youth and Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, and a large number of individuals from the diplomatic community and international organizations operating in Kuwait. Al-Taher affirmed that the United Nations puts the youth at the heart of its strategies to achieve peace and security. She stressed the importance of investing in the young generation, considering them “a generation that carries vision, values, and an influential voice.” She pointed out that the program would not have been successful without the cooperation and partnership of all concerned parties. She thanked the embassies, schools, and families for their support.

Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani praised the participants, indicating they proved that their level of commitment and curiosity is truly intellectual. “I am proud of this distinguished group of young ambassadors. Many of them told me that this experience is a turning point in their lives. I am excited to see their future impact on their communities,” she asserted. British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis said the British Embassy is keen on supporting and organizing this program, expressing her admiration for the energy and fresh ideas presented by the participants. She added, “These young people have inspired us with their curiosity and ambition. We look forward to their promising future.” The closing ceremony featured short documentaries produced by the participants, depicting their visions for building a more just and peaceful world and signifying their deep understanding of international issues and their commitment to be effective in bringing about change.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff