Third season of Young Ambassador Programme launched in Kuwait

• This year’s six-month programme, themed ‘Sustainable Peace and Security’ and aligned with UN SDG 16, will equip forty of Kuwait’s brightest young minds with essential diplomatic and advocacy skills to foster sustainable change in their communities and beyond.

• Mrs. Ghada Eltahir, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in the State of Kuwait, explained that this year’s program aims to equip future young ambassadors with rhetorical skills to navigate events and emotions effectively, fostering qualities for peaceful conflict resolution.

• Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, Minister Plenipotentiary Mohammed Al-Omiri, said, “We hope that this programme can empower the youth to be advocates for sustainable peace and security and further expose them to the principles of the UN Charter, which calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes and represents the guiding principles of international relations.”

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Kuwait, in collaboration with the British and Canadian Embassies, launched the third season of the Young Ambassador Programme.

The event featured the participation of the Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, Minister Plenipotentiary Mohammed Rashid Alomairi, from the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to involving youth in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over its past two seasons, the programme has provided a platform for secondary school students in Kuwait to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become impactful advocates for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in promoting economic, social, and environmental progress.

Season One focused on gender equality, encouraging students to champion women’s inclusion and empowerment, while Season Two allowed participants to hone their climate diplomacy skills. Both seasons were resoundingly successful, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to advocate confidently on some of the most pressing global issues of today.

Under the theme “Sustainable Peace and Security,” aligned with UN SDG 16, this year’s six-month Programme will equip forty of Kuwait’s best and brightest young minds with core diplomatic and policy advocacy skills, nurturing a new generation of leaders who will promote positive, sustainable change in their local communities and beyond.

Each Young Ambassador will be matched with a participating embassy or international organization that will provide them with weekly mentoring sessions while they also benefit from various group networking and learning activities throughout the programme.

Participants will learn to promote peaceful coexistence, mitigate conflicts, and foster secure, inclusive societies worldwide, contributing to the UN’s vision of a stable, peaceful, and just global community.

In her address, Mrs. Ghada Eltahir, the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in the State of Kuwait, acknowledged the pivotal support of partner embassies, particularly the British and Canadian Embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She noted that their joint commitment has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward: “Your dedication is not only commendable but vital in advancing our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous global community, as well as our common belief in placing youth at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.”

Ghada Al-Taher explained that this year’s program aims to equip future young ambassadors with rhetorical skills to navigate events and emotions effectively, fostering qualities for peaceful conflict resolution. She stressed the need for diplomatic solutions amid current regional challenges, allowing for joint resolutions through open dialogue.

Reflecting on the global challenges facing youth—ranging from persistent conflicts to geopolitical tensions—Al-Taher underscored the critical need for sustainable peace, particularly in regions severely impacted by conflict. She also noted that the program aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ vision of empowering young people to engage in decision-making as part of the Pact for the Future.”

“As we witness the talents of these young ambassadors, I am confident they will continue to champion peace and inclusive societies in alignment with SDG 16,” Al-Taherconcluded, congratulating both the young ambassadors and their partners.

Empowering the youth to be advocates for sustainable peace and security

Mohammed Rashid Alomairi, said, “We hope that this programme can empower the youth to be advocates for sustainable peace and security and further expose them to the principles of the UN Charter, which calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes and represents the guiding principles of international relations.”

Mohammed Rashid Alomairi emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting young people and enhancing their capabilities, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively collaborates with the United Nations and embassies in organizing the ‘Young Ambassadors’ program.

In his speech at the inauguration of the program’s third season, he highlighted the significance of this year’s program theme for Kuwaiti youth, whom he expects to play a vital role in the country’s future development through learning and diplomatic skill-building. He added that the ministry is confident in benefiting from the contributions of today’s youth, who bring fresh perspectives to pressing issues, raising Kuwait’s profile on the global stage.”

UK ambassador praises Young Ambassador Programme’s commitment to sustainable peace and security

H.E. Belinda Lewis, Ambassador of United Kingdom to the State of Kuwait, also expressed, “The British Embassy is delighted to continue to support the Young Ambassador Programme, which is now in its third year. Through this programme, we have seen a number of highly motivated young people grow their confidence and leadership skills, and we look forward to maintaining the same energy and passion this year as the group tackles the theme of Sustainable Peace and Security.

This is a complex area, covering issues ranging from organized crime and open conflict to transparent governance and representative decision-making. We look forward to our Young Ambassadors learning about these important topics and offering constructive challenges as they develop and share their insights, ideas, and reflections.”

Canada’s ambassador highlights unique opportunity for Kuwaiti students to learn diplomacy and advocate for peace

H.E. Aliya Mawani, Canada’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, said, “Canada is proud to once again collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations, and our diplomatic partners to offer students in Kuwait this truly unique opportunity to learn about diplomacy firsthand from experts and practitioners, develop skills for effective advocacy, and contribute their insights on ensuring a secure and peaceful world.”

“We are living in complex times, and youth engagement is critical if our global governance and efforts to promote peace and security are to be relevant and fit for purpose. I’ve been so impressed by the previous Young Ambassadors and the passion and dedication they brought to the programme and to sharing their experiences with their communities. I look forward to getting to know this season’s cohort,” the ambassador added.