Kuwait at UN: Crown Prince urges collective action to preserve multilateralism, condemns Gaza atrocities as genocide

Representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York extended the greetings of HH the Amir and reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for the United Nations, describing it as a vital platform for global cooperation and peace.

He congratulated the new President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, and praised her predecessor for his efforts. He also commended the UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his bold leadership, reaffirming Kuwait’s continued support for his work.

The Crown Prince noted that the theme of this session, “Better Together”, reflected the collective responsibility of member states to face global challenges. He emphasized that the United Nations must remain the cornerstone of multilateralism, providing nations a safe haven to resolve disputes and shape a shared future.

Reflecting on the organization’s history, he recalled its founding in 1945 as a shield against global war. While no world war has erupted since, he acknowledged that the UN has struggled to adequately address modern crises in politics, security, health, and climate. These shortcomings, he said, must serve as lessons for building a more secure future.

Highlighting the UN’s successes, the Crown Prince spoke with deep gratitude about the global support Kuwait received during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. He reminded the assembly of how the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah addressed the UN to defend Kuwait’s sovereignty, leading to international backing for liberation.

He commended the Security Council for fulfilling its mandate at that time, particularly its historic decision authorizing “all necessary means” to free Kuwait. This moment, he said, remains engraved in the memory of Kuwaitis as a symbol of justice and international solidarity.

Turning to unresolved issues, he stressed Kuwait’s continued concern over prisoners, missing persons, and its lost national archives from the invasion. These files, he said, carry humanitarian, moral, and international dimensions that require genuine political will to resolve.

In this context, he welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2792 (2025), which appointed a high-level UN representative to follow up on these matters. He expressed hope that this mechanism will achieve fair and final solutions, healing the wounds of affected families and strengthening cooperation with Iraq.

On reform, the Crown Prince pointed to the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and underlined the urgent need to make the Security Council more effective, transparent, and representative of today’s world. He called for an end to double standards and the reinforcement of justice and credibility.

The Crown Prince highlighted Kuwait’s role as chair of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He underscored the Council’s importance as a pillar of regional stability and prosperity and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to advancing collective Gulf action and building stronger ties with international organizations.

Addressing regional tensions, he strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Qatar, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and an attack on a mediator working sincerely for peace. He stressed that any threat to one GCC member state is a threat to all.

He recalled the extraordinary GCC and Arab-Islamic summits convened to address the aggression, affirming Kuwait’s endorsement of their statements and decisions.

Turning to Iraq, he reaffirmed Kuwait’s long-standing commitment to supporting its stability and integration into the region. He reiterated Kuwait’s respect for bilateral agreements, particularly on maritime boundaries, and urged Iraq to uphold its commitments to pave the way for greater cooperation.

On Palestine, the Crown Prince delivered one of his strongest messages. He described the situation in Gaza — marked by mass civilian casualties, starvation policies, and widespread destruction — as nothing short of genocide. He condemned double standards in applying international law, warning that such selectivity undermines global justice.

He called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression, urgent humanitarian access, and accountability for violations. He praised mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, while also recognizing the momentum generated by the Saudi-French conference on the two-state solution.

Reaffirming Kuwait’s unwavering stance, he stressed support for Palestinian statehood based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. He condemned settlement and displacement policies, reaffirmed backing for UNRWA, and urged more countries to officially recognize Palestine.

He also expressed support for Syria and Lebanon in preserving sovereignty and stability, while voicing concern over ongoing crises in Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya. He called for dialogue, wisdom, and respect for international law to resolve these conflicts.

On Iran, he urged Tehran to adopt confidence-building measures, respect sovereignty, and return to serious negotiations on its nuclear program and other outstanding issues, stressing that this would enhance regional security.

Looking forward, the Crown Prince outlined Kuwait Vision 2035, which seeks to make Kuwait a financial, cultural, and commercial hub. He linked this vision with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the vital role of youth and women in Kuwait’s progress.

He also highlighted Kuwait’s legacy of international development, noting that the Kuwait Fund has financed projects in 107 countries since 1961.

He reaffirmed Kuwait’s humanitarian contributions, stressing that its aid is delivered without discrimination or conditions.

Concluding his address, the Crown Prince reiterated Kuwait’s enduring commitment to the UN Charter and its principles. He described Kuwait as a beacon of humanitarian action, a trusted mediator, and a country devoted to peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

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