Kuwait a global leader in supporting citizens facing hardship, says official

Kuwait stands tall as a global leader in supporting citizens amidst difficult challenges, said Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development at the Ministry of Social Affairs, while highlighting the nation’s commitment through the robust “Social Assistance Law.”

In his address during the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Al-Ajmi underscored Kuwait’s unwavering dedication to social development amidst the array of global challenges.

He observed that the ongoing session occurs amidst a backdrop of complex global challenges that hinder many nations’ and societies’ efforts towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These challenges include rising inflation, potential global recession, political and security unrest, armed conflicts, and natural disasters.

Al-Ajmi stressed that these challenges directly or indirectly affect the ability of nations to formulate policies aimed at achieving and enhancing social welfare and services, ensuring decent living standards for all.

Kuwait’s decades-long social development efforts rooted in constitutional principles

He elaborated on Kuwait’s national social development efforts over the decades, which are grounded in explicit constitutional principles that uphold the rights of individuals and families.

Article 11 of the Kuwaiti Constitution mandates that “the state shall extend assistance to citizens in cases of old age, illness, or incapacity for work. It shall further furnish them with social insurance, social assistance, and healthcare services.”

Furthermore, Article 9 states that “the family serves as the cornerstone of society, and its foundation is religion, morality, and love of the homeland. The law shall preserve its entity, strengthen its ties, and protect motherhood and childhood under its care.”

Al-Ajmi highlighted that these constitutional texts, among others, serve as the foundation of Kuwait’s social development efforts. The country has made significant strides in achieving the SDGs, particularly in the realm of social policies.

“We believe that the progress of nations and peoples is always measured by what each country offers in the humanitarian and social fields,” he said.

“In Kuwait, under the government’s initiative for Kuwait Vision 2035, we believe that addressing major challenges and rapid changes across all sectors necessitates collective efforts to bolster social protection and achieve the desired equilibrium for targeted groups,” he added.

Kuwait’s notable achievements

Al-Ajmi then elaborated on Kuwait’s notable achievements in advancing social protection, beginning with early childhood development. The country has implemented an early childhood program aimed at improving health and social care services for children, ensuring quality education, and training specialized cadres to guarantee the rights of children at every stage of their lives.

Kuwait’s groundbreaking Social Assistance Law allocates 800 million Kuwaiti dinars in support

In terms of supporting individuals and families facing financial difficulties, Al-Ajmi emphasized the significance of the annual Social Assistance Law, regarded as a groundbreaking humanitarian measure, which allocates approximately 800 million Kuwaiti dinars in support. This reflects the state’s moral and constitutional obligation to its citizens who are experiencing hardship and adversity.

He also underscored Kuwait’s commitment to training this demographic and reintegrating them into the workforce through the Business Incubator and Project Development Program, an initiative aimed at empowering women, fostering self-reliance, and facilitating their active participation in society.

Family protection

Regarding family protection, Al-Ajmi highlighted the Domestic Violence Protection Law, which has enabled the management of numerous domestic violence cases involving individuals from diverse backgrounds in specialized centers. These centers, overseen by a specialized team affiliated with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, offer comprehensive services to victims while safeguarding their rights.

Al-Ajmi underscored Kuwait’s commitment in assisting individuals with disabilities, their families, and the elderly. The country implemented a substantial law for people with disabilities years ago, ensuring they receive essential medical, social, and financial assistance. Furthermore, the Elderly Care Law strives to provide comprehensive services to support them and ensure a decent quality of life.

Al-Ajmi concluded by reaffirming Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to advancing development efforts across all sectors and for all segments of society, especially the most vulnerable. He called for collective efforts, regional and international cooperation, and knowledge exchange to enhance the well-being of people across the globe.