The Times Kuwait Report
In Kuwait’s vibrant humanitarian landscape, few figures have left as profound a mark as Nisreen Rubaian during her tenure with UNHCR Kuwait. Known for her unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and deep empathy for displaced communities, Rubaian’s journey reflects both professional excellence and a deeply human mission.
In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her experience, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Q: Looking back on your time with UNHCR Kuwait, how would you describe your overall experience?
Nisreen: My time in Kuwait has been both professionally rewarding and personally transformative. Kuwait is a country with a strong humanitarian tradition, and working here allowed me to witness firsthand the generosity and solidarity of its leadership and people. At UNHCR Kuwait, we were not just implementing programs we were building bridges of hope for vulnerable populations. Every initiative, every partnership, and every success story reinforced my belief in the power of collective action.
Q: What were some of the key achievements during your tenure that you are most proud of?
Nisreen: There are several milestones I hold close to my heart. Strengthening partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and civil society was central to our work. We were able to significantly enhance awareness about refugee issues and mobilize meaningful support for displaced communities globally.
Another key achievement was expanding innovative fundraising and outreach campaigns. These initiatives not only increased contributions but also deepened public engagement with humanitarian causes. Most importantly, we ensured that the voices of refugees remained at the center of everything we did.
Q: Kuwait is known for its humanitarian leadership. How did that influence your work?
Nisreen: Kuwait’s leadership in humanitarian action is truly inspiring. The country has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting those in need, both regionally and globally. This environment made it possible for us to operate with strong backing and credibility.
The recognition of Kuwait as a global humanitarian center has translated into real impact. It enabled us to build trust, foster partnerships, and mobilize resources effectively. Working in such a supportive ecosystem was a privilege.
Q: What challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them?
Nisreen: Like any humanitarian role, there were challenges especially in maintaining momentum during times of global uncertainty. The increasing scale of displacement worldwide meant that needs were growing faster than resources.
We addressed this by focusing on innovation, collaboration, and transparency. Strengthening communication with donors and stakeholders was crucial. We also worked to ensure that every contribution, no matter how small, was linked to tangible outcomes.
Q: How would you describe your leadership approach during your time in Kuwait?
Nisreen: I believe in inclusive and empathetic leadership. It’s important to listen to your team, to partners, and most importantly, to the people we serve. Creating an environment of trust and collaboration allows teams to perform at their best.
I also emphasized adaptability. The humanitarian landscape is constantly evolving, and leaders must be prepared to respond with agility while staying grounded in core values.
Q: What impact do you hope your work has left behind in UNHCR Kuwait?
Nisreen: I hope that my tenure contributed to strengthening the foundation for continued growth and impact. If we have managed to deepen partnerships, raise awareness, and inspire more people to engage with humanitarian causes, then I consider that a success.
Ultimately, the real impact lies in the lives we’ve touched—the families who received support, the children who found hope, and the communities that felt seen and heard.
Q: What message would you like to leave for your colleagues and partners in Kuwait?
Nisreen: I would like to express my deepest gratitude. The achievements we celebrate today are the result of collective effort. Kuwait’s humanitarian spirit is powerful, and I am confident it will continue to make a difference on the global stage.
To my colleagues and partners, I say: continue to believe in the mission. The work we do matters, and together, we can create lasting change.
Q: What’s next for you after this chapter?
Nisreen: While I look forward to new challenges and opportunities, my commitment to humanitarian work remains unwavering. This is not just a profession, it is a calling. Wherever I go, I will carry with me the lessons, experiences, and inspiration I gained in Kuwait.
