Al-Kandari says, Kuwait committed to safe, dignified life for elderly through sustainable services
The State of Kuwait, represented by Dr. Jassim Al-Kandari, Assistant Undersecretary for the Social Welfare Sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs, participated Thursday in an international event titled “Towards Safe and Dignified Aging: Protecting the Elderly in Light of Demographic and Social Transformations”, held alongside the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In remarks to KUNA, Dr. Al-Kandari affirmed that Kuwait’s participation underscores its ongoing commitment to regional and international efforts that protect and empower older persons, while fostering cooperation with international organizations and civil society.
He stressed that enhancing the quality of life for the elderly is a cornerstone of Kuwait’s social policy, not only nationally but also within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) framework. Elderly citizens, he emphasized, are seen as pillars of development and custodians of wisdom, values, and experience.
In his address, titled “Reviewing Modern Gulf Trends and Policies in Caring for the Elderly in Light of Population and Social Challenges”, Dr. Al-Kandari highlighted Kuwait’s longstanding history of elderly care, dating back to 1955; and reviewed legislative advancements, including the establishment of a specialized elderly care department.
He presented an integrated and sustainable system of services, encompassing shelters and day care centers; home care and rehabilitation services; community integration programs; ‘Priority Card’ benefits; partnerships with civil society organizations and sustainable national strategy.
Dr. Al-Kandari also stressed that Kuwait is committed to adopting sustainable national and regional strategies to address the evolving needs of the elderly, ensuring their active participation in society; preservation of their dignity and rights and continued social integration and support.
He concluded by emphasizing that Kuwait places the elderly at the center of its development vision, seeking to build an inclusive society that honors its elders and safeguards their well-being amid ongoing demographic and social transformations.
