‘Be Among the Outstanding 2026’ initiative highlights KFAED’s educational, humanitarian role

The Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Waleed Al-Bahr, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to directing its initiatives and programs toward empowering national cadres, enhancing their capabilities, and building qualified competencies capable of actively contributing to the development process.

Al-Bahr made the remarks during an orientation meeting held for students participating in the “Be Among the Outstanding 2026” initiative, organized by the Fund in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

He said the Fund continues to support Kuwaiti youth, driven by its firm belief in their ability to assume responsibility, hold influential positions, and contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous future for the State of Kuwait.

He explained that the “Be Among the Outstanding” initiative forms part of a comprehensive framework that combines academic motivation, developmental awareness, and cultural openness.

The initiative also introduces new generations to Kuwait’s humanitarian role, reflecting the country’s honorable image at both regional and international levels.

Al-Bahr noted that the cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Kuwait Fund reflects their shared commitment to nurturing outstanding students, supporting their educational journey, and preparing a conscious and qualified generation for the future.

He added that the initiative carries educational, humanitarian, and national dimensions, embodying the Fund’s dedication to fulfilling its societal role alongside its development mission abroad.

He stressed that the Fund has long believed that investing in people is the cornerstone of sustainable development, emphasizing that Kuwaiti youth represent one of the most important pillars of success and progress in the country.

Al-Bahr expressed hope that the trip would be an inspiring experience for students, encouraging excellence, teamwork, and pride in national identity, while also thanking the Ministry of Education for its efforts in organizing the program and selecting outstanding representatives of Kuwaiti youth.

For her part, Maryam Al-Anzi, Director General of the General Administration of Educational Support Services at the Ministry of Education, praised the Kuwait Fund’s prominent national and humanitarian role.

She said the Fund has gone beyond traditional development support to include education, capacity building, and awareness among younger generations, based on the belief that true development begins with education.

Al-Anzi highlighted the Ministry’s appreciation of its strategic partnership with the Fund, noting that it is built on integrating roles and unifying efforts to serve students, expand their horizons, develop their skills, strengthen national belonging, and introduce them to Kuwait’s pioneering development experiences.

She added that these trips go beyond site visits, offering students insights into sustainable development, institutional work, and social responsibility, while reinforcing the values of ambition and excellence.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait, H.E. Lina Mariana, said cooperation between Indonesia and the Kuwait Fund dates back to 1977, when the Fund extended its first loan to Indonesia worth approximately $17.2 million to help finance an electricity distribution project in Bandung.

She affirmed that the Kuwait Fund remains an important source of development financing for Indonesia and many other countries, expressing her aspiration to further strengthen cooperation in the future.