Canadian envoy marks diplomatic milestone by celebrating Kuwait’s Canadian Alumni
. . . opens a fresh chapter in the enduring friendship between the two nations
The Times Kuwait Report
In a gathering rich with symbolism, gratitude, and renewed purpose, Canada’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E Tara Scheurwater, welcomed the distinguished guests, community partners, and dozens of Canadian-educated Kuwaitis to a warm reception at the Official Residence on Tuesday evening.
The event coincided with the Ambassador formally presenting her Letters of Credentials to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marking the official start of her mission in Kuwait.
Ambassador Scheurwater described the reception as especially meaningful, not only as her first public event since assuming her post, but also as a celebration of the people she called “true ambassadors of Canada.”
Addressing alumni and friends in English, French, and Arabic, she praised the leadership and achievements of the Canadian-educated community in Kuwait, noting that their continued engagement strengthens the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
In a creative touch, guests were greeted with colored ribbons corresponding to Canadian provinces and territories — yellow for Alberta, gray for British Columbia, blue for Quebec, red for Ontario, and others — encouraging alumni to reconnect with peers who studied in the same regions.
The gesture created immediate connections and conversations, evoking memories of university life across Canada’s diverse academic landscape.
The ambassador highlighted Canada’s status as a top global destination for higher education, hosting nearly one million international students and generating an estimated $37.3 billion in economic impact while supporting more than 360,000 jobs.
She emphasized that Canadian institutions remain global leaders in artificial intelligence, engineering, health sciences, and environmental research, and noted that nearly 89% of international graduates who stay in Canada find employment within three years.
These strengths, she said, are reflected in the accomplishments of Kuwait’s Canadian alumni, who hold key positions across sectors including healthcare, finance, education, engineering, energy, arts, and government.
Year 2025 marks a major milestone — the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait. Throughout the year, the Embassy has organized cultural and educational initiatives under Kuwait’s anniversary theme, “Collaboration and Connection,” a message that Ambassador Scheurwater said perfectly captures the spirit of the bilateral relationship.
She highlighted one of the year’s signature cultural projects: a mural created under NCCAL’s Al Fenn Al Thalith public art program. The artwork is being developed collaboratively by renowned Canadian artist Bryan Beyung — who attended the reception — and Kuwaiti artist Yousef Saleh. The mural’s public unveiling is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, at the Sharq 52 building.
The ambassador extended heartfelt appreciation to the Embassy’s partners whose support helped bring the anniversary programs to life, including all sponsors.
Closing her remarks, Ambassador Scheurwater introduced Dr. Ali Akbar, President of the Canadian Alumni Association of Kuwait, praising his leadership and his central role in uniting the alumni community.
The evening’s program also included reflections from two distinguished graduates, Dr. Abdulaziz AlJassim AlShareef and Dr. Razan AlJasem, who shared stories of their educational journeys in Canada.
The reception was both a milestone and a message—celebrating 60 years of friendship while ushering in a new chapter of collaboration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connection between Canada and Kuwait.
