Kuwait marks 63 years at UN with strong diplomatic, humanitarian legacy
Kuwait yesterday commemorated the 63rd anniversary of its accession to the United Nations, marking a major milestone in the country’s diplomatic history and reaffirming its longstanding commitment to international peace, security and humanitarian action.
Since becoming the 111th member of the United Nations on May 14, 1963, Kuwait has pursued an active foreign policy built on dialogue, cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution, while strengthening its role as a trusted humanitarian and diplomatic partner on the global stage.
The anniversary reflects Kuwait’s decades-long efforts to promote stability, support human rights and contribute to resolving regional and international crises through balanced diplomacy rooted in national principles and international cooperation.
Following the adoption of UN Resolution 1872 approving Kuwait’s membership in 1963, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was then foreign minister, addressed the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that independence and UN membership were not goals in themselves but means of sharing responsibility to build a better future for all peoples.
During its membership in the United Nations, Kuwait served twice as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, first during 1978-1979 and later in 2018-2019, where it actively supported Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian issue, while advocating preventive diplomacy, humanitarian protection and peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Kuwait also played an active role in various UN bodies and organizations, including membership in the Economic and Social Council, reflecting growing international confidence in Kuwait’s balanced foreign policy and constructive international engagement.
Over the past six decades, Kuwait has emerged as a respected mediator in regional and international disputes and has contributed significantly to humanitarian and relief efforts worldwide through financial assistance, development support and cooperation with UN agencies.
In recognition of its global humanitarian contributions, the United Nations in 2014 designated Kuwait as a “Center for Humanitarian Action” and awarded the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad the title of “Leader of Humanitarian Action.”
The close partnership between Kuwait and the United Nations was further strengthened with the opening of the United Nations House in Mishref in 2009 in the presence of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The complex houses offices of various UN agencies operating in Kuwait.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday reaffirmed Kuwait’s pride in its historic relationship with the United Nations and stressed the country’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian work, mediation efforts, peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives.
The ministry stated that Kuwait has consistently supported international efforts aimed at strengthening peace and security while responding rapidly to humanitarian appeals launched by the United Nations to assist countries affected by disasters and conflicts.
It emphasized that support for the United Nations remains a cornerstone of Kuwait’s foreign policy, based on the belief that the organization represents the foundation of the multilateral international system and a vital framework for addressing global challenges.
Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai, said Kuwait has maintained an active and responsible role within the UN system for more than six decades by supporting international efforts aimed at addressing humanitarian and development crises and enhancing regional and global stability.
Al-Bannai noted that Kuwait’s accession to the United Nations marked the beginning of a new phase of active international engagement and reflected its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and promotion of cooperation among nations.
He highlighted the role played by the United Nations during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, stressing that the Security Council provided the decisive international framework that protected Kuwait’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
He referred to Security Council Resolution 678 issued in November 1990, which authorized member states cooperating with Kuwait to use all necessary means to restore peace and liberate the country from Iraqi occupation.
Al-Bannai also pointed to Resolution 687 of 1991, which consolidated the results of liberation by reaffirming Kuwait’s sovereignty and establishing international arrangements related to borders, compensation, prisoners and missing persons.
He stressed that Kuwait’s liberation remains a clear example of how collective international action, grounded in international law and unified global support, can deter aggression and restore justice.
The ambassador also reviewed Kuwait’s active participation in numerous UN agencies and specialized committees, where the country contributed to development efforts, human rights initiatives and international cooperation programs.
Meanwhile, the representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ghada Al-Taher, described Kuwait’s foreign policy as a unique diplomatic model based on positive neutrality and wise leadership.
She said Kuwait has become an indispensable regional player through its mediation initiatives, peace negotiations and global humanitarian contributions, adding that Kuwait today stands among the United Nations’ most reliable and influential partners in promoting multilateral cooperation and international law.
Al-Taher also praised the speech delivered by the representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the UN Future Summit in New York in September 2024, which called for reforming the United Nations and strengthening justice, transparency and equal treatment among nations.
