Kuwait reaffirms full support for UN efforts to advance peace through sport

The State of Kuwait affirmed its full support for the United Nations’ efforts to promote sport for development and peace, and its endorsement of the Olympic Truce as a symbol of respect for humanity and the spirit of equality for all humankind.

This came in a statement delivered by Kuwaiti Diplomatic Attaché Sarah Salah Al-Hasawi on Wednesday evening before a plenary session of the UN General Assembly to discuss the agenda item “Sport for Development and Peace: Building a World of Peace and Prosperity through Sport and the Olympic Ideals” at UN headquarters.

Al-Hasawi stated that sport remains one of the most powerful tools capable of uniting humanity, embodying the values of justice, cooperation, and mutual respect, at a time when our world faces increasing challenges and deepening divisions.

She added that sport “instills in our youth a spirit of teamwork and fair play, demonstrating that understanding can triumph over differences and that fair competition opens horizons for peace.”

Furthermore, she noted that sport “is a catalyst for human development, promotes a culture of peace, and embodies the Olympic principles based on the balance between body, mind, and will.”

On the local level, the diplomatic attaché highlighted the launch by the State of Kuwait – through the Public Authority for Sport and in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program – of the National Sports Strategy (2022-2028).

This comprehensive framework aims to strengthen sports institutions, empower youth, and ensure equal opportunities for all to participate in sports.

She explained that the strategy aims to develop infrastructure, encourage innovation, and link sports with education, health, and the community, in line with the Kuwait Vision 2035.

Al-Hasawi noted that the School Sports Federation has witnessed increased activity since 2022, making physical education an essential part of character building and fostering teamwork and respect for diversity.

She highlighted national programs that encourage volunteer work and environmental awareness through community sports initiatives that combine physical fitness with community service, reinforcing the concept of sports as a human responsibility

Regarding women’s empowerment in sports, Al-Hasawi affirmed that the country prioritizes women, recognizing that sports are a tool for building confidence and leadership.

She cited the establishment of the Kuwaiti Women’s Sports Committee in 2019, the amendment of the statutes of sports federations to ensure women’s representation on their boards of directors, the integration of women’s championships into official competitions, and the launch of specialized training and development programs in refereeing and sports administration.

She noted that these efforts culminated in a distinguished Kuwaiti participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, embodied by a group of female athletes who “proudly raised the nation’s flag in a move that reflects a firm national commitment to equality and empowerment.”

The diplomatic attaché also mentioned the UN’s “Football for Humanity” diplomatic initiative, which aims to support children and youth in Palestine through sports and community programs that contribute to building trust, fostering hope, and empowering the next generation.

Al-Hasawi explained that the country recently hosted the first edition of the initiative, under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and in partnership with the United Nations, as part of Kuwait’s commitment to using sports as a bridge for understanding and peace.

Al-Hasawi expressed Kuwait’s belief that investing in youth and sports is the best investment in a future of peace and prosperity, affirming the country’s commitment to continuing to work with the international community to expand the role of sports as a driving force for human development and building understanding among peoples.

— KUNA