Kuwait, UNHCR steps in as rising conflicts push global displacement figure beyond 120 million
Kuwait has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting international humanitarian efforts aimed at easing the suffering of refugees and displaced people worldwide, while strengthening its long-standing strategic partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Speaking during a World Refugee Day event attended by diplomats, private sector representatives, and humanitarian organizations, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Sadeq Marafi said Kuwait’s humanitarian approach remains firmly rooted in its responsibility toward global humanitarian causes and vulnerable communities.
Marafi noted that Kuwait has maintained a strong partnership with UNHCR for more than three decades, reflecting the country’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of refugees and displaced populations across the globe.
He stressed that this year’s observance comes amid worsening global humanitarian challenges, with the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide surpassing 120 million due to ongoing conflicts, escalating crises, and declining humanitarian funding. He called on the international community to intensify efforts, honor humanitarian commitments, and address the root causes of displacement.
Marafi emphasized that humanitarian work is no longer solely the responsibility of governments, but requires collective cooperation among governments, international organizations, private sector institutions, and civil society organizations. He praised the role played by Kuwaiti charities and private companies in supporting humanitarian initiatives and refugee assistance programs.
He also commended Zain Group for its humanitarian contributions, describing the company as a successful model of cooperation between the private sector and international organizations through initiatives that support vulnerable communities and promote sustainable humanitarian impact.
Marafi reiterated Kuwait’s commitment, as a global humanitarian center, to continue supporting international initiatives aimed at protecting human dignity and contributing to a safer and more stable future for affected communities.
For his part, Khaled Khalifa, adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, said Kuwait remains one of the organization’s most important humanitarian partners in the region.
He explained that Kuwait’s contribution extends beyond financial support, noting that the country plays a key role in mobilizing international backing for humanitarian causes while providing an important platform for cooperation with civil society organizations and the private sector.
Khalifa said the celebration of ten years of partnership between UNHCR and Zain Kuwait highlights the growing importance of private sector participation in humanitarian work, adding that corporate partnerships have become a critical pillar in supporting refugee programs and expanding aid delivery worldwide.
He revealed that UNHCR had requested $8.5 billion in funding this year to support nearly 129 million people under its mandate, including refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, stateless individuals, and returnees. However, only 29 percent of the required funding has been secured so far.
Khalifa warned that the funding shortfall forces the organization into difficult choices, either assisting fewer than one-third of those in need or providing only partial support to all beneficiaries. He emphasized that Kuwait continues to stand as a reliable humanitarian partner through government contributions, support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, charitable organizations, and private sector institutions.
