UN Day 2023 Speech by UNRC Ghada Eltaher

UN Day Remarks

Representative of UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator

Ms. Ghada Eltaher

60 Years of Partnership for Development, Humanitarian Assistance and

30 October 2023

Excellency Sheikh Salem Abdallah Al Jaber AlSabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Excellency Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab Al Awadi, Miniter of Health

Excellencies the Ambassadors and representatives of the Diplomatic community in Kuwait,

Esteemed guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

All Protocols Observed

Good evening/ Asalam Alykom,

Today, we gather here to commemorate and mark a momentous occasion—the 60th anniversary of the State of Kuwait's membership to the United Nations. It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today to reflect on this incredible journey.

In 1963, Kuwait embarked on a new chapter in its history by becoming a member state of the United Nations. Since that day, Kuwait has remained a steadfast advocate for global unity, a leading voice committed to international collaboration, diplomacy, the pursuit of peace, and a valued partner within the international community. Kuwait's United Nations relationship has been strengthened by sharing common principles where the United Nations Charter align closely with the values embraced by Kuwait’s leadership and people —a deep-rooted belief in justice, equality, humanitarian support, and the promotion of human rights. These believes and principles shaped a common position from the relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces over the past weeks.  In these historical moments, it is vital to be clear on principles -- starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians. Nothing can justify the deliberate killing and injuring of civilians.

We mourn every life that had been lost in this conflict. We mourn and honor the dozens of UN colleagues working for UNRWA – sadly, at least 53 and counting – killed in the bombardment of Gaza.

We salute our UN colleagues and humanitarian partners in Gaza working to provide aid to those in need.  I salute the State of Kuwait for the humanitarian assistance sent to Gaza through the airbridge which comes as a continuation of Kuwait’s substantial efforts and contributions in humanitarian assistances regionally and globally which has been recognized in 2015 when the United Nations Secretary General named Kuwait Humanitarian Hub and late Amir Sheikh Sabah Humanitarian leader. Kuwait's unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of those less fortunate has been inspirational.

Over the past six decades, the partnership between United Nations agencies and the State of Kuwait had covered many areas.

In Health: WHO and Ministry of Health long history of collaboration which includes addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, noncommunicable diseases, climate change, and elderly care.

On Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees marked 32 years of collaboration with the Kuwaiti government. Kuwait has been a top donor to UNHCR in the region over the past decade, contributing to various humanitarian efforts in countries like Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, and others.

IOM (International Organization for Migration): Kuwait plays a significant role in supporting IOM's humanitarian and development programs in crisis-affected countries. The government of Kuwait has provided around $70 million to support displaced people in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. They are also working with Kuwait on migration governance and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kuwait is a member state of ILO and has ratified several ILO Conventions. The ILO's and Kuwait support in areas such as labor law, domestic workers' rights, and combating forced labor.

UN-Habitat and Kuwait have a two-decade partnership focused on sustainable urban development and environmental initiatives. A notable project involves combating sand and dust storms in Iraq, funded by the Kuwait Fund. They are also involved in environmental projects like "Greening Open Public Spaces."

IMF - CEF (Middle East Center for Economics and Finance): The IMF-CEF is a regional training center for Arab-League member countries, hosted by Kuwait. It offers training in various economic and financial areas to enhance the capacity of policymakers in the region.

UNDP, UN UN Women: UN Women is actively involved in women's economic empowerment and eliminating violence against women (EVAW) in Kuwait. Private sector engagement, awareness campaigns thru (Women Empowerments Principles Platform - WEPP), and capacity-building for women in politics are some of their key activities. They also focus on sharing Kuwait's development model and its achievements in implementing SDG 5

On the Sustainable Development Goals, Kuwait's contributions and commitment to the 2030 agenda and the New Kuwait vision 2035 aspirations have been reflected in 2023 Voluntary National Report where a comprehensive report reflected progress made toward achieving the SDGs, especially in promoting sustainable cities and communities, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and combating climate change. The report highlighted Kuwait’s efforts on women empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable energy.

This 60-year milestone is not only a time for reflection; it is a call for even greater action. Kuwait and the United Nations are committed to continue strengthening this collaboration to address emerging challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, poverty, pandemics and clean energy. It is through true global partnership and multilateralism that we can strive towards shared prosperity as an effective partner to maintain international peace and security.

Let’s acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to all those who have been instrumental in Kuwait’s journey within the United Nations. We extend our appreciation to the visionary leadership, the ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the people of Kuwait and each and everyone who have tirelessly worked to enrich Kuwait's path within the international community.

As we look to the future, in this disrupted world, let us renew our commitments We continue to work together toward a safer, more inclusive, and better world for all, regardless of borders or beliefs, for people for planet.

Thank you all for being here!