Kuwait and UNHCR hold inaugural strategic dialogue to strengthen humanitarian cooperation

عربي
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, held its first strategic dialogue with the State of Kuwait at its headquarters in Geneva, marking a new milestone in the long-standing partnership between UNHCR and Kuwait to support forcibly displaced populations worldwide.
The strategic dialogue brought together high-level representatives from the Government of Kuwait and UNHCR, led by the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly T. Clements, and H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait. The meeting reaffirmed Kuwait’s role as a key humanitarian actor and explored avenues for deeper cooperation to address global displacement challenges.
This dialogue takes place amid record levels of displacement, with more than 120 million people forcibly displaced, and unprecedented financial pressures on the global humanitarian system. Kuwait reiterated its commitment to shared humanitarian values, international solidarity, and strategic partnerships that uphold dignity, ensure protection, and promote sustainable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons.
Commenting on the event, UNHCR’s Kelly T. Clements said:
“This dialogue reflects the depth of Kuwait’s humanitarian engagement and its important role in shaping global responses to forced displacement. We are proud of our partnership and eager to expand it further to reach those most in need, with the support of both Kuwaiti government and entities.”
On behalf of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah stated:
“Kuwait remains deeply committed to international humanitarian cooperation. Our engagement with UNHCR is built on a strong foundation of shared values and trust. We believe in the importance of scaling up efforts that bring real impact to the lives of refugees and displaced communities, and this dialogue strengthens our resolve to do so.”
The UNHCR-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue is a platform for deepening collaboration, aligning priorities, and ensuring that resources and policies are strategically directed toward protecting and assisting displaced populations, especially in the MENA region. This dialogue holds importance from humanitarian, geopolitical, and development perspectives. It also facilitates technical cooperation in areas such as emergency response, knowledge sharing, and development, enabling more effective aid management and the exchange of expertise that benefits both UNHCR operations and Kuwaiti humanitarian actors.
UNHCR and the State of Kuwait look forward to building on this dialogue to strengthen their strategic collaboration of over 30 years and translate shared humanitarian goals into tangible action.