UNHCR Renews the Title of “Patron” to Jamal Al-Nouri

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced the renewal of naming Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of the Board of the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society and Chairman of the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO), as UNHCR Patron” for an additional two years, in recognition of his continued commitment and outstanding contributions in support of refugees and forcibly displaced people worldwide.

A Patron is an honorary title given to those who dedicate their time and effort to support UNHCR through raising awareness about the challenges endured by forcibly displaced people and encouraging social engagement and mobilization of resources needed to support live-saving interventions.

Over the past years, his leadership of two of the leading humanitarian institutions in Kuwait has helped mobilize support that enabled UNHCR to deliver vital interventions, such as cash assistance, shelter, livelihoods support, and emergency response in several crisis-affected countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Through these contributions, thousands of refugees and displaced families have been able to meet their basic needs with dignity, particularly through cash assistance and sustainable livelihood opportunities. These efforts have also strengthened the role of Islamic philanthropy as a strategic source of humanitarian financing, in line with UNHCR’s mandate and the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, serving as a model for long-term institutional partnerships.

UNHCR’s Representative to the State of Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, stated: “The renewal of naming Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri as ‘UNHCR Patron’ comes in recognition of his humanitarian leadership that has translated solidarity into tangible impact. At a time when global displacement continues to rise, and severe funding cuts, we have to join our efforts through partnerships built on trust and shared vision are essential to ensure continued support for displaced people affected by protracted crises and to provide them with sustainable humanitarian response.”

She added: “Through the institutions he leads, Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri has played a significant role in supporting UNHCR’s efforts to reach the most vulnerable displaced families and in strengthening collaboration with Islamic philanthropic institutions in Kuwait. We are proud that Kuwait continues to serve as a platform for impactful humanitarian partnerships that protect the dignity of refugees and help them rebuild their lives.”

During the renewal ceremony held at IICO, Jamal Al-Nouri expressed his appreciation for the partnership with UNHCR, stating: “I am honored by the renewal of the ‘Patron’ title from UNHCR, and I express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for sponsoring the award ceremony, which reflects the State of Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian action and international cooperation. This title represents a renewed responsibility that motivates us to continue institutional collaboration with UNHCR, which over the past years has contributed to expanding cash assistance, shelter, education, healthcare, and livelihood programmes in several crisis-affected countries.”

He added: “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this cooperation through the joint two-year work plan, ensuring sustainable humanitarian impact and delivering support to those most in need, inspired by Kuwait’s humanitarian values and its leading role internationally.”

The renewal of the “Patron” title reflects UNHCR’s continued commitment to strengthening its strategic partnerships with charitable institutions and recognizes the importance of individual leadership in mobilizing community support and highlighting the needs of refugees and forcibly displaced people.