UNHCR and Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation in Humanitarian Diplomacy

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, and exchange of experiences, in accordance with their respective mandates.

The agreement was signed at the Institute’s headquarters by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR Representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and H.E. Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Mubarak Saad Al-Hajri, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute. The MoU builds on the longstanding partnership between both entities and reaffirms the established ties between UNHCR and the various departments of the esteemed Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MoU will remain in effect for three years, during which the parties will agree on an annual work plan that responds to evolving needs and the latest developments in humanitarian and diplomatic affairs. The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to fostering national talent—including diplomats enrolled at the Institute and professionals serving across national institutions—to ensure they are equipped with knowledge and awareness about international developments while enhancing their understanding of Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts and their impact in humanitarian contexts.

Dr. Khalifa praised the importance of this agreement, stating: “UNHCR places particular importance on partnerships that facilitate the knowledge sharing, capacity building, and raise awareness of its humanitarian work and activities. We are pleased to formalize our longstanding partnership with a well-established institution renowned for its diplomatic legacy, its role in developing Kuwaiti diplomatic talent, and training personnel from various state institutions.” He added: “We look forward to strengthening cooperation and raising awareness of the importance of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as the pivotal role of the State of Kuwait, through its various official institutions, in supporting people forced to flee around the world.”

For his part, H.E. Dr. Al-Hajri, said: “The partnership we are witnessing today through the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects the depth of the relationship between the Institute and UNHCR. We have previously witnessed successful cooperation that resulted in the delivery of practical and theoretical training courses to raise awareness among diplomats enrolled at the Institute about UNHCR’s activities. The Institute has also previously hosted a distinguished group of UNHCR field experts who highlighted the importance of humanitarian work and Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian diplomacy, given the country’s position as a global center for humanitarian action. Through this MoU, both entities aspire to strengthen their partnership and broaden the scope of cooperation.”