Kuwait has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing educational development and strengthening cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during the Transforming Education Summit +4 held in Paris. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei met with Kuwait’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf, to discuss enhancing collaboration and leveraging international expertise to support Kuwait’s education modernization efforts.

The discussions focused on increasing Kuwait’s participation in UNESCO’s educational and cultural initiatives, reviewing key educational and cultural issues, and strengthening coordination between Kuwait’s Ministry of Education and UNESCO. Al-Tabtabaei was briefed on the management of Kuwait’s files within UNESCO and the Permanent Delegation’s role in safeguarding national interests and promoting partnerships. Both officials underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to advance Kuwait’s educational goals.

In a working session at the summit, Al-Tabtabaei emphasized the need to translate international commitments into concrete actions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks inclusive and quality education for all. He described the summit as an opportunity to move beyond pledges, review progress, exchange experiences, and set priorities through 2030 and beyond. The minister conveyed greetings from Kuwait’s leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister.

Al-Tabtabaei highlighted Kuwait’s efforts to implement SDG 4 through practical reforms targeting improved education quality, equitable access, and system resilience. He noted the ministry’s response during the 2025-2026 academic year when schools transitioned to distance learning amid regional challenges. Over 500,000 students continued their studies via a digital learning platform with attendance surpassing 85 percent. The ministry reorganized the school day, introduced new assessment methods, expanded technical and psychological support services, and made educational resources electronically accessible.

Additionally, Kuwait launched a phased home delivery program for printed textbooks to primary and intermediate government school students. Approximately 175,000 students received nearly 700,000 textbooks, tracked through an electronic system ensuring delivery completion. Al-Tabtabaei described this initiative as part of Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring that no student lacks essential learning materials during exceptional circumstances.

As part of a broader digital transformation strategy, the Ministry of Education has developed over 27 digital platforms and electronic services supporting students, parents, teachers, and administrators. These include AI-powered educational tools, an Electronic Teacher Transfer Platform serving more than 106,000 teachers, and an AI-driven educational chatbot linked to the national curriculum, available to students in both public and private schools. The minister characterized digital transformation as a foundational element in modernizing Kuwait’s education system to improve access, efficiency, and quality of services.

At the summit, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany cautioned that education remains underfunded globally despite being a critical investment. He projected a potential decline of up to 30 percent in global aid for education between 2023 and 2027, which could exacerbate inequality and hinder development. El-Enany urged stronger political commitment to innovative financing mechanisms, such as debt-for-education swaps. UNESCO data indicates that 113 countries currently allocate more funding to debt servicing than to education, with low- and lower-middle-income countries facing a $97 billion annual education financing gap. Furthermore, education’s share of global development assistance dropped to 7.5 percent in 2024, marking its lowest level in two decades.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed noted that the summit aims to accelerate progress toward SDG 4 and shape the global education agenda beyond 2030. She emphasized that education remains a fundamental pillar for achieving all Sustainable Development Goals.