Kuwait has emphasized the importance of coordinated international efforts and a stable global environment to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to remarks delivered at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Faisal Al-Enezi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires of Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN, outlined the country’s position during the forum’s general debate.
Speaking on the critical juncture with only four years remaining to meet the SDGs, Al-Enezi highlighted the detrimental effects of ongoing armed conflicts on development efforts. He expressed concern about the economic, environmental, and social consequences that conflicts impose not only on directly involved nations but also on others, noting that escalating tensions divert funding away from key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure toward emergency response and reconstruction.
Al-Enezi detailed Kuwait’s national initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, including the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Emergency Response. The fund, capitalized initially at $100 million, seeks to aid the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by aggression attributed to Iran and alleviate the ensuing impact on affected populations.
The diplomat also condemned recent attacks by Iran and its affiliated groups targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan. He specifically referenced a recent drone strike on offshore drilling platforms operated by the Kuwait Oil Company within Kuwaiti territorial waters, which caused physical damage and injured a worker. Al-Enezi reaffirmed Kuwait’s sovereign right to safeguard its national security in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Beyond security concerns, Kuwait continues to prioritize water security by expanding capacities in water production, desalination, and wastewater treatment facilities. The country is also investing in digital infrastructure and e-government services to foster innovation, enhance public service delivery, and improve the business climate.
Drawing attention to Sustainable Development Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships, Al-Enezi described international cooperation as a vital catalyst in advancing sustainable development. He highlighted the role of collaboration among government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners in supporting infrastructure and housing projects, addressing funding gaps, facilitating technology transfer, building institutional capacity, and driving reforms within the international financial system.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Enezi affirmed Kuwait’s dedication to working closely with global partners to protect development achievements, strengthen essential public services, and ensure that international commitments translate into measurable progress on the SDGs.