Kuwait took part in the fifth meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund for Development, held recently in Istanbul. The session was chaired by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, with Kuwait’s representation led by Vice Chairman Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Mubarak Al-Sabah. Attendees included officials from Kuwait’s Zakat House, the Union of Kuwaiti Charitable Societies, and various political, economic, and development figures.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Turkish government, the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as well as delegates from governmental bodies, private sector institutions, non-profit organizations, and charitable groups across Arab, Islamic, and international communities. Discussions centered on reviewing progress since the previous meeting, evaluating ongoing development initiatives in Jerusalem, and approving strategies for the next phase aimed at boosting the social and economic resilience of Jerusalem’s residents.
Key topics included expanding partnerships with governments, financial institutions, and the private sector, alongside plans to mobilize financial resources and increase endowment-based investments targeting long-term funding sustainability. Participants outlined a goal to secure approximately $170 million to support development projects in Jerusalem through collaborative efforts involving Arab, Islamic, and international partners.
The meeting emphasized a strategic shift from short-term humanitarian relief toward sustainable development and investment programs designed to create employment opportunities, enhance education and housing, and preserve Jerusalem’s Arab and Islamic heritage. This approach reflects growing economic and social challenges in the city, prompting stakeholders to focus on strengthening institutional resilience and improving living standards for local communities.
Through continued coordination among Arab and Islamic nations and expanded international cooperation, the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund aims to establish long-lasting development frameworks. These frameworks prioritize job creation, community support, and the safeguarding of cultural identity to ensure sustained positive impact amid ongoing regional complexities.