KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, underscored the importance of creating a safe family and social environment to support children’s psychological, social, and cognitive development, while emphasizing the need to update national legislation protecting children’s rights.
Dr. Al-Huwailah spoke Monday at the opening of the Mental Health Forum and the Ministry of Social Affairs’ second exhibition of 2026, held under the theme “Play is Life... When Play Becomes a Language of Learning and Growth.” The two-day event, organized by the Awareness and Guidance Center, focuses on the role of play in children’s mental health and overall development.
During her address, the minister described childhood as the foundational stage for shaping an individual’s character and future. She highlighted that play is more than mere entertainment, describing it as a natural form of communication through which children express emotions, explore their identities, develop skills, and build relationships. Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed the need to raise public awareness about these developmental benefits and to foster inclusive environments that enhance children’s security, sense of belonging, and self-confidence.
The minister framed the protection of children’s rights as a multifaceted responsibility requiring coordinated efforts encompassing awareness campaigns, dedicated services, and effective legislation. She called for the modernization of the legal framework governing childhood-related matters, emphasizing the importance of consulting with relevant governmental and civil society stakeholders.
Dr. Al-Huwailah also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance mental health, strengthen families, and assist professionals working in social and psychological fields through the exchange of expertise and best practices.
She commended the role of the Awareness and Guidance Center, which is affiliated with the General Directorate of Social Welfare, for organizing the forum. The program includes scientific sessions, training workshops, and an exhibition aimed at increasing public understanding of childhood issues. The minister acknowledged the partnership of civil society organizations, notably the Tanmia Charity Association, as vital to the forum’s success.
The forum features three panel discussions addressing the themes of “Play and Mental Health,” “Play and the Developing Brain,” and “Family and Play.” Two training workshops are also offered: “Play: The Language of the Child,” aimed at parents and focusing on communication skills and practical home applications, and “Play Therapy,” targeted at specialists and covering psychological and behavioral intervention techniques.
Dr. Al-Huwailah expressed hope that the forum would yield practical recommendations to enhance the quality of services provided to children and families. She expressed gratitude to all partners, supporters, experts, and organizations involved in organizing the event.