The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute in Kuwait have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, and exchange of expertise. The agreement was formalized at the Institute’s headquarters by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR Representative for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Mubarak Saad Al-Hajri, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for the Institute.
The MoU, which will remain effective for three years, builds on a longstanding partnership between UNHCR and the Institute, as well as established ties with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the agreement, the parties will develop an annual work plan to address evolving humanitarian and diplomatic challenges and ensure responsiveness to current global developments.
A primary goal of the MoU is to support the development of national talent, including diplomats in training and professionals across Kuwaiti state institutions, enhancing their understanding of international humanitarian issues and Kuwait’s role in addressing them. This collaboration aims to equip these stakeholders with updated knowledge on humanitarian diplomacy and Kuwait’s impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Dr. Khalifa emphasized UNHCR’s focus on partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and raising awareness of its humanitarian mission. He noted the significance of formalizing ties with a respected institution known for its contribution to nurturing Kuwaiti diplomatic expertise and training state personnel. He also highlighted the intent to strengthen cooperation and spotlight Kuwait’s vital humanitarian role through its official institutions in supporting displaced populations globally.
Dr. Al-Hajri described the agreement as a reflection of the deep relationship between the Institute and UNHCR. He recalled previous successful cooperative initiatives, including theoretical and practical training programs for diplomats on UNHCR’s activities, as well as visits from UNHCR field experts who underscored the importance of humanitarian work. Al-Hajri pointed to Kuwait’s reputation as a global hub for humanitarian action and its pioneering role in humanitarian diplomacy.
Through the new MoU, both parties intend to expand the scope of their cooperation and further deepen their partnership, advancing humanitarian diplomacy education and reinforcing Kuwait’s contributions at the international level.