GENEVA: Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayyen, affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its international presence, announcing the country’s high-level participation in the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the launch of the first strategic dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Hayyen underscored that Kuwait’s participation reflects its steadfast support for global health and humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its role as a reliable and active partner in international forums. A high-level Kuwaiti delegation led by Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi will attend the WHA session, scheduled to be held in Geneva from May 19 to 27, under the theme “One World for Health.” The assembly brings together representatives of member states and global stakeholders to address pressing health challenges amid shifting global dynamics.
“This year’s session comes at a critical time, as the global health landscape faces evolving threats and development challenges, especially following the withdrawal of the United States as the WHO’s largest donor,” Ambassador Al-Hayyen noted. He added that this development has placed additional strain on the organization’s operational capacity and increased the urgency of the agenda items under discussion.
The General Assembly is expected to adopt key resolutions aimed at boosting international cooperation in the health sector. Ambassador Al-Hayyen stressed that Kuwait’s participation underlines its ongoing support for the World Health Organization and its commitment to sustainable health systems and preventive policy development. In parallel with its health diplomacy, Kuwait will also host its first strategic dialogue with UNHCR this month. The talks will be led by a high-level delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Ambassador Al-Hayyen said the dialogue reflects Kuwait’s deep-rooted partnership with the UN refugee agency, built over decades of cooperation in humanitarian and relief efforts. The initiative comes amid a growing global refugee crisis driven by prolonged conflicts and displacement. He emphasized that Kuwait’s proactive engagement in humanitarian diplomacy aligns with the directives of its wise leadership and reinforces the country’s stature as a key donor and humanitarian actor on the global stage. “Kuwait remains firmly committed to consolidating its position as a capital of humanitarian work and to advancing international cooperation in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities,” Al-Hayyen said. — KUNA
