Kuwait Stresses UN’s Crucial Role in Supporting Global Humanitarian Efforts

KUWAIT CITY: The State of Kuwait has emphasized the critical role of the United Nations in facilitating multilateral efforts to aid afflicted populations worldwide, highlighting the importance of collective humanitarian action. The remarks were made by Diplomatic Attache Abdullah Bu Abbas, representing Kuwait at the United Nations' Second Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs, focusing on the theme of eradicating poverty and development issues. According to Kuwait News Agency, Bu Abbas underscored the pressing issues of poverty eradication, agricultural development, food security, and nutrition, which are crucial for the sustainability and well-being of global populations. He referenced alarming United Nations reports on the global water crisis, noting that 40 percent of the world's population currently suffers from water scarcity, with projections indicating that up to 700 million people could face displacement due to severe water shortages by 2030. The report also highlighted environmental concerns, with 80 percent of sewage being released untreated and water-related disasters accounting for 90 percent of the most catastrophic natural disasters since 1990. Bu Abbas further mentioned findings from the International Committee of the Red Cross, revealing that approximately 346 million individuals in Africa experience severe food insecurity, with a significant portion of the continent's population lacking sufficient food. He also pointed to a United Nations report indicating that 96 percent of Gaza's population, totaling 2.1 million people, faces high levels of severe food insecurity, posing a high risk of famine in the State of Palestine. In his address, Bu Abbas highlighted Kuwait's contributions to global humanitarian efforts, specifically through the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development. The fund provides grants and soft loans to 105 countries, prioritizing humanitarian concerns over political or religious considerations, thereby aiming to alleviate the suffering of affected populations worldwide.