KUWAIT, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Minister of Education Dr. Adel Al-Tabtabaei discussed on Thursday with Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf the latest developments related to the UNESCO/ Late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the ongoing efforts to advance the prize's international standing.
In a press release, the Ministry stated that the minister affirmed during the meeting that the prize represents one of Kuwait's prominent humanitarian initiatives, launched in the name of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may his soul rest in peace, in partnership with UNESCO since 2001. He noted that the prize reflects a noble vision aimed at spreading knowledge, promoting digital equity, and offering meaningful tools to empower persons with disabilities worldwide.
Al-Tabtabaei stressed that Kuwait, under a leadership that places the human being at the forefront, continues to strengthen its global role in supporting humanitarian and developmental initiatives, adding that the prize is an extension of this longstanding approach.
The minister underscored the need to treat the prize as a national priority that must be executed efficiently and at an accelerated pace. He instructed the preparation of a comprehensive implementation plan that includes a clear timeline and detailed phases covering administrative, technical, and media requirements, whether through coordination with UNESCO or through the efforts of the National Commission and Kuwait's permanent delegation in Paris.
"We are keen for the prize to reflect Kuwait's international standing and to be managed with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring the continuation of its humanitarian impact in promoting digital innovation supporting persons with disabilities," he said.
He emphasized the importance of expanding global visibility for the prize by broadening outreach efforts and attracting high-quality submissions from institutions and individuals with impactful technological contributions in support of persons with disabilities. He noted that the prize serves as a distinguished international platform to highlight inspiring models and innovative solutions that improve the quality of life, social integration, and daily accessibility for this group.
The meeting was attended by Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Eng. Hamad Al-Hamad; former Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; Dr. Adam Al-Mulla; Director of the Public Relations and Educational Media Department Arwa Al-Ayyar; Acting Head of the UNESCO Section Athari Al-Qallaf; and Senior Translator Shahad Matar from the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. The meeting focused on reviewing updates concerning the prize, mechanisms for its development, and enhancing Kuwait's readiness for related international engagements.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister stressed that cooperation between Kuwait and UNESCO should remain a model for supporting global humanitarian initiatives, noting that the prize is not merely an award but a universal message reflecting Kuwait's belief in the power of technology to bring meaningful change, particularly for persons with disabilities, and to empower them as active partners in development and innovation.
The prize adopts a broad concept of digital solutions, encompassing a range of digital technologies, including smartphones, computers, television, radio, satellite systems, electronic networks, software, and applications, in addition to digital resources accessible through these technologies. The total prize value is USD 40,000, awarded every two years and distributed equally between individual and institutional winners. Applicants must complete the designated forms available in Arabic and French on UNESCO's official website within the approved deadlines for each cycle. (end) mar.aa