NEW YORK, Feb 5 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait reiterated on Thursday its firm commitment to establishing a comprehensive social protection system rooted in a rights-based development approach.
This came in a statement delivered by Wafiqah Al-Mulla, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations, before the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development of the Economic and Social Council, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Al-Mulla emphasized Kuwait's dedication to safeguarding vulnerable groups, promoting equal opportunities, and bolstering women's economic independence. She asserted that social protection remains a vital pillar for achieving national well-being and enhancing social resilience, particularly for women and girls.
At the regional and international levels, Al-Mulla highlighted Kuwait's active role in supporting global social development through humanitarian aid and cooperation programs, notably through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).
She stated that social development is a cornerstone of the nation's development model, guided by the values of solidarity and human dignity in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035. This vision, she added, integrates planning across the social protection, health, education, and labor sectors to ensure "no one is left behind." Al-Mulla detailed concrete steps taken by the government to enhance institutional coherence by linking social objectives with financial planning and national priorities. Kuwait continues to invest heavily in universal education and healthcare, while providing targeted support for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, with a focus on empowering youth through decent work.
The Kuwaiti diplomat lauded the Second World Summit for Social Development as a pivotal moment for restoring social justice to the global agenda. She called for a shift from "pledges to implementation" to address the structural roots of exclusion and praised the State of Qatar for hosting the summit.
Al-Mulla affirmed Kuwait's full commitment to working with UN member states and international partners to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through equitable and inclusive policies.
She welcomed the Secretary-General's report on promoting social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.
She stated that Kuwait agrees with the report's conclusion that the persistence of poverty, inequality, and exclusion is not due to a lack of social policies, but rather to fragmented decision-making and weak coordination between economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
This necessitates the adoption of a comprehensive and integrated governmental approach based on coordination, equity, and inclusivity, she stressed. (end) mmg.ibi