UNHCR and Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute Sign MoU on Humanitarian Cooperation

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

In Kuwait, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute have formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, in line with each institution’s mandate. The agreement was signed at the Institute’s headquarters by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR Representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and H.E. Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Mubarak Saad Al-Hajri, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for the Institute.

Duration and Scope of the Agreement

The MoU builds on a longstanding relationship between the two entities and reaffirms established ties between UNHCR and various departments of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will remain valid for three years, during which the parties will agree on an annual work plan tailored to evolving needs and recent developments in humanitarian and diplomatic affairs. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to developing national talent, including diplomats enrolled at the Institute and professionals serving in state institutions, by equipping them with knowledge and awareness of international developments and enhancing their understanding of Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts and their impact in crisis settings.

Official Statements on the Partnership

Dr. Khalifa praised the agreement, stating: “UNHCR places particular importance on partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and raise awareness of its humanitarian work and activities. We are pleased to formalise our longstanding partnership with a well-established institution renowned for its diplomatic legacy, its role in developing Kuwaiti diplomatic talent, and training personnel from various state institutions.” He added: “We look forward to strengthening cooperation and raising awareness of the importance of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as the pivotal role of the State of Kuwait, through its various official institutions, in supporting people forced to flee around the world.”

For his part, H.E. Dr. Al-Hajri said: “The partnership we are witnessing today through the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects the depth of the relationship between the Institute and UNHCR. We have previously witnessed successful cooperation that resulted in the delivery of practical and theoretical training courses to raise awareness among diplomats enrolled at the Institute about UNHCR’s activities. The Institute has also previously hosted a distinguished group of UNHCR field experts who highlighted the importance of humanitarian work and Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian diplomacy, given the country’s position as a global centre for humanitarian action. Through this MoU, both entities aspire to strengthen their partnership and broaden the scope of cooperation.”

Kuwait has long been recognised as a key regional humanitarian hub, hosting UNHCR’s regional office and contributing significantly to global refugee assistance.