Kuwait City: Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila announced the executive regulations for Decree-Law No. (49) of 2024 concerning the Unified Law on Voluntary Work for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states under a ministerial decision. Minister Al-Huwaila made this announcement in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), highlighting the implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. (1093), which designates the Ministry of Social Affairs as the responsible authority for applying the decree.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the ministerial decision was issued on May 21, 2025, and published in the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm" on June 1, 2025. Dr. Al-Huwaila emphasized that the law represents a significant step in organizing voluntary work at both the Kuwaiti and GCC levels and results from efforts by Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs. The ministry was the first in the region to develop regulations governing volunteer work, serving as a guiding reference for the GCC unified law.
Minister Al-Huwaila outlined that the executive regulations establish a unified legal framework for voluntary work within the GCC. They clearly define terminology related to voluntary activities, roles of responsible authorities, and mechanisms for establishing and registering volunteer teams. The regulations also cover determining funding sources and regulating financial and administrative aspects to ensure transparency and governance. The law aims to promote a culture of voluntary work through incentives and recognition, emphasizing training volunteers and awarding certificates documenting their contributions.
She further elaborated that the regulations require forming administrative bodies within volunteer teams, defining their competencies and operational procedures with transparency, and adhering to national and international standards for financial and operational management. The regulations include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, applying penalties in case of violations, to protect the voluntary sector and guide volunteers' efforts towards development and serving the public interest.
Dr. Al-Huwaila affirmed that this law aligns with the GCC's approach to unifying and regulating voluntary efforts, enhancing cooperation among member states. This reflects Kuwait's commitment to leading in this field and enhancing its regional and international position. She stressed the Ministry of Social Affairs' dedication to supporting the voluntary sector by providing a suitable legislative and regulatory environment, enabling volunteers, and enhancing their societal role.
The minister reiterated the ministry's commitment to effectively implementing the law in coordination with all relevant authorities to achieve the desired objectives and serve the nation and community optimally.