Kuwait city: The United Nations marks World Humanitarian Day on August 19, spotlighting Kuwait's longstanding commitment to global humanitarian efforts. Renowned for its extensive aid to those in need worldwide, Kuwait has consistently supported humanitarian initiatives through both government and private institutions. Over the years, Kuwait has hosted numerous conferences and workshops aimed at funding development and reconstruction in disaster-stricken regions.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the UN General Assembly set August 19 as a day to honor humanitarian actions, inspired by the tragic loss of 22 individuals in a 2003 attack on UN offices in Baghdad. Recognizing Kuwait's contributions, the UN proclaimed Kuwait as the Center for Humanitarian Action in September 2014 and honored the late Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with the title Leader of Humanitarian Action. Kuwait prioritizes humanitarian efforts, committing continuous support to the UN and its agencies, including being the largest contributor to the UNHCR over the past decade.
On May 12, 2024, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to global humanitarian aid during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Kuwait's government departments, welfare societies, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), and the Kuwaiti Relief Society have actively assisted communities affected by crises.
Kuwait played a significant role in the Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza Conference on July 11, 2024, held in the Dead Sea region and co-organized by Jordan, Egypt, and the UN. In August 2024, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) provided urgent assistance to victims of floods in Yemen and launched an air bridge for medical and food supplies to flood-affected Sudanese.
In September 2024, KRCS collaborated with its Sudanese counterpart to aid flood victims and initiated a campaign for families displaced by Israeli attacks on Lebanon. By October 2024, a Kuwaiti ship delivered 2,500 tons of relief supplies to Port Sudan, and a medical complex was opened in Skardu, Pakistan.
Kuwait's humanitarian efforts continued with air relief bridges to Lebanon and Syria in late 2024. In December, Kuwait hosted an international conference in Cairo to support Gaza's humanitarian response. In early 2025, Kuwait's contributions included a USD one million grant to the UNRWA and significant aid to Syria.
KFAED has been actively involved in development cooperation, signing agreements with the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the UN Development Programme. These agreements aim to support sectors like water, education, and humanitarian funds in regions like Gaza, Lebanon, and Somalia.
In 2025, Kuwait expanded its development cooperation with Japan and the UK, committing USD 10 million in emergency aid for Sudan and Somalia. Additionally, the UNHCR and Abdullah Al-Nouri charity signed a grant agreement to assist Syrian refugees in Jordan, further cementing Kuwait's role as a pivotal player in international humanitarian efforts.