Kuwait city: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Dr. Amthal Hadi Al-Huwaila, highlighted the collective commitment of GCC states to enhance family stability and empowerment amid rapid societal changes. She called for unified efforts, knowledge sharing, and practical plans to preserve identity and values while supporting the quality of life for GCC families.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Huwaila was speaking at the "Gulf Family Forum: A Stable Family in a Changing World," where she emphasized the forum's role in reinforcing the family's status as a core element of development and stability. She welcomed GCC state representatives to Kuwait and stressed that Kuwait's focus on family welfare is deeply rooted in its Constitution, which mandates the protection and strengthening of family bonds.
Al-Huwaila highlighted the establishment of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and a comprehensive legal framework, including the Family Court Law (2015) and the Domestic Violence Protection Law (2020). She noted the provision of psychosocial support centers, financial assistance for those eligible, and a shelter mechanism for domestic violence victims as part of the integrated services ecosystem involving government entities and public-benefit organizations.
She expressed hope that the forum would lead to actionable recommendations and initiatives enhancing Gulf cooperation on family affairs, benefiting GCC societies as a whole.
GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi noted the growing challenges faced by Gulf families due to digital and technological openness. He highlighted efforts to raise awareness among children, youth, and families about proper technology use and to promote Gulf identity through a joint digital initiative on online child safety, adopted by GCC information ministers in May 2023.
The initiative targets children aged 5-18, aiming to address online risks, prevent misuse, and provide training on safe internet practices. Al-Budaiwi emphasized the continuous care for children as the fundamental building block of society, with schools offering free services, internet access, and infrastructure for students with disabilities across all GCC states.
He underscored the importance of supporting women and senior citizens, ensuring a dignified life, and noted the issuance of child-oriented statistical booklets by GCC-Stat to instill a sense of Gulf unity.
Recent statistics show 12.6 million children under the age of 15 in GCC states, with 51.1% being male. Rising ICT skills among youth reflect the GCC's commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for future generations. Al-Budaiwi affirmed that dedicating a day to celebrate the Gulf family allows discussions on challenges, innovative solutions, and strategies to instill moral and religious values.
He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for hosting the forum and to GCC leaders for their support. Al-Budaiwi also thanked Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila and her team for organizing the forum's fourth edition.