Kuwait announces voluntary contributions of $6.4m to UN
Bid to support humanitarian, development activities
NEW YORK, Nov 14, (KUNA): Kuwait has announced voluntary contributions to a number of UN agencies, programs and funds worth $6.4 million, reiterating continuing support for UN humanitarian and development activities.
This was brought up during Kuwait’s speech on Wednesday evening, delivered by Diplomatic Attache Dhari Al-Faris at the UN Pledging Conference for Development Activities.
Four years after adopting the sustainable development agenda, “we have become convinced that there is still a long way with the slow progress, along with many lessons to be learned, taking into account new opportunities derived from scientific advances, technology and innovation,” he said.
This will contribute to creating the appropriate development ground for developing countries in the implementation of the 2019 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which was renewed, showing determination in strengthening international cooperation to achieve sustainable development in all ways by 2030, he mentioned.
Al-Faris pointed out that Kuwait’s keenness to support developing countries are in accordance with their needs, cooperating with all development partners, strengthening international efforts to address existing and emerging development challenges.
Since 2008, Kuwait has channeled 10 percent of its total aid to the affected countries through UN agencies and organizations, and has allocated USD 15 billion for 2015-2030 to finance development projects in developing countries through Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).
Donations included UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Emergency Response Fund, he said.
The contribution includes the UN Development Program (UNDP) of $570,000, in addition to $500,000 each to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
He announced a voluntary grant of $500,000 to the Development Fund for the revitalized Resident Coordinator system to ensure a successful transition, provided that Kuwait’s voluntary contribution to UNDP will be deducted and divided for the years 2020-2021 and will be allocated to the activities of the Resident Coordinator in Kuwait.