Latest news with #AmthalAl-Huwailah
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait launches disability guide to ensure transparency, fairness
Guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating types of disabilities KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the launch of the 'Kuwait Disability Guide 2025,' describing it as a vital national initiative that underscores Kuwait's commitment to local legislation and international agreements. The guide aims to establish transparency and justice in the assessment and diagnosis of disabilities in accordance with global standards. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion, Dr Al-Huwailah said the initiative aligns with the provisions of Law No 73 of 2020, specifically Article 48, Clause 17, which mandates the development of clear scientific criteria for disability diagnosis. The law also requires the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities to publish these standards and make them accessible via its official website. Dr Al-Huwailah highlighted that the guide is the result of a decade-long effort carried out in collaboration with experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, medical and technical committees from the Public Authority, and specialized doctors from the Ministry of Health. The goal, she noted, was to develop a comprehensive national reference grounded in best international practices. Participants attend the press conference to launch the Kuwait Guide for Disability 2025. Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna. The minister explained that the guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating various types of disabilities — including mental, physical, psychological, motor, visual, and auditory impairments — ensuring accurate diagnoses and tailored support for individuals. She added that the guide aims to unify diagnostic criteria, assist specialists in decision-making, and streamline procedures across medical and judicial bodies. It also serves as a reference for professionals in healthcare, education, employment and caregiving sectors. Dr Al-Huwailah reaffirmed Kuwait's steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that this is a shared national responsibility embraced by the state's leadership, government and people. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the guide, and reiterated the government's dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna, said the launch marks a significant step toward institutional transparency and public awareness. In a separate statement to KUNA, Al-Muhanna noted that the guide will help define diagnostic procedures and assess the severity of disabilities, enabling its application across government and healthcare entities. She added that the Authority had uploaded the guide to its official website in line with Law No. 8 of 2010, and continues to develop tools and resources to better serve people with disabilities. Al-Muhanna affirmed the Authority's commitment to collaborating with local and international partners to enhance the lives, health, and well-being of persons with disabilities. — KUNA
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait tightens financial oversight for charitable and cooperative societies with new amendments
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah announced on Sunday the issuance of new amendments to Law No. 2 of 2016, which governs the establishment of the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha). The amendments focus on financial disclosure requirements aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity, and accountability in civil, charitable, and cooperative work. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Huwailah said the Ministry of Social Affairs proposed the amendments to include additional categories required to submit financial disclosure statements to Nazaha. These newly added categories include financial and administrative controllers, members of the boards of directors of charitable and civil societies, as well as their executive directors. These categories are now included alongside the existing requirement for members of cooperative society boards. 'The goal of these changes is to enhance oversight and achieve the highest standards of transparency across the various sectors supervised by the ministry,' she said. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized the importance of all individuals covered by the amendments submitting their financial disclosures on time. She reiterated the ministry's commitment to reinforcing governance principles, upholding integrity, and ensuring sound management and accountability of public funds in charitable, civil, and cooperative activities. The amendments were formalized in Decree-Law No. 69 of 2025, which modifies some provisions of Law No. 2 of 2016 concerning the Public Authority for Combating Corruption and financial asset disclosure. The decree was published in the Official Gazette (Kuwait Today), issue No. 1740, on Sunday, Dhu al-Qi'dah 27, 1446 AH, corresponding to May 25, 2025.
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Social Affairs Ministry achieves milestones in strategic plans
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs announced that it has successfully completed 99 percent of its operational plan for fiscal year 2024–2025, encompassing 178 projects across ten key sectors. In parallel, the Ministry confirmed the full completion of its strategic plan for the same fiscal year, achieving 100 percent of its goals across 50 projects distributed over seven sectors. Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah affirmed during a press conference on Monday that these achievements reflect the Ministry's firm commitment to the directives of the political leadership and demonstrate effective alignment with the goals of the 'New Kuwait 2035' development vision. Dr Al-Huwailah emphasized that the Ministry is advancing towards a comprehensive digital transformation of its social services, founded on strategic collaborations with global technology firms. She highlighted the role of intensive employee training programs in enhancing service quality and institutional performance. 'The Ministry remains committed to a transparent and responsible planning approach, aiming to elevate community well-being and contribute to the realization of the sustainable development goals,' the Minister noted. Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Administrative Development Dr Sayed Issa Mahmoud revealed that the Ministry is currently engaged in a technical partnership with an international company to digitize the majority of its services. This effort is being accompanied by a comprehensive training program targeting all ministry staff. Dr Mahmoud added that the Ministry will launch a new development plan in the upcoming fiscal cycle, focusing on maximizing social impact, improving spending efficiency, and deepening cooperation with both civil society and the private sector. He noted that within the operational plan, eight sectors achieved 100 percent completion, including Planning and Administrative Development, Social Development, Social Care, Legal Affairs, Financial and Administrative Affairs, and the Cooperation Sector. The Minister's Office and Undersecretary's Office recorded 98 percent completion, while the Social Development Office and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs achieved 96 and 95 percent, respectively. — KUNA Regarding the strategic plan, Dr Mahmoud confirmed that all sectors met their targets. The Planning and Administrative Development Sector led with nine completed projects, followed by the Social Development Sector with seven, and the Social Care Sector with 12. Other sectors, including Legal, Financial and Administrative Affairs, Cooperation Affairs, and the Social Development Office, completed the remaining projects as scheduled. Among the Social Care Sector's key achievements were the launch of a mobile physiotherapy clinic for the elderly and the implementation of the 'Anti-Drug – Community Protection' program for children in shelters. Legal Affairs accomplishments included drafting a proposal to amend the private nurseries law, establishing an electronic archiving system, and organizing regulatory compliance workshops. Dr Mahmoud concluded by announcing the completion of the Ministry's current strategic cycle with the adoption of a 2025–2028 roadmap. This forward-looking strategy includes full integration with the government services platform, expansion of international partnerships, implementation of relative weight methodologies to enhance spending efficiency, and the introduction of a national index to measure social impact in coordination with national statistical bodies.- KUNA
Kuwait Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Burgan Bank reiterates commitment to women empowerment at Kuwait Women's Day Forum
Al-Jasem: 'Fostering diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity' KUWAIT: As part of its unwavering dedication to employee empowerment, gender equity and sustainable development, Burgan Bank recently participated in a forum celebrating Kuwait Women's Day. Representing the Bank at the event, titled 'Strategies to Empower Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5)' and held under the patronage and in the presence of Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, was Danah Faisal Al-Jasem – General Manager of Corporate Communications and a group of female leaders at Burgan Bank. Al-Jasem took part in a focused session alongside distinguished female figures to discuss the private sector's role in empowering women, while exploring strategies to help women overcome challenges and barriers in the workplace. Reflecting on her participation in the forum, Al-Jasem said: 'It was a privilege to join a dialogue that reflects the growing momentum around women empowerment in Kuwait, and to contribute to a conversation that aligns so closely with Burgan Bank's core values and Kuwait's Vision 2035.' Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs honors Burgan Bank for its participation in the forum, represented by Danah AlJasem. A group photo of female leaders at Burgan Bank who participated in Kuwait Women's Day Forum. Danah Faisal AlJasem She also highlighted Burgan's ongoing commitment to gender equity and employee empowerment, saying: 'At Burgan Bank, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for long-term success. Driven by our overall ESG strategy, we believe that true equity provides a work environment with equal opportunities and adheres to fulfilling the employees' needs. Accordingly, Burgan Bank actively supports women in the workplace by expanding opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and financial independence, empowering them to grow on a personal level, support their families, and positively impact the wider economy. This commitment is reflected in equal benefits for women and men, flexible working hours, work-life balance initiatives, and additional self-care leave.' Al-Jasem also underscored the importance of translating strategy into measurable progress, highlighting Burgan's achievements in female representation and inclusive workplace practices, noting: 'We view female empowerment as a collaborative effort, shaped by contribution from relevant stakeholders. Within the workplace, we are committed to fostering an environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. Across society, we actively support initiatives that promote gender equality and provide women with the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Women currently represent 46 percent of the Bank's employees and 34 percent of leadership positions, making Burgan Bank a leading financial institution in the local Kuwaiti market. Our current position aligns with the national vision for boosting female representation in public and private sectors.' It is worth mentioning that Burgan Bank continues to invest in initiatives that support the growth of female employees at all levels. In 2024, employees received an average of 33 hours of training, delivered through both digital and in-person platforms. Programs like Empower Her and Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment provide dedicated mentorship, professional skills, and networking opportunities to help women work toward their goals. Burgan Bank remains committed to enabling more women to pursue leadership positions and guide younger generations of women professionals to follow their lead.
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Burgan Bank Reiterates Commitment to Women Empowerment at Kuwait Women's Day Forum
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: As part of its unwavering dedication to employee empowerment, gender equity, and sustainable development, Burgan Bank recently participated in a forum celebrating Kuwait Women's Day. Representing the Bank at the event, titled 'Strategies to Empower Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5)' and held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, was Ms. Danah Faisal Al Jasem – General Manager of Corporate Communications and a group of female leaders at Burgan Bank. Al Jasem took part in a focused session along side distinguished female figures to discuss the private sector's role in empowering women, while exploring strategies to help women over come challenges and barriers in the workplace. Reflecting on her participation in the forum, Al Jasem said: 'It was a privilege to join a dialogue that reflects the growing momentum around women empowerment in Kuwait, and to contribute to a conversation that aligns so closely with Burgan Bank's core values and Kuwait's Vision 2035.' She also highlighted Burgan's ongoing commitment to gender equity and employee empowerment, saying: 'At Burgan Bank, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for long-term success. Driven by our overall ESG strategy, we believe that true equity provides a work environment with equal opportunities and adheres to fulfilling the employees' needs. Accordingly, Burgan Bank actively supports women in the workplace by expanding opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and financial independence, empowering them to grow on a personal level, support their families, and positively impact the wider economy. This commitment is reflectedin equal benefits for women and men, flexible working hours, work-life balance initiatives, and additional self-care leave.' Ms. AlJasem also underscored the importance of translating strategy into measurable progress, highlighting Burgan's achievements in female representation and inclusive workplace practices, noting: 'We view female empowerment as a collaborative effort, shaped by contribution from relevant stakeholders. Within the workplace, we are committed to fostering an environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. Across society, we actively support initiatives that promote gender equality and provide women with the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Women currently represent46% of the Bank's employeesand 34% of leadership positions, making Burgan Bank a leading financial institution in the local Kuwaiti market. Our current position aligns with the national vision for boosting female representation in public and private sectors.' It is worth mentioning that Burgan Bank continues to invest in initiatives that support the growth of female employees at all levels. In 2024, employees received an average of 33 hours of training, delivered through both digital and in-person platforms. Programs like Empower Her and Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment provide dedicated mentorship, professional skills, and networking opportunities to help women work toward their goals. Burgan Bank remains committed to enabling more women to pursue leadership positions and guide younger generations of women professionals to follow their lead.
