The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) marked its 60th anniversary Monday, celebrating six decades of humanitarian and relief work in Kuwait and around the world while unveiling two new initiatives focused on advancing humanitarian action, training and emergency preparedness. Speaking at the ceremony, KRCS Chairman of the Board of

Directors Ambassador Khaled Mohammed Al-Maghamis said the society, established in January 1966, has grown into one of Kuwait’s leading humanitarian organizations, extending assistance to dozens of countries and carrying a message centered on protecting human dignity and providing aid without discrimination. Al-Maghamis said that from October 2024 to September 2026, the society carried out humanitarian activities in 13 countries through 27 air missions, delivering approximately 550 tons of aid. Among its major efforts was the “Faz’ah for Gaza” campaign, which delivered 400 tons of food supplies to the Gaza Strip, alongside relief missions and assistance to Syria, Sudan and Yemen. Looking ahead to the society’s seventh decade, Al-Maghamis said the KRCS would focus on innovation, governance and sustainability. He announced the launch of the “Humanitarian Red Crescent House,” an interactive museum at the society’s headquarters documenting the history of Kuwaiti humanitarian work from the society’s establishment to the present day. The initiative aims to serve as a living institutional memory and preserve the society’s humanitarian legacy for future generations. He also announced a new virtual reality (VR) training project to modernize first-aid training, raise training standards in line with international practices and strengthen the preparedness of field teams and personnel. Al-Maghamis said the current board had also worked to strengthen the society’s institutional framework through a new organizational structure and salary scale, the establishment of a mental health and psychosocial support department, and measures to enhance national preparedness and develop the capabilities of field teams to respond effectively to emergencies. Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah said humanitarian work in Kuwait has received continued support from the country’s leadership, noting that assisting people affected by crises and supporting those in need has become an established part of Kuwait’s national approach and international humanitarian role. Al-Huwailah said that since its establishment in 1966, the KRCS has developed into an active national partner in humanitarian and relief efforts inside and outside Kuwait, maintaining a presence in areas affected by crises and disasters. She emphasized the importance of cooperation between government institutions and civil society organizations in strengthening humanitarian and volunteer work. She also stressed the need to develop humanitarian response mechanisms, invest in national talent, make greater use of modern technologies, empower young people and expand their participation in volunteer work. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting public-benefit organizations and strengthening their capabilities through governance, transparency and efficiency. Meanwhile, Anne Mommert, Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), congratulated the KRCS on its 60th anniversary and commended its longstanding commitment to humanitarian work and its contribution to alleviating suffering around the world. She said the KRCS has embodied the principle of humanity at both national and

international levels, highlighting its role within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including its membership of the Standing Commission from 2019 to 2023. Mommert said the ICRC and KRCS have a longstanding partnership, carrying out joint operations in Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan and other countries, while cooperating in first aid, emergency response, restoring family links and promoting international humanitarian law. The ceremony featured a visual presentation highlighting the KRCS’s journey from 1966 to 2026, followed by a tribute honoring its humanitarian partners and volunteers. The program also included the opening of the Humanitarian Red Crescent House and a documentary showcasing the society’s six decades of humanitarian work. The event concluded with the opening of an exhibition and interactive experience featuring VR technology for first-aid training