Kuwait Boosts Charitable Sector with Leadership Development Initiative
KUWAIT CITY (AP) — Kuwait is strengthening its charitable and humanitarian work through a collaborative initiative aimed at developing leadership within the sector. A joint committee overseeing the “Tamkeen” (Empowerment) initiative held its first meeting of 2026 on Thursday at the Islamic Charitable Organization (ICO), signaling a continued commitment to professionalizing Kuwait’s philanthropic landscape.
The initiative, stemming from an agreement between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the ICO signed in 2018, focuses on enhancing institutional efficiency and professional governance within Kuwait’s charitable organizations. Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Head of Institutional Communication at the ICO and committee chairman, stated the program seeks to align the sector with best practices and improve performance and transparency.
According to a report reviewed at the meeting, the initiative has already impacted 2,793 individuals through 52 specialized training programs between 2018 and 2025. These programs totaled 130 days of training and 470 training hours.
The committee discussed future goals, a proposed work plan, a preliminary budget, and ways to more broadly involve charitable societies in development programs. A 2017 training needs assessment was also reviewed as a key reference point for tailoring programs to current needs.
“The continued convening of the joint committee reflects the commitment of both parties to promoting professionalism and integrating roles between the regulatory body and the implementing agency,” Al-Mutawa said. He emphasized the partnership between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the ICO will bolster the effectiveness and impact of charitable and humanitarian work in the country.
The meeting was attended by representatives from both the Ministry of Social Affairs and the ICO, including Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhial, Deputy Director of Charitable Societies and Foundations at the Ministry, and Badar Maatoq, Acting Director of Government Relations and Human Resources at the ICO.
