Biographical Note

Secretary-General Appoints Abdullah Al Matouq of Kuwait

 

as Humanitarian Envoy for Kuwait

 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of Abdullah al Matouq of Kuwait as his Humanitarian Envoy for Kuwait.  The Secretary-General looks forward to Mr. Al Matouq working closely with the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs to build stronger partnerships in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

The Humanitarian Envoy will ensure stronger linkages between the United Nations and decision makers in Kuwait and the region.  His overall objective will focus on supporting multilateral humanitarian response efforts by raising the awareness of the Kuwaiti Government and non-governmental organizations of humanitarian crises, and increasing their engagement with the international humanitarian community.

Mr. Al Matouq is an adviser in the Al-Diwan Al-Amiri of the State of Kuwait and Board Chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organization.  In June 2003, Mr. Al Matouq was appointed as the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.  Between February 2006 and March 2007, Mr. Al Matouq served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

Mr. Al Matouq studied in Saudi Arabia where he obtained his master’s degree from Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, followed by a doctorate from Scotland.  Prior to this distinguished engagement with the Government of Kuwait, Mr. Al Matouq had a successful career in academia as a lecturer at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.

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For information media • not an official record