Secretary-General Thanks Kuwait for Humanitarian Contributions

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the celebration in honour of the Amir of Kuwait, delivered by Abdullah al Matouq, the Secretary-General’s Humanitarian Envoy for Kuwait, in Cairo today:

I thank the League of Arab States for hosting today’s event in Cairo to honour the Amir of Kuwait for his contribution to humanitarian assistance.  The United Nations strongly appreciates the leadership of His Highness the Amir in bringing people together to advance the humanitarian agenda.

Kuwait has a strong record of assisting people in need, and Kuwaiti organizations are actively responding to humanitarian crises.  Kuwait has also played a leading role through its generous funding for the humanitarian work of the United Nations.  Through its example and its convening power, Kuwait is additionally galvanizing others to participate in coordinated humanitarian action, including through vital international pledging conferences for Syria.

Kuwait is a small country with a big heart.  His Highness the Amir has set an example of humanitarian leadership.  I thank the Amir, the Government and the people of Kuwait for their continued leadership and support for the world’s most vulnerable people.