Speech by Dr. Mohammed Sabah AlSalem AlSabah At the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Future Forum
Marrakech - Kingdom of Morocco
November 2-3, 2009
Mr. Chairpersons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me at the outset to express my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for the excellent preparation of this conference and for the generous hospitality and warm welcome. Morocco's selection for the second time to host the forum, after its inaugural session, is a clear testament to its effective, constructive, and active role in the region.
Mr. Chairpersons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our meeting today takes place amidst a globally unstable security and economic environment, coupled with serious and urgent global challenges and risks facing the international community, notably climate change, rising food and commodity prices, and increasing energy costs. These challenges and risks, collectively responsible for the lagging behind of many developing and least developed countries in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, require collective efforts and cooperation, as well as coordination through forums like the Future Forum for dialogue, exchange of views, and experiences between the Group of Eight countries and the countries of the Middle East region.
Mr. Chairpersons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the first meeting of the Future Forum five years ago, the countries in the region have witnessed positive developments across all fronts, reflecting their commitment to implementing necessary reforms for development.
As for the State of Kuwait, firmly believing in the importance of mutual cooperation and expanding the scope of partnership and integration, we initiated, since gaining independence in 1961, the establishment of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the second oldest development fund in the world after the International Monetary Fund, to provide development assistance to developing countries. The Kuwait Fund has financed hundreds of infrastructure projects in over a hundred countries, with a total value exceeding $14 billion, surpassing the internationally agreed target of 0.7% of gross national income for development assistance, reaching 1.31%, which is higher than the allocation of member states of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Additionally, Kuwait has made numerous voluntary contributions to many specialized international organizations, agencies, regional funds, and humanitarian crises relief efforts wherever they occur. For instance, Kuwait allocated $300 million to combat poverty in Africa through the Islamic Development Bank. Under the initiative of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, may God protect him, the "Fund for Good Life" was established with a capital of $100 million to assist developing countries in addressing the rising prices of food and improving their agricultural production, deeply believing in giving appropriate attention to food security and determining its suitable place within the strategies of serious and proactive dealing with issues such as famine, malnutrition, and poverty.
Mr. Chairpersons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Undoubtedly, the countries in the region have made positive strides since the first meeting of the Future Forum five years ago, reflecting their commitment to implementing necessary reforms for development.
As for the State of Kuwait, confident in its wise leadership and the importance of continuing to establish its foundations and consolidate its concepts by adopting appropriate strategic visions and transparently working to meet its objectives by activating laws and preserving its sovereignty, it has continued its reform journey in several key areas, believing that reforms are a continuous process that cannot be confined to a specific timeframe or imposed without considering societal circumstances.
A clear example of this is Kuwait's ranking first in the Arab world in human development, according to the UNDP Arab Human Development Report 2009, registering the highest rates in Arab countries in the fields of education, health, and public freedoms, including freedom of opinion and expression.
Furthermore, Kuwait ranked 33rd globally in the Human Development Report 2009 issued recently by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), classifying it among countries with very high human development. Additionally, the Kuwaiti government is striving diligently to achieve all Millennium Development Goals before their targeted deadline in 2015.
Moreover, Kuwait topped the Arab world in the Gender Equality Index, and this was evident in Kuwait's pride in the achievements of Kuwaiti women. Following the approval of their political rights in 2005, and their participation for the second time in nominations, four women managed to enter the parliament in 2009, constituting 8% of the total members of the Kuwaiti parliament, occupying advanced positions and receiving high voting percentages. This, in addition to the effective participation of Kuwaiti women in nominations and voting in the parliamentary and municipal council elections and their holding of numerous leadership positions in the state. Kuwait also ranked first in the Middle East in press freedom according to the Reporters Without Borders organization for this year.
Mr. Chairpersons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite significant economic progress and development in most Arab countries as a result of the structural reforms introduced to their economies, the political and security situations continue to be of great concern and pose a threat to the achievements that have been made. The Palestinian issue remains unresolved for more than six decades due to the obstinate positions of the Israeli government, which refuses to comply with international legitimacy resolutions, treaties, and international norms.
Regarding the situation in Iraq, Kuwait has spared no effort in supporting regional and international efforts aimed at assisting Iraq in facing the security, political, and economic challenges, ultimately preserving its unity and regional integrity to live in peace and security with itself and its neighbors.
Security and development are interrelated concepts that are difficult to achieve independently. Therefore, we closely monitor with great caution the suspicious calls for spreading discrimination, racism, and hatred of others, which contradict all human virtues and the noble values of the divine religions, including our tolerant Islamic religion, the religion of peace and tolerance. We believe that peace, development, human rights, and democracy, with their concepts of dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance of others, constitute the necessary pillars and foundations for security and prosperity. They are interconnected issues that reinforce each other, and it is impossible to talk about security and stability without genuine development at all levels.
In conclusion, I hope that the proceedings of our forum will be crowned with success and prosperity, believing in the importance of enhancing dialogue and means of communication and cooperation between the Group of Eight countries and the countries of the Middle East.
Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.