LONDON: The UK and Kuwait announced on Wednesday new joint funding to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen. Two memoranda of understanding set out details of the funding, which will go towards UNICEF’s efforts to restore water supply and sanitation systems in Gaza and sustain primary healthcare services in Yemen. The UK and Kuwait will provide $6 million of joint support ($3 million each), to UNICEF, whose work is expected to benefit approximately 1,000,000 people in Gaza and 1,450,000 in Yemen.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: “Conflict has aggravated the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen and the UK is committed to pushing for more lifesaving aid to reach those in desperate need. The UK and Kuwait’s joint funding towards UNICEF’s lifesaving work in Gaza and Yemen demonstrates our shared commitment to tackle some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. I am proud of the UK and Kuwait’s close ties, which have now endured for more than 125 years and continue to go from strength to strength.”

Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah, said: “This year marks an important milestone for both the State of Kuwait and the UK as we jointly commemorate 125 years of partnership. Kuwait is proud of its deep-rooted and historic ties with the UK and is committed to deepening our cooperation in all its aspects. This week in London, we were happy to witness the commencement of the Kuwait Cultural Week in the UK and the successful convening of the 21st session of the Joint Steering Group (JSG). The action plan signed during the JSG paves the way for further collaboration in several fields.

“We are pleased to cooperate with the UK to support the essential work of UNICEF in both Palestine and Yemen. As pioneers in the field of international development, both our countries will continue to explore avenues of cooperation to provide development and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters.”

UNICEF’s Representative to the Gulf Area, Eltayeb Adam, said: “UNICEF deeply appreciates the generous contributions from both the UK and Kuwait, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen. This funding is not just a financial commitment; it is a beacon of hope for communities struggling with the devastating consequences of conflict. Together, we can ensure that essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare reach those who need them most, restoring dignity and a sense of normalcy to countless lives.”

The 21st UK-Kuwait JSG was co-chaired in London by Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah. On the sidelines of the JSG, Falconer and Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Waleed Al-Bahar signed two MoUs setting out details of joint funding towards UNICEF’s work in Gaza and Yemen.

In addition, Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also signed a MoU outlining planned UK support to Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission on the delivery of training programs to Kuwaiti government employees, as well as an “action plan” detailing how their respective governments will drive forward cooperation on a range of key issues such as defense and security and international development and humanitarian partnerships, over the coming months.

The UK and Kuwait are celebrating 125 years of official diplomatic relations throughout 2024. On Tuesday, Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the headline performance of Kuwait Culture Week organized by Kuwait’s Embassy in London titled “Rhythms of Kuwait”.