UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in the State of Kuwait, and Zain Group, a leading TechCo providing innovative ICT and digital lifestyle communications in the Middle East and Africa, organized an event to mark World Refugee Day and to celebrate a decade of partnership dedicated to supporting forcibly displaced communities around the world.
The event, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened representatives from government entities, private sector partners, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic community, and other supporters of humanitarian action.
During the event, Zain’s contributions to UNHCR’s campaigns over the past decade were showcased, such as winter and Ramadan campaigns that enabled the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance to more than 11,000 individuals (2,000 families) across the MENA region through the provision of cash assistance. This partnership has helped vulnerable refugees and displaced families meet their basic needs while preserving dignity and improving their living conditions during times of crisis.
The programme also included a panel discussion featuring Jennifer Suleiman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zain Group, on the role of corporations in addressing growing humanitarian needs, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and emerging industries in supporting development and humanitarian action. Supporting Kuwaiti partners were acknowledged in recognition of their support to UNHCR throughout the past years, which is a solid reflection of Kuwait's role as a humanitarian center, and its steadfast commitment to support humanitarian efforts to help those in need.
Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR’s Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, commended the decade-long partnership with Zain, stating: “Over the past decade, Zain Group has emerged as a strategic humanitarian partner, having recognized early on the vital role of the private sector in supporting humanitarian action and amplifying its impact. This partnership has contributed to providing humanitarian assistance to thousands of refugees and displaced individuals and families, while also supporting the most vulnerable individuals through programmes aimed at preserving human dignity and helping families rebuild their lives.” He added: “In the spirit of this occasion, we were keen to launch a special slogan celebrating this distinguished partnership with Zain Group under the theme: ‘Giving is the Finest of Deeds’, in recognition of a decade of collaboration, generosity, and shared commitment.”
On his part, Nawaf Al-Gharabally, Zain Kuwait CEO, said: “Over the past decade, our partnership with UNHCR has reflected Zain’s belief that meaningful progress is built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained impact. Guided by our ‘4WARD – Progress with Purpose’ strategy and our purpose of creating ‘Better Lives and Lasting Connections’, we remain committed to using our regional reach, digital capabilities, and solid partnerships ecosystem to support communities in times of need and help create a more inclusive and compassionate world. On World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our solidarity with forcibly displaced people and our commitment to advancing humanitarian action that protects dignity, strengthens resilience, and leaves a lasting positive impact.”
This year, World Refugee Day is marked under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe”, reaffirming safety as a fundamental human right and a shared societal lifeline that benefits everyone. At a time when global displacement continues to affect millions of people around the world, the campaign calls for renewed solidarity with refugees and greater support for host countries and communities who continue to show generosity, while highlighting the importance of leadership, strong partnerships, and sustained investment in humanitarian action.
