The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed two agreements on April 25, 2025, allocating US$ 2 million each to expand access to clean water for crisis-affected communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in the Republic of Sudan.  

Responding to Urgent Needs in Gaza 

The crisis in the Gaza Strip has severely disrupted essential services, leaving millions without reliable access to clean water. In response, UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) has provided emergency support through solar-powered mobile water desalination units. With support from the Kuwait Fund, the project aims to rehabilitate damaged water wells, install additional solar-powered systems, and restore vital water infrastructure. It will provide safe drinking water to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other war-affected communities, while also contributing to long-term resilience and the restoration of inclusive basic services. 

Addressing Urgent Challenges in Sudan 

The current conflict in Sudan has displaced over 8.6 million people and left 25 million in need of humanitarian aid, including 14 million children. More than 60% of the population lacks access to safe and reliable drinking water contributing to health risks and rising tensions between displaced and host communities. 

This project will provide solar-powered water access to over 500,000 people including IDPs, refugees, returnees, and host communities. It promotes sustainable water management and cost-recovery systems while reducing the burden on women and girls. Improving water access helps reduce the risk of gender-based violence, increases school attendance - particularly among girls; and supports education and livelihoods. By reducing water collection time and costs, the project helps ease economic pressure on vulnerable households. 

From Crisis to Recovery 

These agreements represent a shared vision for early recovery, rooted in long-term resilience and sustainable development. By improving access to clean water in Gaza and Sudan, UNDP and the Kuwait Fund are helping communities recover and rebuild. 

Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) at UNDP emphasized the broader significance of the partnership, stating: “This collaboration with the Kuwait Fund is not only a response to urgent needs, but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to investing in human dignity and resilience. Together, we are ensuring that communities in Gaza and Sudan have access to one of the most basic and essential rights—clean and safe water.” 

UNDP’s Resident Representative in Kuwait Ms. Emma Morley expressed her appreciation for the Kuwait Fund’s continuous support. This collaboration reflects the depth of our partnership and Kuwait’s leadership in supporting sustainable development globally and enables us to reach those who need it most in critical times. 

On his part, Mr. Waleed Sh. Al-Bahar, Acting Director-General of KFAED highlighted the importance of timely, coordinated action in response to growing humanitarian needs and reaffirmed KFAED’s support for impactful, community-driven solutions. 

This initiative underscores the deep and longstanding partnership between UNDP and the Kuwait Fund, and more broadly, the close cooperation between UNDP and the State of Kuwait. It marks a shared commitment to addressing urgent needs, particularly in crisis-affected regions.