Kuwait, 2 February 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened a roundtable with Kuwaiti philanthropic institutions to discuss urgent humanitarian needs and early recovery priorities in Palestine, with a focus on Gaza. 

The discussion brought together representatives from Kuwaiti charitable and philanthropic organizations including Kuwait Society for Relief (KSR) and Al-Nouri Charity Society, International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO), Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Direct Aid and Tanmeia alongside the visiting UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) Special Representative of the Administrator. The roundtable provided an up-to-date briefing on the situation in Palestine, highlighting widespread destruction, displacement, and severe strain on essential services in Gaza, while underscoring the importance of support that links immediate needs and sustains humanitarian response efforts. 

Opening the session, Ms. Emma Morley, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait, underscored the value of sustained collaboration with Kuwaiti philanthropic institutions. 

“Kuwait’s long-standing engagement in international development and humanitarian action reflects its commitment to collective global efforts. Through strategic partnerships with institutions in Kuwait, UNDP works to translate this engagement into sustainable, coordinated, and impact-driven development outcomes,” said Ms. Morley. 

Mr. Jaco Cilliers, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator, outlined UNDP’s role in supporting the humanitarian response and ongoing relief efforts. He highlighted priority areas for philanthropic support, including debris removal, restoration of essential services, livelihoods, energy, housing, and support to vulnerable communities. 

 “UNDP’s integrated approach to supporting the foundation for early recovery in Gaza is restoring access to essential services for vulnerable, displaced communities. Our valued partnerships, including vital support from philanthropic actors, are key to ensuring that these efforts are made as soon as possible,” said Mr. Cilliers. 

Participants engaged in an open exchange on ongoing initiatives, operational challenges, and opportunities for joint programming. The discussion also explored pathways for sustained cooperation, including targeted project partnerships and coordinated funding modalities aligned with UNDP’s early recovery priorities in Palestine.  

The roundtable concluded with agreement on the next steps to advance collaboration through continued dialogue and coordination. UNDP reaffirmed its role as a partner supporting coordinated and effective interventions, in close cooperation with Kuwaiti philanthropic institutions. 

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About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.  

For more information, please contact: 

UNDP Kuwait | Nayla Bissat | nayla.bissat@undp.org  

UNDP PAPP   | Musa Khalil  |  musa.khalil@undp.org