Kuwait Appoints New Defense, Interior Ministers

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
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Kuwait Appoints New Defense, Interior Ministers

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)

Kuwait issued a new Emiri decree appointing retired General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the interior minister, and Sheikh Talal Khaled al-Ahmad al-Sabah as defense minister.

They were both appointed as deputies to the prime minister.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah received the newly-appointed ministers on Wednesday at Dar al-Yamama, where they took the constitutional oath.

Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that the Emir affirmed the necessity of increasing efforts to preserve Kuwait's security, wishing them further success, noting the importance of cooperation with the legislative authority to meet the aspirations of citizens for the benefit of all.

In February, Kuwait's government said that an Emiri decree was issued to accept the resignation of Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Mansour al-Ahmad al-Sabah.

The two former ministers submitted their resignations in protest of the manner of parliamentary questioning, saying the lengthy grilling was an abuse of power.

Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, born in 1956, is the eldest son of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. He is a retired Lieutenant-General who was the Deputy Chief of the National Guard since November 2021 and served as the Governor of Hawalli Governorate.

He also held several positions in the Ministry of Interior, most recently the Assistant Undersecretary for Education and Training Affairs.

Sheikh Talal al-Sabah was the governor of the capital after serving as an official spokesman for the oil sector and president of the Kuwait Oil Tanker.

The appointment comes amid the ongoing tensions between the government and the parliament, which resulted in subsequent questioning of the Ministers of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Works.

The current government was formed in December, the third in 2021, to resolve a long-running crisis with the parliament that has hampered the state's efforts to implement financial reforms.

Next Wednesday, the parliament is scheduled to vote on a motion of no confidence against the Minister of Public Works after questioning him in parliament over accusations of not taking sufficient measures to combat corruption.

On Wednesday, three deputies in the National Assembly submitted an interpellation to the Prime Minister regarding unconstitutional practices and looting of public funds.



Riyadh to Host Second Human Capability Initiative Conference on Sunday

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
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Riyadh to Host Second Human Capability Initiative Conference on Sunday

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee—a key initiative in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—the second edition of the Human Capability Initiative Conference will open in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two-day conference, themed "Beyond Readiness," underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to investing in human capital as a cornerstone of national development and future progress, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Organized by the Human Capability Development Program, this premier global platform will bring together more than 300 distinguished speakers, including influential leaders, policymakers, and global experts from academia, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, for over 100 panel discussions.

The second edition will emphasize the vital role of unlocking potential to advance human capabilities through the strategic application of cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to cultivate an educational ecosystem that promotes lifelong learning and empowers individuals and communities to adapt effectively to rapid transformation.

Furthermore, the conference will highlight the importance of embedding values that underpin growth and development, contributing to the formation of interconnected societies capable of addressing both local and global challenges. A key focus will be on forging partnerships and creating opportunities that amplify the role of individuals in devising sustainable solutions for a brighter future.

Building on the success of its first edition, the conference further solidifies the Kingdom's efforts in human capability development and makes a significant contribution to the global discourse on the future of human potential in an era of rapid change.