The Role of the State of Kuwait's Humanitarian Diplomacy in Yemen (2015–2025)

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the humanitarian and development assistance provided by the State of Kuwait and its organizations in Yemen during the 2015–2025 period. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach as its primary framework, the study uses Yemen as an applied case study to illustrate the dimensions of Kuwaiti humanitarian diplomacy. It relies on secondary sources, including reports from the United Nations, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), and various non-governmental organizational reports. The findings reveal a positive correlation between Kuwaiti interventions—both emergency humanitarian relief and sustainable development initiatives—and the strengthening of community resilience. These interventions significantly improved access to essential services in the health, education, and infrastructure sectors. Consequently, this enhanced Kuwait’s global presence and solidified its local and international credibility as a neutral actor dedicated to supporting stability in Yemen. Despite these positive outcomes, the interventions faced several obstacles, including funding shortages, difficulties in accessing affected areas, and complex logistical and security challenges. Based on these findings, the study recommends increasing Kuwaiti funding to the Yemeni government, expanding partnerships with local organizations, and maintaining a steady pipeline of both emergency and development projects. Furthermore, it highlights the need to strengthen oversight and transparency systems, support the capacity of Yemeni public sectors to facilitate access and institutional coordination, and empower local organizations to ensure the quality and sustainability of interventions—ultimately bolstering the socio-economic resilience of the beneficiary communities.