On 27 and 28 May 2024, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) CEO Monika Froehler and COO Katre Olmez undertook a productive mission to Kuwait, strengthening collaboration between the country and the BKMC on the topics of education, health, and women’s empowerment. 

On the first day of the mission trip, BKMC CEO Monika Froehler and COO Katre Olmez met Sadiq Marafi, Foreign Minister Assistant for Europe Affairs and Former Board Member of the BKMC, and Jawaher Ebraheem Duaij Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Human Rights Office. They were excited to discuss Kuwait’s upcoming chairmanship of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Human Rights council in 2025, upcoming events, and collaboration with the BKMC through fellowship programs focusing on education, health, and women’s empowerment. Additionally, plans for fellowship programs were discussed, focusing on women’s empowerment in the economic sector.  

CEO Monika Froehler was delighted to be received by Deputy Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, where they spoke about the longstanding support of Kuwait towards the BKMC.

Ambassador Sadiq Marafi then received the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria from the Federal President of Austria at the residence of the Austrian Ambassador to Kuwait, Marian Warba, and a special congratulatory letter penned by Co-chairs Ban Ki-moon & Heinz Fischer appreciating his exceptional leadership, and his support to the BKMC since its inauguration.  

The day ended with a meeting between the BKMC team and Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, Kuwait’s Minister of Health. The inspiring discussion highlighted Kuwait’s accomplishments in health care, and potential collaboration with the Ministry of Health, particularly for people with special needs. 

On the 28th of May, CEO Monika Froehler, and COO Katre Olmez met with Diplomatic Academy Kuwait Director Chancellor Hani Al-Hamdan, highlighting the existing collaboration between the Diplomatic Academy in Kuwait and Vienna.  

Overall, the Ban Ki-moon Centre’s visit to Kuwait proved to be remarkably productive for the advancement of the SDGs, through intensified collaboration between the BKMC and the State of Kuwait.