KUWAIT: The United Nations, in collaboration with the British and Canadian Embassies, hosted the 4th edition of the Young Ambassador Program at the UN House in Kuwait, under the theme “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” UN Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator Ghada Eltahir said it was an honor to host the program and expressed appreciation to the Foreign Ministry, the British Embassy, and the Canadian Embassy for their continued cooperation in empowering youth leadership. “The young ambassadors’ applications and videos inspire hope and pave a path toward a sustainable future. The UN believes in youth as agents of change. From the moment you step into the UN House, this becomes your home—knock on our doors with your ideas and thoughts. We are here to listen and support you,” she added.
Eltahir highlighted that currently 55 percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a figure expected to rise to 68 percent by 2050. “Young people around the world are moving to cities for better education, jobs, and lives. Urbanization brings enormous economic potential, but it is crucial to ensure that young people can live safely and thrive in modern cities and communities,” she said.
Assistant Foreign Minister and Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah emphasized that the initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to empowering youth and building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. He praised the collaboration among the British Embassy, Canadian Embassy, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and other participating embassies and agencies, noting that “through this initiative, diplomacy becomes not only a profession, but also a space for learning, cooperation, and global understanding.”
Al-Jarallah added that the program provides students with a platform to gain exposure to diplomacy, policy dialogue, and collaborative leadership. “Through direct engagement with embassies, international organizations, and local partners, participants will deepen their understanding of global challenges and develop the skills to contribute to practical solutions,” he said.
Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Kuwait, Stuart Summers, noted that the program has grown over the years from a simple idea into one of the embassy’s flagship youth initiatives. “It has been inspiring to see how each season builds on the last, creating a platform for young students to engage, lead, and contribute to solving key social and global challenges. The program continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its purpose: empowering youth and supporting their ideas for a better future,” he added.
For her part, Canadian Ambassador-Designate Tara Scheurwater said the theme was timely, as cities are centers of opportunity, innovation, and progress, but also face challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and inequality. “Global awareness is essential. Understanding how issues connect across regions allows us to design better local solutions. The ability to view challenges through a global lens and recognize our shared responsibilities transforms bright young minds into effective leaders,” she noted.
