KUWAIT: Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Tara Scheurwater hosted members of the Canada-Kuwait alumni community at the Official Residence, highlighting the role of education, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections in the longstanding relationship between Canada and Kuwait. In her remarks, Ambassador Scheurwater noted that the event came at a particularly meaningful moment – just one day after she presented her Letters of Credence to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. “I am grateful for the warm reception I received, and I am truly proud to begin my service in Kuwait at such a meaningful moment in our bilateral history,” she said.
Addressing the assembled alumni, the Ambassador highlighted the leadership across Kuwait’s key sectors – including healthcare, finance, engineering, education, the arts and public service – and praised their role as “true ambassadors of Canada.” As part of the evening’s program, guests wore colored ribbons representing Canadian provinces and territories where alumni had studied. This initiative, she noted, was designed to spark conversations and bring together individuals with shared academic and cultural experiences.
Ambassador Tara Scheurwater
KUWAIT: Guests attend an event held at the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait for alumni of Canadian institutions.
International education contributes an estimated $37.3 billion to the Canadian economy and supports more than 360,000 jobs. Canada hosts approximately one million international students, with nearly 89 percent of international graduates who stay in Canada securing employment within three years. Ambassador Scheurwater reaffirmed Canada’s position as a global leader in international education, adding that Canadian institutions remain at the forefront of AI, engineering, health sciences, and environmental research.
The ambassador underscored the significance of 2025 as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait. Throughout the year, the embassy has organized cultural, educational, and community activities under Kuwait’s anniversary theme, Collaboration and Connection. A highlight of the anniversary celebrations is a public art collaboration under the NCCAL’s National Project for Mural Arts. As part of the initiative, Canadian visual artist Bryan Beyung has worked with Kuwaiti artist Yousef Saleh to create a mural celebrating the friendship and shared values of both countries.
Ambassador Scheurwater concluded by introducing Dr Ali Akbar, President of the Canadian Alumni Association of Kuwait, recognizing his leadership and long-standing partnership with the embassy. The program also featured remarks from distinguished alumni Dr Abdulaziz Al-Jassim Al-Shareef and Dr Razan Al-Jasem, who shared insights from their Canadian academic experiences.
