Amid the state’s developmental aspirations and its vision for a prosperous and sustainable future, the role of civil society organizations emerges as a fundamental pillar—an indispensable partner in achieving national goals.
As outlined in the national development plan, building an “institutional system that reinforces values, preserves social identity, and achieves human and balanced development” lies at the heart of Kuwait’s developmental pathway. With the entry into force of the Fourth Development Plan (2025–2030), the need to activate and empower civil society grows even more pressing.
Kuwait enjoys a fertile environment for the growth of volunteerism and community engagement—rooted in a deeply embedded humanitarian spirit and a socially cohesive fabric that brings together diverse segments of society. These are powerful enablers for integrating individuals and associations into national developmental efforts.
This direction aligns seamlessly with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda motto:
“Leave no one behind.”
It affirms that people themselves must be active participants in implementing development strategies. Civil society—with its deep social roots—can serve as a genuine bridge between the public and private sectors.
The Current Landscape of Civil Society in Kuwait
The situation today is encouraging. Kuwait is home to:
- More than 300 registered civil society organizations under the Ministry of Social Affairs
- Over 700 officially registered volunteer teams and initiatives
- Hundreds of informal social models such as family funds and private endowments
These numbers reflect the vitality and diversity of the sector.
Financial estimates suggest that charitable organizations spend around 200 million Kuwaiti dinars annually.
More importantly, the sector attracts a significant share of national talent—from fresh graduates and public/private employees to retirees who find in this field a meaningful avenue for contribution.
Kuwaiti civil society organizations have repeatedly proven their ability to give and support during the most challenging circumstances. For decades, they have led in crisis response—from their efforts during the 2019 floods, to their major role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their continuous humanitarian work in major regional crises in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, in addition to their longstanding support for Jerusalem and Palestine.
These contributions bolstered Kuwait’s global reputation and helped earn it the distinguished title:
“The Humanitarian Center.”
To Strengthen this Vital Role, Several Recommendations Can Enhance Civil Society’s Contribution to National Development
1. Capacity Building
Civil society organizations need extensive developmental awareness of the national plan and its indicators to ensure alignment with national priorities.
Investing in training and developing administrative and technical skills will yield benefits across all sectors.
2. Supporting Initiatives
Allocating an adequate share of resources to civil society, strengthening the enabling environment, and adopting high-impact initiatives aligned with the national plan—combined with strong governance—can allow the state to entrust certain development plan projects to CSOs.
This may be achieved through sectoral development alliances, expanded CSR partnerships, and even allocating a portion of zakat revenues.
3. Balanced Representation
Civil society cannot fully perform its role unless it is represented in steering committees and development decision-making forums.
Listening to the sector’s ideas and serious proposals strengthens good governance and enriches policy-making.
4. Supportive Legislative and Governance Frameworks
A modern, participatory legal framework is needed—one that reflects the envisioned role of civil society.
It is essential to increase the proportion of organizations adhering to proper governance and to provide incentives while removing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder their work.
5. Launching a National Civil Society Observatory
Such an observatory does not currently exist. There is no comprehensive registry of civil society workers, nor clear indicators measuring the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Establishing a National Civil Society Observatory would provide statistical data and periodic reports on the sector’s effectiveness, strengthen visibility, and facilitate planning and coordination.
Looking Toward Kuwait Vision 2035
Kuwait Vision 2035 aims to transform the country into a financial and commercial hub attractive to investment, in which the private sector leads economic activity, values are reinforced, social identity is preserved, and human and balanced development is achieved.
This vision remains the roadmap for our collective future—and civil society organizations are an integral part of realizing it.
By reinforcing genuine partnership and enabling this sector, we ensure that:
“No one is left behind.”
And we guarantee that Kuwait’s sustainable development journey continues with steady steps toward deepening impact—for today, and for generations to come.
