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28 November 2007 Human Development Report 2007/2008 on Climate Change Launched in Kuwait The Human Development Report 2007/2008 on Climate Change was launched in the State of Kuwait jointly by the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and United Nations Development Programme on 28 November 2007. The report, "Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world", provides a stark account of the threat posed by global warming. It argues that the world is drifting towards a “tipping point” that could lock the world’s poorest countries and their poorest citizens in a downward spiral, leaving hundreds of millions facing malnutrition, water scarcity, ecological threats, and a loss of livelihoods. The report calls for a “twin track” approach that combines stringent mitigation to limit 21st Century warming to less than 2°C (3.6°F), with strengthened international cooperation on adaptation. More....
24 October 2007 UN family celebrates the UN Day in Kuwait. The UN family in Kuwait celebrated the UN Day in a reception hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ms. Valerie Cliff, and other members of the UNCT. In addition to members of the diplomatic core in Kuwait and senior Kuwaiti officials, the reception was attended by a big number of partners, friends of the UN and dignitaries from the Government, civil society and private sector. The guest of honour in this reception was Skaikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, one of the prominent civil society leaders in Kuwait advocating for moderation and tolerance, and a strong supporter of the UN and its pursuit of sustainable human development. More....
23 October 2007 United Nations Day Press Briefing. Ms. Valerie Cliff, the UNResident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, held a press briefing in the UN Compound in Khaitan to share the statement of the Secretary General of the UN with the media, and shed some light on the work the UN is doing in Kuwait in support of achieving the MDGs and realize sustainable human development. More....
26 September 2007 Cultural trip to the Failaka Island in association with Dar Al Athar Al-Islamiyah. In the continuous efforts of the Staff Association and Management to further strengthen inter-office relations and build team spirit among staff members at UNDP Kuwait country office, the Staff Association organized a cultural trip to the Failaka Island on Wednesday 29 August 2007 in association with Dar Al Athar Al-Islamiyah. The group enjoyed a guided tour, which covered historical, cultural and environmental aspects of the island, a boat ride, as well as a comfortable rest area were everybody enjoyed cultural snacks and refreshments. View all photos....
22 July 2007 UN Resident Coordinator attends Annual Dinner for the Greek Catholic Community in Kuwait. The Greek Catholic Community in Kuwait, led by Father Boutros Gharib, held their annual dinner on 22 July 2007. Joining in the festivities were members of the Kuwaiti, diplomatic and international communities. Attendees included the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ms. Valerie Cliff and her husband Mr. Sari Rasas, Her Excellency Sheikha Fareeha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah - Chairperson of the Kuwait Higher Committee for the Ideal Mother Award, His Excellency Mohamed Belaiche – the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, the newly appointed Ambassador of Lebanon, and the members of the Greek Catholic Church Executive Board. It was an occasion to celebrate inter-faith tolerance and respect in Kuwait.
17 June 2007 UNDP and the Kuwait Ministry of Planning hosted a reception on 17 June 2007. UNDP and the Kuwait Ministry of Planning hosted a reception on 17 June 2007to honor those staff members from both organizations who had contributed to the formulation of the Country Programme for 2008-2012. The Country Programme is the framework document that identifies the key priority areas and objectives for UNDP and Kuwait cooperation over the next five years. The priority areas have been identified as Governance, Environment, Social Development, and Economic and Private Sector Development.
04 June 2007 The new UN House in Kuwait. All UNCT agencies in Kuwait will soon be moved to the United Nations House, built and donated by the Government of Kuwait, to show its appreciation and support to the United Nations. This extraordinary building is due to open in 2008 and will host all of the resident agencies together in one place.
23 March 2007 One Thousand and One Days in Kuwait! Two of UNDP-Kuwait's local staff members have worked for over a thousand straight days without taking any form of sick leave - certified or uncertified. To honor such exemplary work ethic, Ms. Valerie Cliff, the Resident Representative, decided to recognize their achievement by presenting certificates of appreciation. A simple thank you serves well to recognize their attitude which reflects high respects for UNDP values. She added that she envied them, as this is a sign of how healthy they and their family members are. Najeeb, senior driver and the longest serving staff member in the office, said that he has never been absent from work due to sickness during his 15 years of service in UNDP-Kuwait. Sabah, the office receptionist, proclaimed that she loves her work and that nothing would keep her from it as long as she wakes up in the morning!
10 March 2007 UNDP Kuwait and CCET Launched the Workshop Series on Early Learning Challenges In pursuit of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of strengthening universal primary education, the “Early Learning Challenges Programme” was initiated by UNDP as one if its projects under the Second Country Cooperation Framework (CCF) which is funded by the State of Kuwait (represented by the Ministry of Planning). The project aims to address shortcomings in the area of early childhood learning, and to promote inclusion of children with special needs, especially learning disabilities. Under the “Early Learning Challenges Programme”, UNDP in partnership with the Centre for Child Evaluation and Teaching (CCET), a non-profit Kuwaiti NGO established in 1984, launched on 10th March 2007 a series of six workshops for early childhood learning practitioners in Kuwait. The workshops cover topics that respond to the pressing needs of the community of early childhood learning educators and caregivers in Kuwait, especially where there is a lack of locally available expertise and where knowledge is not readily available. Furthermore, they are conducted using a “training of trainers” approach. At the culmination of the series, participants will be provided with an Arabic-language “toolkit” that includes information, guidance and resources, as well as a summary of best practices and lessons learned based on the material covered in the workshops. The toolkit will be designed as a state-of-the-art yet user friendly reference resource. The toolkit will be published as combination of print and electronic media (such as CDs).