Kuwait, May 14(Kuwait Times): Kuwait marks today the 48th anniversary of joining the United Nations demonstrating to the world its belief that international action is a major basis of the Gulf State foreign policy that is also based on cooperation with nations, respect for their independence and sovereignty. On May 14, 1963, the UN General Assembly issued resolution 1872, accepting Kuwait as a new member of the international organization, thus becoming the 111th member.
In an address to the UN General Assembly marking the historic event, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was the then foreign minister, stated that Kuwait's joining of the UN was not the ultimate objective of such a major step, rather a move aimed at taking part in shouldering global responsibilities for sake of securing better living for nations of the world.
After manifesting an effective role at the international quarters within a very short period of time, Kuwait was chosen member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 1978-1979 term, and was elected as the deputy president of the UN General Assembly in the 21st and 27th sessions. Kuwait was elected a member of the UN Social and Economic Council in 1967-1969, and was re-elected member of this council in 1992-1994. It was also accepted as member of a sub-committee for cooperation among continents, in 1975-
1979. Since then, the Gulf State has been actively taking part in various international organizations, partly through material and financial contributions, intended for progress of nations.
Within the framework of its international role, Kuwait has actively helped in safeguarding global peace and security and sought to promote global ties on the basis of equality among nations. Tangibly, Kuwait has contributed in budgets of more than 34 international organizations, 14 peace missions, in addition to its share of the UN budget, 2.5 percent.
Kuwait joined the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 192, contributing with $200,000 per year. This program helped in maintaining the marine life of the country and tackling environmental damage left behind by the 1990 Iraqi aggression. In May 1960, Kuwait joined the World Health Organization (WHO) and became a prime member of the WHO Executive Board in 1980-1983 and 1994-1997.
During the same year, Kuwait became a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 1983, the late Abdul Aziz Al-Hussein was named a member of the organization and served in this post till 1987. Out of its belief in the essential role of such an organization, Kuwait founded the Kuwait chapter of the agency, headed by the minister of education and higher education.
In June 1960, Kuwait joined the International Labor Organization (ILO), playing a distinguished role within its ranks. Moreover, Kuwait has taken part in various development programs of the international organization and agencies. In recognition of the substantial weight of the UN, Kuwait inaugurated, in January 2009, the UN house in the country. Playing such a role on the international arena, Kuwait has proven that nations should not be solely judged by their geographical size for such a Gulf state proved
effective at the various international political, economic and social levels.