Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,

H.E Dennis Francis

Tribute to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah,

Amir of the State of Kuwait

Wednesday, 20 December 2023

(As Delivered)

Your Excellency, Mr. Tareq Albanai, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait,

Your Excellency, Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

We gather here today, to pay a solemn tribute to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, who sadly passed away on 16 December 2023.

His Highness Sheikh Nawaf came to the throne in September 2020 – at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic – steady handedly assuming the reins of authority, as the embodiment of the continuity needed by the State of Kuwait; and working tirelessly with the utmost dedication to steer his country through one of the most turbulent phases of human existence in living memory.

His reign as Amir capped a lifetime of public service and consummate commitment to the principles of unity, dignity, and solidarity.

At home and abroad, he was known for his exemplary leadership and diplomatic prowess – revered as a unifier and consensus builder by diplomats and fellow world leaders alike.

The esteemed son of Sheikh Amad Al Jaber Al Sabah – the tenth ruler of the State of Kuwait – Sheikh Nawaf began a distinguished career at the age of 25, with an initial role as the governor of Hawalli in 1962.

He went on to hold numerous high-ranking positions – serving as Minister of the Interior in 1978 and Minister of Defense a decade later – before his nomination as Crown Prince in 2006.

As Amir, he steadfastly committed himself to the welfare of the Kuwaiti people.

Through his unwavering resolve, he diligently guided the country towards progress and prosperity; and maintained Kuwait’s long tradition of multilateral engagement on a range of issues – from mediating disputes and spearheading humanitarian activities, to working across political divides to help advance sustainable development.

The State of Kuwait’s recent election to the Human Rights Council, is emblematic of his vision – for a brighter future and for a more just and peaceful world.

This vision also underpinned a strong commitment to enduring peace and stability across the Middle East, that made Sheikh Nawaf a valued partner and reliable friend to all – and we will continue to rely on his vision even now, as we grapple with finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Gaza.

As President of the General Assembly, I wish to personally thank the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait for championing the values and principles of the UN Charter.

I would also like to commend the State of Kuwait for its support to my Presidency and the Office of the President of the General Assembly over the years.

On behalf of the General Assembly, and indeed on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the Al Sabah family, as well as to the people and Government of the State of Kuwait.

Today – as we mourn his loss – let us pay a tribute worthy of the sterling leadership of Sheikh Nawaf.

Let us honor his legacy of outstanding service, compassion, promotion of international cooperation, and tolerance and understanding – which he bequeathed not only to the people of the State of Kuwait, but to all of us: the United Nations, and to the international community at large.

May his Great soul rest in eternal Peace!

I thank you.