SABAH AL KHALED AL SABAH, Crown Prince of Kuwait, said that the Summit of the Future shed light on the grave global challenges requiring genuine political will to reform international institutions, particularly the Security Council and international financial bodies.  “Decision-making at the Security Council must be based on the principle of democracy and equitable representation,” he stressed, adding that the Council “must be able to respond to a world that is completely different to the world of 1940”.

Voicing concerns about the misuse of technological innovations such as AI and social media — which are increasingly being exploited for terrorist recruitment and spreading hate speech — he said that “confronting this scourge requires international cooperation”.  Moreover, there will be no justice or equality as long as double standards are applied, he said, calling for accountability for those who violate the Charter of the United Nations.

On the regional issues, he said that his country will soon assume chairmanship of the Gulf Cooperation Council — a “pillar for stability and prosperity” in the region.  Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to good neighbourliness, he urged Iraq to solve outstanding issues, including maritime border demarcation and the return of Kuwaiti prisoners and property.  Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he condemned the “dangerous escalation of military operations” by Israeli “occupational forces”, which have subjected Gazans to collective punishment.  “Peace in our region will not be achieved unless an independent State of Palestine is established,” he stressed.

He went on to call for a return to peaceful political processes in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Syria, stressing the need for dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts.  Condemning the air strikes and military operations launched by Israeli occupation forces against Lebanon, he emphasized that these operations were conducted in “flagrant violations of all norms and international law” and claimed lives of innocent civilians.  He warned of the broader repercussions of such aggression on the region, urging full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).  On Iran, he reiterated Kuwait’s call for dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries.  Looking ahead, he detailed Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and emphasized the importance of digital diplomacy in navigating global challenges.