AmCham Kuwait Collaborates with UNICEF to Advance Family-Friendly Policies in the Private and Public Sector in the Gulf Region

The webinar commenced with an enlightening presentation by Walid Abou Jaoude, shedding light on UNICEF's overarching mandate to champion the rights of children at all stages of development. Emphasizing UNICEF's strategic goals, he outlined the organization's commitment to protecting children from violence, ensured access to education, social protection, creation of a safe environment, and promotion of children’s overall well-being, as he highlighted the framework of engagement and collaboration with the private sector to better support children through different channels, via advocacy, resource and financial mobilization along with other means that are reflected fronts such as parental policies at work and other means that further children friendly outcomes .

Further, the discussion delved into UNICEF's critical role in addressing emergencies, climate change actions, and innovative solutions to improve the lives of children globally.

Erika Strand, in her presentation, focused on the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on families and children. Presenting new evidence on child development, she highlighted core capacities whose timely development is essential for cognitive, mental, and physical health. Strand also spoke about the forthcoming research on family-friendly policies that UNICEF will present in 2024. The study that will provide more detailed descriptions of the policies governments have already put int place in Gulf countries, as well as remaining gaps.

Finally, Christopher Kip concluded the session by emphasizing the significance of family-friendly policies that can be undertaken in the workplace. Defined as measures balancing family and work life, Kip urged for inclusive and gender-sensitive policies, linking working conditions for parents to the health, well-being, and development of their children. He outlined key asks and actions for governments and businesses, including paid parental leave, support for breastfeeding, affordable, quality childcare, and adequate wages and child benefits.

The collaborative effort between AmCham Kuwait, and UNICEF reflects a shared commitment to creating supportive environments for working families, with the ultimate goal of maximizing children's potential and fostering social and economic development.

ABCK-AmCham Kuwait is a non-profit organization operating since 1985 and is composed of Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium-sized companies, and prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs, both American and Kuwaiti. ABCK-AmCham Kuwait has acted as an advocate for American interest in the state of Kuwait. For More Information, please visit our website at www.amchamkuwait.org or follow us on the social media channel @abck1985

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines, we support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures and we never give up.