Briefing of KUNA main news for Sunday until 12:00 GMT

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah says His Highness the Amir’s Representative, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s presence at UK King Charles III’s coronation reflects deep ties.

KUWAIT — Kuwait welcomes Saudi-US initiative to start initial talks between Sudanese warring parties in Jeddah.

KUWAIT — Kuwait dispatches 4th plane with 10 tons of food to violence-hit Sudan.

KUWAIT — Some 24 hopefuls submit papers to elections affairs committee for 2023 National Assembly polls due June 6.

WASHINGTON — Up to eight people have been killed and three others have been critically wounded in a shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

UK Conservatives suffer resounding defeat in local elections

The Ruling Conservative Party has suffered a resounding defeat in local councils’ elections held last Thursday.

According to statistics released by the electoral commission on Sunday, the Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lost 1,061 seats; 48 councils, thus its share of the boards fell to 33.

The total number of the councils stands at 230.

The Labor Party made a landslide victory, the greatest since 2002, taking control of 22 new councils, increasing its seats to 229; 2,649 boards — compared to the ruling party’s current control of 2,299 boards.

The Liberal Democrats increased their seats to 1,626, 405 higher, thus it would take control of 12 councils, increasing the total of these bodies under their control to 29.

The Greens won a single council.

The Labor Party chief sir Keir Starmer indicated that his party aspired to capitalize on results of the local polls to make victory in the upcoming legislative elections next year.

For his part, Sonak acknowledged that results of the polling were disappointing however he opined that there would be no popular enthusiasm to see the Labor Party restore rule of the nation.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

INTERCOM Doha 2023 Conference Kicks Off at National Museum of Qatar

Today marked the beginning of the INTERCOM Doha 2023 Conference, hosted by Qatar Museums at the iconic National Museum of Qatar from 7 9 May.

On its first day, The Future Museum: Framing the Skills and Mindsets of the Visionary Leader Conference, welcomed delegates from around the world, including museum directors, curators, educators, researchers, and communications professionals, to share their expertise and explore new developments in the field.

Opening remarks were given by chairperson of Qatar Museums, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, who in her address said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome such an impressive and diverse group of professionals to INTERCOM Doha 2023, in what is truly a historic moment. The conference marks the very first time that Qatar has been host to the International Committee for Museum Management, INTERCOM: one of the most important committees in the world for helping museum managers set standards and establish best practices.” Her Excellency added: “I look forward to collaborating, and sharing ideas and insights that will help one another continue to move forward in managing our institutions, and, more importantly, our futures. Most of all I look forward to sharing what Qatar has done to develop its own authentic museum experience about Islamic, Arabic and Qatari heritage and culture.” Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums, Ahmad Musa Al Namla added: “As the pre-eminent cultural institution in the region, QM plays a crucial role in driving change and serving as a role model for the museums sector. The conference provides an ideal opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from one another, and to extend a warm welcome to our colleagues from across the globe to experience our rich cultural heritage, dynamic contemporary art scene, and exceptional array of museums and galleries.” Sheikha Amna Al-Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Museums, Collections and Heritage Protection, and Director of National Museum of Qatar also commented on the event, saying: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting Intercom Doha 2023 this week, and to have the chance to bring together museum professionals from around the world in conversation, to discuss ideas and visions for the future. We look forward to showcasing our vibrant museum scene and sharing our experiences and perspectives on the future of museums with the international community.” (MORE)

Source: Qatar News Agency

INTERCOM Doha 2023 Conference Kicks Off at National Museum of Qatar -1-

Dr. Fatema Al Sulaiti Director of International Cooperation and Governmental Affairs commented on how she believes that the conference is providing a platform for museum professionals to address the challenges and obstacles facing cultural institutions, as well as to discuss the latest innovations and trends in the museum field.

Al Sulaiti said: “ICOM-INTERCOM is the foremost global organisation in museum management, dedicated to establishing best practices for governing and administering museums and advancing their mission. The focus of the upcoming meeting – INTERCOM Doha, is particularly timely as it provides a platform for participants to examine the findings of ICOM-INTERCOM’s recent research into the effects of global crises on museum leaders and decision-makers. Qatar Museums is honoured to host this gathering that will generate fresh perspectives and solutions on a matter of significant importance.” The conference agenda highlights a different theme each day, with today’s topic centring on ‘Profiling the Leader: Key Skills and Future Mindsets of the Museum Leader.’ Presentations included Charging for Charity by John Wetenhall of The George Washington University Museum, USA, and a speech by Anne-Marie Gilis of KU Leuven in Belgium on Qatar’s emerging museum landscape.

“The latest global research by INTERCOM has revealed that good museum leadership and governance is a complex matter”, said Dr Goranka Horjan, the Chair of INTERCOM. “A main goal of the ICOMs International Committee for Museum Management (INTERCOM) is to explore strategies that can assist museum professionals in running their institutions. The conference in Doha will focus on how to equip museums with visionary leadership and useful management tools designed to communicate the value museums provide to society, which will in turn, make the decision-makers, legislators, and other interest groups more committed to museums and to understand that value. In addition to this, better advocacy is needed to provide support and funding, and to explore new opportunities for museums to deal with present and future challenges like sustainability, digital transformation, climate change, funding issues, new working environments, and operational demands.

The INTERCOM Doha 2023 conference will run until Tuesday 9 May and will provide attendees with the opportunity to attend a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and take part in various workshops.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Canadian Amb. commends Kuwait’s worldwide humanitarian role

Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani extolled on Sunday the humanitarian and relief role of Kuwait in helping disaster-affected people around the world.

Speaking to KUNA, Mawani said, after her meeting with the KRCS’ Chairman Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, that KRCS contributed to highlighting the civilized aspect of Kuwait, the government and people, and has become known in helping in the humanitarian field, thanking Kuwait’s speed in providing support to those in need.

She discussed with Al-Sayer multiple issues in connection to humanitarian and voluntary work and ways to enhance them between both sides, appreciating KRCS’ efforts to help the afflicted countries.

During the meeting, Mawani was briefed on the humanitarian programs implemented by KRCS internationally and locally, and its great role in supporting countries, she noted.

In a similar statement to KUNA, Al-Sayer welcomed Mawani’s visit to the KRCS headquarters, stressing KRCS’ keenness to participate in Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts.

The meeting mentioned the help provided by KRCS to affected people, as well as its most vital humanitarian actions and movements to provide relief and assistance to the affected areas, Al-Sayer stated.

Source: Kuwait News Agency