KUWAIT CITY, March 12: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) announced on Tuesday that its Chairman, Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq, has received a letter from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewing his appointment as a Special Advisor for the ninth consecutive year. This renewal brings Dr. Al-Maatouq’s total years of service with the United Nations to 13 consecutive years, reflecting the UN's appreciation for his ongoing contributions to humanitarian work.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Maatouq expressed his gratitude upon receiving the official letter from the UN Secretary-General, confirming his reappointment as Special Advisor with the rank of Under-Secretary-General for a period of one year, extending until March 2026. He noted that this renewal places a great responsibility on him to continue his humanitarian efforts in the face of global crises and disasters.

Dr. Al-Maatouq emphasized that the renewal of his position for the ninth consecutive year is a testament to the United Nations' recognition of the importance of partnerships with charitable organizations in Kuwait and the broader Islamic world. These partnerships, he explained, play a critical role in providing relief to those affected by crises and supporting the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

“Representing the Arab and Islamic world in this position would not have been possible without the grace of God and the continuous support of the political leadership in the State of Kuwait,” Dr. Al-Maatouq stated. He also acknowledged the success of charitable and humanitarian work, which has been carried out with efficiency, integrity, and transparency.

Dr. Al-Maatouq expressed his determination to continue working with passion and commitment to support the UN's goals in promoting peace, development, and meeting the needs of impoverished communities and areas affected by disasters.

He noted that he has held the position of Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General since March 2017, after serving as the Secretary-General’s Humanitarian Envoy for four years (2012-2016) under the leadership of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Dr. Al-Maatouq emphasized that this international confidence is a reflection of global recognition for his efforts in promoting humanitarian relief and sustainable development through international partnerships.