France Awards Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah Order Of Arts And Letters

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Yousef Al-Tatan
KUWAIT, Dec 14 (KUNA) -- The French Republic, represented by the Ministry of Culture, awarded Kuwait's renowned economist, writer and poet Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah the Order of Arts and Letters, Officer rank, on Sunday in recognition of her significant cultural and intellectual contributions in France and around the world.
In an award-giving ceremony, French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gauvin, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Sheikha Suad Al-Sabah is an exceptional figure who has helped promote the values of freedom and human dignity and defending women and youth rights.
"And her poetic and intellectual voice has transcended geographical boundaries to reach a global audience," the Ambassador Gauvin said.
Gauvin pointed out that Sheikha Dr. Suad was among the first female voices in the Arabian Gulf region to enrich modern Arabic poetry with poems that blended profound humanism, social awareness, and a commitment to major issues.
"Her poetry collections, which have been translated into several languages including French, have resonated widely with readers around the world," he said.
He admired Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah's intellectual, economic, and cultural contributions, noting that she was the first Kuwaiti woman to earn a doctorate in development and planning sciences.
"Through her writings and stances, she contributed to raising social and political awareness and documenting significant milestones in Kuwait's history," Ambassador Gauvin stated.
He underlined that Dr. Suad Al-Sabah's establishment of the Suad Al-Sabah Publishing and Distribution House and the Suad Al-Sabah Foundation for Intellectual Creativity have served Arab creativity and encouraged generations of writers, researchers, and artists.
The French ambassador emphasized that "culture is a powerful force for change, not merely an intellectual luxury."
He stated that honoring Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah comes "in recognition of her distinguished creative and intellectual career and her unwavering commitment to serving culture, freedom of thought, and dialogue among peoples."
He added that this special occasion represents a significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the French Republic, particularly in the fields of culture and science.
"This honor provides an opportunity to build further partnerships between the two countries in collaboration with Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah," the ambassador said.
"It also sends a positive message to all Kuwaitis interested in the French language, literature, and science," he said, stressing that "France is keen to expand cooperation and friendship with influential cultural and intellectual figures in the State of Kuwait."
For her part, Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah expressed her deep gratitude and pride in receiving the French Order of Arts and Letters (Officer rank).
She stated that this is honoring is not only for her but also for the Arab culture, the Arabic language, and the role of Arab women in the fields of creativity and thought.
"This order represents recognition of the value of culture and art as a human force that is capable of influencing and transforming. Culture is not a luxury; rather, it is the beating heart of the nation and one of the foundations of true progress," she clarified.
She noted that her cultural and intellectual experience was influenced by what she learned in the French capital Paris, which she saw as a model for cities that celebrate art, philosophy, and beauty, and place the creative and talented individuals in their rightful position in society.
She stressed that "nations that honor their creative minds lay the foundations for a brighter future."
Sheikh Dr. Suad Al-Sabah added that this honor represents a message of appreciation for Arab women who have broken the wall of silence and proven their presence in the fields of thought and creativity.
She dedicated this honor to the State of Kuwait and to its children and grandchildren, to the children of Gaza, "to women who are defending their rights, and to the youth on whom hopes are pinned for building a future worthy of their aspirations".
She affirmed that culture is a language of rapprochement between peoples and humanity remains the central issue uniting the world.
She expressed her hope that this award would serve as an incentive to her to do more to serve humanity.
Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah (born 1942) is an esteemed Kuwaiti economist, writer, and poet, as well as a prominent member of the ruling Al-Sabah family. She is recognized as a significant figure in Kuwaiti intellectual and cultural life and a long-time advocate for women's rights and education.
She completed a degree in economics and politics at Cairo University in 1973 and a doctorate in economics from University of Surrey in the United Kingdom in 1981.
She is a member of the executive committee of the World Muslim Women Organization for South West Asia, and is on the board of trustees and executive committee of the Arab Intellectuals Forum.
France's Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) is a prestigious government honor, established in 1957, to recognize eminent artists, writers, and people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world. The award is given at three levels: commander, officer, knight. (end)
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