The inaugural regional edition of the Hearth Summit concluded in Kuwait City on Saturday, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and sparking hope for continued collective healing and growth in the region. The three-day event, a first for the Arab world, brought together a diverse group of individuals seeking connection, reflection, and a space to nurture their well-being, mirroring the success of the global movement across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Participants described the summit as a much-needed respite from the pressures of daily life, a place where they could truly “breathe” and reconnect with themselves and others.
The Hearth Summit: Fostering Wellbeing and Community in Kuwait
Organized by en.v in collaboration with the Wellbeing Project, the Hearth Summit in Kuwait wasn’t a typical conference. It was designed as an immersive experience, prioritizing personal connection and participatory activities over traditional presentations. The final day, themed “Imagination,” served as a powerful culmination of the preceding explorations into creativity, mindfulness, and the importance of community.
Elisa Franceschinis, Managing Director of en.v, emphasized the long-term vision during the closing panel. “This is not an ending, but a beginning,” she stated, urging attendees to carry the summit’s spirit forward. Plans are already underway to potentially hold the event annually or bi-annually, with consideration given to expanding the Hearth Summit to other countries within the region. This expansion signals a growing demand for spaces dedicated to holistic wellbeing and mindful living.
A Space for Reflection and “Breathing Room”
In a world increasingly focused on productivity and achievement, the summit offered a rare opportunity for grounding and introspection. Fatima Mir Ahmadi, a Kuwaiti-Persian school counselor, eloquently captured this sentiment. “Events like this, it’s where your brain actually breathes,” she shared. “You step out of the mindset of doing things because they’re monetized… Here, you become more aware of yourself, your ideas, your surroundings.”
This sense of liberation from external pressures allowed participants to engage in authentic connection, fostering a community built on vulnerability and shared experience. Ahmadi highlighted how the environment cultivated by en.v encourages genuine interaction, stating, “It keeps you humble. It keeps you human. Not programmed, not performing, but replying and connecting from the rawest side of who you are.” This focus on authentic connection is a key element of the summit’s appeal and contributes to its lasting impact.
Celebrating Diversity and the Power of Play
The summit actively embraced diverse perspectives, even acknowledging the challenges faced by introverts in social settings. Speaker Zouz Al Mahdi playfully addressed this, saying, “As an introvert, I really didn’t want to talk to people, but here we are.” Her acknowledgement resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that connection is valuable for everyone, regardless of personality.
Al Mahdi further emphasized the importance of imagination and play, framing them as essential components of risk-taking and creativity. “Play is interactive, and that’s the essence of this summit,” she explained. “This isn’t a typical conference. It’s personal and participatory.” This emphasis on playful exploration distinguished the Hearth Summit from more conventional professional development events. The concept of mindful living was woven throughout these activities.
Art and Culture as Catalysts for Change
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) played a significant role in the summit, curating sessions that highlighted the intersection of art, community, and social change. Dara Mouracade, Development and Partnerships Manager at AFAC, explained their motivation for participating: “When I heard this was going to be the first Hearth Summit in the Arab region, I really wanted us to be part of it, bringing nearly 20 years of fieldwork… into the conversation.”
AFAC showcased short films addressing crucial themes like well-being, mental health, and advocacy. Deputy Director Maral Mikirdistan pointed to a fundamental need driving the summit’s strong engagement: “Access. That’s where this hunger comes from.” She and Mouracade both underscored the transformative power of arts and culture, emphasizing their ability to facilitate emotional processing and address difficult conversations in a meaningful way. They believe arts and culture aren’t a luxury, but a vital necessity for a thriving society. This highlights the growing recognition of emotional wellbeing as a crucial aspect of overall health.
A Rich Tapestry of Experiences
Saturday’s program was a vibrant blend of movement, art, and reflection. Attendees participated in morning yoga sessions led by Layan Al Dabt, experienced a grounding breathing and oud meditation with Hamad Al Khalaf, and explored their inner worlds through an art therapy workshop hosted by Art Studio KWT.
The day continued with spoken poetry, discussions on imagination, panels on play in education and art for social change, and screenings of short films showcasing community narratives. Afternoon workshops delved into topics like ecological belonging, intergenerational dialogue, organizational wellbeing, documentary photography, equity in education, embodied change, and self-defense for empowerment. The summit concluded with an art walk, a final family circle, and a powerful reflection session, leaving participants with a sense of closure and renewed hope.
In conclusion, the Hearth Summit in Kuwait proved to be a resounding success, offering a unique and valuable experience for all involved. It demonstrated a clear demand for spaces that prioritize wellbeing, connection, and creative exploration. With plans for future iterations and regional expansion, the summit has the potential to become a cornerstone of the growing movement towards mindful living and collective healing in the Arab world. The event’s impact extends beyond the individual, fostering a sense of community and inspiring participants to carry the spirit of the summit forward into their daily lives.
