The inaugural Hearth Summit in Kuwait City has concluded, marking a significant step towards broadening the public understanding of well-being beyond the traditional focus on individual health. This three-day event, held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), fostered connection, explored the importance of place and memory, and emphasized a holistic approach to thriving – encompassing personal, communal, and environmental flourishing. The summit, a first for the region, signals a growing movement recognizing the interconnectedness of these dimensions and their crucial role in building a more resilient and compassionate society.
A New Approach to Well-being in the Middle East
Organized by en.v, a Kuwait-based social development organization, in collaboration with The Wellbeing Project, a global network, the Hearth Summit brought together a diverse group of participants. Elisa Franceschinis, Managing Director of en.v, explained the impetus behind the event. “We identified a need for initiatives that cultivate a more united and resilient society. Many of the young people who have come through our programs over the past 15 years are now collaborators, speakers and facilitators, demonstrating a real commitment to social development.”
This collaboration signifies the expanding reach of The Wellbeing Project, which has successfully hosted similar summits across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia since its impactful global launch in Bilbao, Spain in June 2022. The decision to focus on youth participation at the Kuwait summit highlights their perceived openness to embracing new perspectives and actively shaping a more positive future. This is vital for promoting holistic health within the community.
Beyond Self-Care: Cultivating Collective Wellness
A central theme of the Hearth Summit was the expansion of the definition of wellbeing. Organizers actively encouraged participants to move beyond a solely individualistic perspective and consider the critical interplay between self-care, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. This three-tiered approach recognizes that true and sustainable wellbeing cannot exist in isolation.
Franceschinis further elaborated on this connection, noting the natural alignment of the summit’s principles with traditional Kuwaiti culture, which has historically prioritized mutual support and strong community bonds. The event sought to revive these values, offering a space for rebuilding connections in a rapidly diversifying population. This focus on reconnection is particularly relevant given recent regional grief and collective trauma, providing opportunities for reflection and emotional processing.
Diverse Programming for Deep Engagement
The summit offered a rich and varied program designed to engage participants on multiple levels. It seamlessly blended traditional lectures with artistic and interactive elements like poetry, comedy, clay workshops, and art therapy. Somatic practices such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation were also incorporated, acknowledging the integral role of body awareness in emotional and mental wellbeing.
This innovative format catered to diverse learning styles and encouraged participants to explore their own emotional landscapes. The inclusion of a short film, “Kuwait Through Time” by Zainab Dashti, showcased the country’s cultural and social history from a unique perspective, sparking further reflection on identity and belonging. Speakers addressed a range of important topics, including intercultural communication, a vital skill for navigating Kuwait’s increasingly globalized society, and intergenerational healing.
A Ripple Effect Throughout the Region
Raquel Vicedo, Regional Summits Director at The Wellbeing Project, expressed satisfaction with the strong local response to the Kuwait event, with over 200 attendees registered, despite a busy event season. She anticipates that the summit’s influence will extend beyond Kuwait, mirroring the experiences of previous summits in other parts of the world.
Vicedo highlighted a planned summit in Rabat, Morocco, with organizers attending the Kuwait event for inspiration. “We don’t aim for fixed, measurable outcomes,” she clarified. “The goal is personal transformation, for each attendee to leave with a new insight or practice they can integrate into their lives.” The overall concept leans into community resilience and creating pathways towards better future mental states.
Strengthening Social Fabric and Fostering Understanding
The Kuwait Times, as a media sponsor, underscored the importance of the summit’s message. Jana Alnaqeeb, Public Relations and CSR Manager, emphasized the organization’s commitment to highlighting issues impacting people’s lives in Kuwait and bridging the gap between citizens and expatriates. The media coverage aimed to illuminate both the environmental and emotional challenges facing the community, fostering a deeper sense of understanding and connection.
Fahad Al-Sumait, Associate Professor at AUK, noted that the event aligned perfectly with the university’s ethos, adding to its previous wellness initiatives. He emphasized the commitment to blending an international perspective with local cultural nuances, addressing universal concerns within a uniquely Kuwaiti context. Through discussions around cultural norms and the invisible architecture of culture, the summit hoped to foster inclusivity and ease intercultural misunderstandings. Ultimately, the Hearth Summit succeeded in pioneering a crucial conversation about mental and emotional well-being and laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and thriving society in Kuwait and beyond.